This recipe is for Chocolate Salami, an Italian no-bake dessert that visually resembles a salami sausage but is made from rich chocolate, crushed biscuits, butter, sugar, eggs (or sometimes condensed milk or just melted chocolate for a no-egg version), and often includes nuts and sometimes dried fruit or cocoa powder for extra flavor and texture. Despite its name, it contains no meat. The “salami” appearance comes from its log shape and the white specks of crushed biscuits and sometimes powdered sugar dusting, which mimic the fat marbling of a traditional salami. This dessert is incredibly easy to make as it requires no baking, just mixing the ingredients, shaping the mixture into a log, and chilling it in the refrigerator or freezer until firm enough to slice. The texture is firm but fudgy, with a delightful crunch from the biscuits and nuts. The flavor is intensely chocolatey, often with a hint of bitterness from cocoa powder and a buttery richness. Chocolate Salami is a popular treat in Italy, especially during holidays and festive occasions, and it’s also enjoyed in other parts of Europe and beyond. It’s a great dessert to make ahead of time and is always a conversation starter due to its unique appearance. Variations of this recipe exist, with different types of biscuits, nuts (like almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts), and additions like coffee powder, rum, or candied fruits to customize the flavor profile. The image shows a log-shaped dessert on a white rectangular plate, being sliced with a knife. The dessert is a dark brown color with a slightly uneven, textured surface, speckled with lighter brown pieces (likely crushed biscuits and nuts). It is coated in a glossy chocolate glaze. The overall appearance strongly suggests Chocolate Salami.
The texture of Chocolate Salami is firm when chilled but softens slightly at room temperature, offering a fudgy consistency with a pleasant crunch from the crushed biscuits and nuts.
The flavor profile is intensely chocolatey, rich, and buttery, with a subtle sweetness balanced by the slight bitterness of cocoa powder. The crushed biscuits add a neutral, slightly crumbly note, while nuts provide a roasted, earthy flavor.
Chocolate Salami is a unique and easy-to-make no-bake dessert, perfect for chocolate lovers and those looking for a visually interesting and delicious treat.
The preparation involves melting chocolate and butter, mixing in crushed biscuits, sugar, eggs (or alternative binder), nuts, and flavorings, shaping the mixture into a log, and chilling it until firm.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces good quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten (optional, for richness and binding – can be omitted for a no-egg version, see notes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 7 ounces dry biscuits (like digestive biscuits, tea biscuits, or Petit Beurre), coarsely crushed
- ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios – toasted or untoasted)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for a deeper chocolate flavor)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional, to enhance the “salami” look)
- Optional additions: A shot of rum or coffee liqueur, dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots)
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate and butter)
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper
- Rolling pin (optional, for shaping)
- Serving plate
- Knife for slicing
Instructions:
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, or in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals, melt the chopped chocolate and softened butter together, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and the lightly beaten egg (if using) until pale and slightly thickened. Stir in the vanilla extract (if using).
- Incorporate Melted Chocolate: Pour the slightly cooled melted chocolate and butter mixture into the sugar and egg mixture. Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the coarsely crushed biscuits, chopped nuts, and cocoa powder (if using) to the chocolate mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture should be thick and somewhat sticky.
- Shape the Salami: On a clean surface, lay out a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Spoon the chocolate mixture onto the plastic wrap, forming a log shape, approximately 1.5-2 inches in diameter and about 8-10 inches long (or adjust to your preference).
- Roll and Secure: Carefully roll the plastic wrap tightly around the chocolate mixture, shaping it into a firm, even log, resembling a salami. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap tightly to secure the shape. You can gently roll the log back and forth on the countertop to make it more uniform.
- Chill: Transfer the chocolate log to a plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until it is firm enough to slice. For a firmer, more sliceable salami, you can freeze it for about 2 hours.
- Dust (Optional) and Serve: Once the chocolate salami is firm, remove it from the refrigerator (or freezer). Unwrap it carefully. If desired, dust the surface of the salami with powdered sugar to enhance the “salami” appearance.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the chocolate salami into rounds, about ½ to ¾ inch thick, using a sharp knife. Serve the slices chilled or at room temperature. It pairs well with coffee, tea, or a dessert wine.
Notes for No-Egg Version:
- To make a no-egg Chocolate Salami, simply omit the egg from the recipe. The melted chocolate and butter, along with the sugar and the binding properties of the chocolate as it sets, will usually be sufficient to hold the salami together. You might want to chill it for a longer period to ensure it firms up well. Some no-egg versions also use condensed milk as a binder (about ¼ cup can replace the egg).
Variations:
- Different Biscuits: Experiment with different types of dry, non-creamy biscuits for varying textures.
- Alcohol: Add a tablespoon or two of rum, brandy, or coffee liqueur to the melted chocolate mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Dried Fruit: Incorporate chopped dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots for a chewy element.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth to the chocolate flavor.
- Citrus Zest: A little orange or lemon zest can provide a bright, aromatic note.
Enjoy this unique and delicious Chocolate Salami! Its rich flavor and fun appearance make it a delightful treat for any occasion.