Decadent Chocolate Salami Recipe

Indulge in the decadent world of desserts with this delightful recipe for Chocolate Salami. This Portuguese no-bake treat combines the richness of chocolate, the crunch of biscuits, and the nuttiness of toasted nuts to create a mosaic-like dessert that never fails to impress. The elegant simplicity of this dessert belies its show-stopping presentation, making it a perfect make-ahead option for hosting gatherings.

Having stumbled upon this recipe during a memorable trip to Portugal, I have since made this Chocolate Salami my signature dessert among friends and family. The contrast of textures between the velvety chocolate and crispy biscuits is a true delight that harkens back to cozy Sunday afternoons spent savoring slices of this treat alongside a cup of espresso. This versatile dessert can be customized to your preferences, with options to add a splash of alcohol for a sophisticated touch or experiment with different flavor variations like dried fruits or citrus zest.

Whether you serve it as a sweet ending to a dinner party or gift it to a loved one, this Chocolate Salami is a true crowd-pleaser that will leave a lasting impression. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a dessert that will transport you to the charming cafes of Portugal with every delectable bite.

Quick Benefits

• Rich and Decadent: Indulge in a delightful combination of chocolate, biscuits, and nuts for a truly decadent dessert experience.
• Customizable: Easily customize the recipe with your choice of nuts, dried fruits, or even alcohol to suit your taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Wonder: Prepare this dessert in advance and impress your guests with its beautiful mosaic-like slices, perfect for entertaining.
• Versatile Storage: Enjoy the convenience of storing the chocolate salami in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for longer, making it a great make-ahead treat.

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Chocolate Salami Recipe Recipe

• Impressive Presentation: This dessert offers a stunning mosaic-like interior when sliced, making it a showstopper at any gathering or dinner party.
• Easy to Make: Despite its elegant appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple to put together, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Nostalgic Charm: The rich chocolate and crunchy biscuit combination evokes memories of cozy Sunday afternoons and special family gatherings, creating a warm and comforting experience.
• Versatile Adaptability: With endless variations and ingredient options, you can customize this dessert to suit your taste preferences or make use of what you have on hand.
• Long Shelf Life: Perfect for make-ahead preparations, this dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat whenever the craving strikes.
• Pairing Possibilities: Chocolate salami pairs beautifully with a range of accompaniments, from berries to dessert wine, offering a versatile option for serving and entertaining guests.
• Gift-Worthy: Wrapped in parchment paper and tied with string, this dessert makes a thoughtful and unique homemade gift, complete with cultural significance and serving suggestions.

Ingredients for Decadent Chocolate Salami Recipe

Base ingredients

• ¾ cup Bolacha Maria biscuits or any tea biscuit, digestive biscuit, or vanilla cookie
• ¼ cup toasted nuts of choice, coarsely chopped (optional)

Chocolate mixture

• 6 tablespoons milk
• A splash of alcohol of choice such as Kahlua, Amaretto, brandy, or rum (optional)
• ¾ stick unsalted butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate
• Powdered sugar for coating

How to Make Decadent Chocolate Salami Recipe

Step 1: Crush biscuits and mix nuts

Place biscuits in a large zip lock bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they form small coarse crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a large bowl and mix in the nuts.

Step 2: Melt chocolate and combine

Combine chocolate and butter in a medium bowl and melt until smooth. Stir in milk and alcohol (if using). Pour over crumb mixture and mix well.

Step 3: Shape and chill

Spread the mixture onto parchment paper or plastic wrap, shape into a log, and wrap tightly. Chill in the fridge for 3-4 hours until firm.

Step 4: Coat with powdered sugar

Once chilled, unwrap the log and coat all sides with icing sugar. Use your hands to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Slice and serve

Cut the chilled log into serving-sized pieces. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer. If frozen, allow to thaw slightly at room temperature before cutting or serving.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the chocolate salami, it is important to store it properly to maintain its quality and flavor. To store the dessert in the refrigerator, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When stored this way, the chocolate salami will keep well for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the log by first unwrapping it and placing it in the freezer for about an hour. Then tightly wrap the log in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain the texture. When serving from frozen, allow the log to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes to prevent cracking and ensure the perfect texture.

When serving the chocolate salami, consider pairing it with accompaniments that enhance its rich flavor. Thin slices can be served alongside fresh berries, espresso, or a glass of dessert wine like Port, the traditional choice in Portugal. For an elegant presentation, arrange slices on a wooden board with dried fruits, nuts, and a pot of honey for drizzling. Additionally, the chocolate salami makes a wonderful homemade gift when wrapped in parchment paper and tied with decorative string. Include a note explaining the dessert’s cultural significance and serving suggestions for a thoughtful present that showcases your culinary skills.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Bolacha Maria biscuits, you can easily substitute with other tea biscuits, digestive biscuits, or even vanilla cookies. Choose a type that complements the chocolate flavor and provides a nice crunch in the dessert.

If you prefer not to use alcohol in the recipe, feel free to omit it entirely or replace it with a splash of vanilla or almond extract for added flavor. This will still enhance the taste of the chocolate salami without the need for alcohol.

Feel free to customize the recipe by incorporating your favorite nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts. You can also add dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots for a different flavor profile. These variations will add a unique touch to the chocolate salami and allow you to tailor it to your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation, serve thin slices of chocolate salami on a rustic wooden board alongside a selection of fresh berries, toasted nuts, and a drizzle of honey. Pair it with a steaming cup of espresso or a glass of dessert wine like Port for an elegant dessert platter that will impress your guests.

To add a festive touch during the holidays, wrap individual slices of chocolate salami in parchment paper and tie them with colorful string for a thoughtful homemade gift. Include a note with serving suggestions and cultural significance to make it a personalized present that showcases your culinary creativity.

FAQs for Decadent Chocolate Salami Recipe

Can I use a different type of biscuit besides Bolacha Maria?

Yes, you can use digestive biscuits, vanilla cookies, or any tea biscuit as a substitute. Choose a type that complements the chocolate flavor.

Is the alcohol necessary in the recipe?

No, the alcohol is optional. You can omit it entirely or replace it with an extract like vanilla or almond for added flavor.

How long does the chocolate salami need to set in the fridge?

It needs 3-4 hours in the fridge to firm up properly. You can also leave it overnight if preferred.

Can I customize the recipe by adding different nuts or dried fruits?

Absolutely! Customize with your favorite nuts (like almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts) or dried fruits (such as cranberries, raisins, or apricots) to personalize the flavor and texture.

Conclusion

As you savor each bite of this delectable Chocolate Salami, remember the memories it evokes and the joy it brings to those you share it with. Whether it’s a cozy gathering with friends or a special treat for yourself, this dessert never fails to impress.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Chocolate Salami – experiment with different nuts, fruits, or even a splash of your favorite alcohol to make it truly your own. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences and create a dessert that is uniquely yours. So go ahead, whip up a batch of this Chocolate Salami and delight your taste buds with every slice.

Decadent Chocolate Salami Recipe

Indulge in the elegant simplicity of Portuguese Chocolate Salami, a no-bake dessert with rich chocolate, biscuit crunch, and optional boozy notes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time~ undefined

Total Time15 Minutes

CuisinePortuguese

Skill LevelEasy

Servings30 Servings (30 slices)

Ingredients

Base ingredients

• ¾ cup Bolacha Maria biscuits or any tea biscuit, digestive biscuit, or vanilla cookie
• ¼ cup toasted nuts of choice, coarsely chopped (optional)

Chocolate mixture

• 6 tablespoons milk
• A splash of alcohol of choice such as Kahlua, Amaretto, brandy, or rum (optional)
• ¾ stick unsalted butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

1. Crush biscuits and mix nuts: Place biscuits in a large zip lock bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they form small coarse crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a large bowl and mix in the nuts.
2. Melt chocolate and combine: Combine chocolate and butter in a medium bowl and melt until smooth. Stir in milk and alcohol (if using). Pour over crumb mixture and mix well.
3. Shape and chill: Spread the mixture onto parchment paper or plastic wrap, shape into a log, and wrap tightly. Chill in the fridge for 3-4 hours until firm.
4. Coat with powdered sugar: Once chilled, unwrap the log and coat all sides with icing sugar. Use your hands to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed.
5. Slice and serve: Cut the chilled log into serving-sized pieces. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer. If frozen, allow to thaw slightly at room temperature before cutting or serving.