Easy Chocolate Salami Recipe: A No Bake Dessert Perfect for the Holidays and Festive Charcuterie Boards
- The Chef & The Dish
- Nov 27, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 1
If it sounds weird, we're with you! But this traditional and popular no-bake dessert is found throughout Europe.
Chocolate salami is an easy and (no-bake!) recipe with intereting decent. You may think it isn't really a thing, but it is!
What Is Chocolate Salami?
Despite the name, chocolate salami, thankfully, contains no meat. It’s a rich, no-bake dessert made with cocoa, crushed biscuits, butter, sugar, and sometimes nuts or a splash of liquor. When rolled up into a log and sliced, the pieces of cookies resemble the marbling found in traditional cured salami — hence the name. Slightly weird, but once you have it, you fall in love with it.
The result is a decadent, fudgy treat that’s both crunchy and smooth, often finished with a dusting of powdered sugar to mimic the white coating of real salami. It’s an easy recipe that requires no oven and stores beautifully, making it a favorite for holidays or gifts.
Where Did Chocolate Salami Originate?
Chocolate salami has deep roots with multiple countries claiming to be its birthplace, particularly Italy and Portugal.
In Italy, it’s called salame di cioccolato and is often made for festive occasions like Easter or Christmas. The Portuguese call it salame de chocolate, and it’s a loved homemade treat for children and adults alike. Meanwhile, this odd treat is also found throughout Eastern Europe, versions of chocolate salami became popular in the 20th century when ingredients like cocoa powder were more accessible than chocolate bars.
No matter the country, chocolate salami embodies the same idea: a simple, sweet dessert that brings a touch of whimsy and in Europe in particular, nostalgia.
Best Occasions to Make Chocolate Salami
Chocolate salami is as versatile as it is tasty. Here are a few delicious occasions and ideas for serving it:
With coffee or tea: The rich chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with espresso or black tea, making it perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
As a holiday dessert: Its festive shape and easy storage make it ideal for Christmas cookie trays or Easter celebrations.
At parties or picnics: Slice it thin and serve it on dessert or charcuterie boards with fresh fruit, nuts, or cheeses for an elegant twist.
As a homemade gift: Wrapped in parchment paper and twine, it looks just like a real salami — a fun, edible gift idea!
For a quick treat: Keep a few slices in the fridge for a little indulgence whenever you need something sweet.
How Long Does Chocolate Salami Last?
One of the best things about chocolate salami is its long shelf life. When stored properly:
In the refrigerator: It can last up to 2 weeks, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or parchment paper.
In the freezer: It keeps well for up to 2–3 months. Simply thaw it in the fridge before slicing and serving.
Because it’s a no-bake dessert made with butter and dry cookies, it stays firm and flavorful for days — perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
Chocolate Salami Recipe
- serves 8-10
INGREDIENTS
1 3/4 loosely packed Cups Dark Cocoa Powder (minimum 70% Cocoa)
1 3/4 loosely packed Cups Tea Biscuits
3/4 Cup Unsalted Butter, softened
3 Eggs
1 Cup loosely packed Brown Sugar
1-1/2oz Rum (optional)
3 Round Mint White Candies (optional)
2 Tbsp Caster Brown Sugar or Icing Sugar to decorate
METHOD
Wrap the biscuits in a large tea towel and with a rolling pin, break them into small pieces (no bigger than a penny).
Melt butter and add it to a mixing bowl with sugar, cocoa powder and eggs. Mix until incorporated.
If using mint candies, crush them into tiny pieces and mix into the mixture.
Add crushed biscuits to the mixture and mix together using your hands, almost squeezing the mixture together. Mix for about 1 minute.
Place the mixture on a piece of aluminum foil and mould it into a salami shape, around 12 inches long and 2 inches thick.
Place the wrapped "salami" in the fridge for 24 hrs (or freezer for 6 hrs, allowing to thaw for 1hr prior to serving).
6. Before serving, roll whole chocolate salami in caster brown sugar (for more of a “crunchy” bite) or icing sugar (for more of a “salami” look). Slice & serve.
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