Decadent No-Bake Chocolate Salami: A Classic European Treat

This luxurious no-bake chocolate salami is a beloved European dessert that perfectly combines the richness of chocolate with the delightful crunch of cookies and nuts. Originally popularized in Portugal as “salame de chocolate” and Italy as “salame al cioccolato,” this treat gets its name from its distinctive appearance that resembles a chocolate-colored salami when sliced. Perfect for busy home bakers or anyone looking to impress guests without turning on the oven!

Ingredients

For the Base:

  • 3 tablespoons (22g) cocoa powder
  • 100g (3.52 oz / ½ cup) granulated sugar
  • 250ml (8.45 fl oz / 1 cup) milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
  • 500g (17.63 oz) plain butter cookies, roughly broken
  • 100g (3.52 oz / 1 cup) walnuts, chopped
  • 60g (2.11 oz / ⅓ cup) candied fruit, mixed

For the Chocolate Coating:

  • 160g (5.64 oz) semi-sweet chocolate
  • 20ml (0.67 fl oz / 4 teaspoons) neutral oil
  • 50g (1.76 oz / ⅓ cup) peanuts, crushed

Instructions

  1. Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap or parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine cocoa powder, sugar, and milk. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla sugar. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
  4. While the chocolate mixture cools, roughly break the cookies into small pieces (about 1-inch chunks).
  5. Once the chocolate mixture has cooled, fold in the broken cookies, walnuts, and candied fruit until well combined.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan, pressing firmly to eliminate any air pockets.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firmly set.

For the Coating:

  1. Melt chocolate and oil using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals.
  2. Remove the set chocolate salami from the pan and place on a wire rack.
  3. Pour the melted chocolate over the salami, ensuring even coverage.
  4. Immediately sprinkle with crushed peanuts.
  5. Allow the chocolate coating to set completely before slicing.

Timing and Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 4+ hours
Total Time: 4.5 hours
Servings: 12 slices

Per Slice (approximate):

  • Calories: 420
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 32g

Tips and Tricks

  • Break cookies by hand rather than using a food processor to maintain texture
  • Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing
  • Slightly wet your hands when shaping the mixture to prevent sticking
  • Chill the knife between cuts for clean slices
  • For best results, slice at a slight angle to showcase the pattern

Variations and Substitutions

  • Replace plain cookies with chocolate cookies or digestive biscuits
  • Swap candied fruit for dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots
  • Use different nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios
  • Add 2 tablespoons of rum or coffee liqueur for adult version
  • Try white chocolate coating instead of dark chocolate

Common FAQs

Q: Can I freeze chocolate salami?
A: Yes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Why did my mixture turn out too wet?
A: Make sure to let the chocolate mixture cool completely before adding cookies.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply use gluten-free cookies as your base.

Q: How long does it keep in the refrigerator?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container, it will keep for up to 2 weeks.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
  • Can be made up to 3 days in advance for parties
  • Slice only what you plan to serve; keep the remainder whole
  • Let stand at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for best texture
  • If freezing, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving