Homemade Chocolate Salami Recipe: A Sweet No-Bake Treat

Sweet chocolate salami has become my absolute obsession lately, blending rich cocoa with unexpected crunch.

Nutty chunks and crushed cookies create a delightful texture that surprises everyone at gatherings.

Mediterranean traditions inspired this no-bake dessert, which looks remarkably like its savory namesake.

Cookie crumbles and butter provide a perfect base for mixing chocolate goodness.

Each slice reveals a mesmerizing pattern of embedded ingredients that feel both rustic and elegant.

You’ll want to slice this treat carefully to showcase its beautiful marbled appearance.

Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked on this delectable Italian-inspired delicacy.

What You’ll Need for Nigella’s Chocolate Salami

• Dark Chocolate: Rich and smooth base that provides deep chocolate flavor and structure for the dessert.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind ingredients together.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create smooth texture.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the creamy consistency.

• Amaretto Liqueur: Adds a subtle almond flavor and depth to the dessert.
• Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolate taste and provides a deeper color.

• Amaretti Biscuits, Nuts: Create interesting texture and add a delightful crunch to the chocolate salami.
• Icing Sugar: Used for dusting and providing a delicate sweet finish to the dessert.

How to Prepare Nigella Chocolate Salami with Ease

Step 1: Melt Chocolate Smoothly

Create a silky chocolate base by gently melting chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Stir consistently until the chocolate transforms into a glossy, smooth mixture. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly, creating the perfect foundation for your delightful dessert.

Step 2: Crush Amaretti Biscuits

Transform amaretti biscuits into a rustic texture by crushing them into coarse crumbs. Use a rolling pin or food processor to break down the cookies, creating an interesting crunch that will add depth to your chocolate salami.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Introduce eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Pour in Amaretto liqueur, blending smoothly to create a rich, aromatic mixture.

Step 4: Blend Chocolate Layers

Sift cocoa powder into the creamy mixture, creating a deep chocolate intensity. Gradually fold in the cooled melted chocolate, mixing until the ingredients create a uniform, velvety consistency.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Elements

• Crushed amaretti biscuit crumbs
• Chopped nuts

Gently fold these elements into the chocolate mixture, ensuring an even distribution of textures and flavors. Refrigerate the mixture for 20-30 minutes to help it firm up slightly.

Step 6: Shape Chocolate Log

Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface. Transfer the chocolate mixture onto the wrap and carefully shape it into a log form. Wrap tightly, ensuring a compact and smooth exterior. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the salami to set completely.

Step 7: Prepare for Serving

Remove the chocolate salami from the refrigerator and unwrap carefully. Dust the exterior with a delicate layer of powdered sugar, creating a beautiful white coating that mimics traditional salami. If desired, tie with a decorative string for an authentic presentation.

Step 8: Slice and Enjoy

Using a sharp knife, slice the chocolate salami into thin rounds. Serve chilled or allow to soften slightly at room temperature for a few minutes. Perfect as a sophisticated dessert or alongside coffee for an indulgent treat.

Chocolate Salami Tips from Nigella’s Kitchen

• Gentle Chocolate Melting: Use a double boiler or microwave at low power to prevent chocolate from burning, stirring frequently for smooth consistency.
• Biscuit Texture Trick: Crush amaretti biscuits unevenly for varied texture, ensuring some larger chunks remain for interesting mouthfeel.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more homogeneous blend.
• Precise Chilling Technique: Wrap the log tightly in clingfilm to maintain shape and prevent air pockets, ensuring a compact and uniform dessert.
• Serving Suggestion: Let the chocolate salami sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing to achieve the perfect soft-yet-firm texture.

Try These Fun Twists on Chocolate Salami

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Salami: Replace amaretti biscuits with gluten-free cookies like almond or rice flour biscuits. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Nut-Free Version: Omit chopped nuts entirely or substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch. Use seed butter instead of traditional nuts.
• Vegan Chocolate Treat: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based egg replacer or mashed banana. Select dark chocolate without milk solids and use coconut sugar for sweetening.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Utilize stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar. Choose a high-percentage dark chocolate with minimal added sugars for a healthier version.

What to Serve with Nigella Chocolate Salami

• Pair with Sweet Dessert Wine: Sip a rich, velvety Vin Santo or Port wine to complement the chocolate's deep flavors and enhance the dessert's luxurious texture.
• Match with Espresso Shot: Serve a small, intense espresso alongside the chocolate salami to cut through its sweetness and provide a robust coffee contrast.
• Create Nutty Accompaniment: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or serve with a small plate of hazelnuts to echo the nutty elements already present in the dessert.
• Balance with Fresh Berries: Add a small side of fresh raspberries or strawberries to introduce a bright, tart note that cleanses the palate between rich chocolate bites.

How to Store Nigella’s Chocolate Salami Right

• Wrap tightly in fresh plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep chilled to maintain texture and prevent spoilage.
• Package in freezer-safe wrap or container, storing for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving to preserve original consistency.
• Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor profile. Do not leave out longer than 2 hours.
• Use a sharp, clean knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry for smooth, precise cuts that maintain the salami's beautiful shape.

FAQs on Nigella’s Chocolate Salami Recipe

• What are amaretti biscuits?

They are Italian almond-flavored cookies with a crisp texture, typically made from ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites, which add a distinctive nutty crunch to the chocolate salami.

• Can I substitute Amaretto liqueur?

Yes, you can use other almond-flavored liqueurs like Disaronno or replace it with vanilla extract if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.

• How finely should I crush the biscuits?

Aim for coarse crumbs, similar to rough breadcrumbs, which will provide texture and help bind the chocolate salami together without making it too dense.

Why Nigella’s Chocolate Salami Is a No-Bake Wonder

• Create a No-Bake Delight: Skip the oven and craft a decadent dessert that requires zero baking skills, perfect for novice cooks wanting to impress.
• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Treat: This chocolate salami delivers rich flavors and visual appeal, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings, parties, and special occasions.
• Customize with Ease: Swap nuts or add different liqueurs to personalize the recipe, giving you creative freedom to match your taste preferences and ingredient availability.
• Prepare Ahead and Relax: Make this dessert in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing you to have a stunning sweet treat ready whenever guests arrive or cravings strike.

Chocolate Salami Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 20-30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delightful Portuguese chocolate salami weaves rich cocoa and crisp cookies into a delectable dessert that sings with Mediterranean charm. Sweet indulgence meets rustic tradition, promising a simple yet elegant treat you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) dark chocolate (minimum 70%)
• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) amaretti biscuits
• 3 large eggs
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) soft unsalted butter
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) caster sugar

Nuts:

• 75 grams (2.6 ounces) almonds, chopped
• 75 grams (2.6 ounces) hazelnuts, chopped
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) pistachios, chopped

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons icing sugar, to decorate

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Instructions

1. Gently melt chocolate in a double boiler, stirring until glossy and completely smooth, then allow to cool to room temperature.
2. Pulverize amaretti cookies into rustic, uneven fragments using a rolling pin or food processor.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, incorporating eggs individually to ensure smooth integration, then fold in Amaretto liqueur.
4. Sift cocoa powder into the mixture, then gradually incorporate the cooled chocolate, creating a rich, dark base.
5. Fold crushed biscuits and roughly chopped nuts into the chocolate mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
6. Transfer mixture onto plastic wrap, shaping into a compact cylindrical log by tightly rolling and twisting ends.
7. Refrigerate for minimum 6 hours or overnight to allow dessert to firm and flavors to meld completely.
8. Before serving, unwrap chocolate salami and generously dust with powdered sugar for elegant presentation.
9. Slice into thin rounds using a sharp knife, serving chilled for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Gently melt chocolate to prevent burning, using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts.
• Crush amaretti biscuits by hand for a rustic texture, avoiding food processor to maintain coarse crumbs.
• Ensure eggs are at room temperature for smoother blending and better incorporation into the mixture.
• Refrigerate log wrapped tightly to prevent moisture and maintain the precise shape of the chocolate salami.
• Experiment with alternative nuts like pistachios or almonds for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Use gluten-free amaretti or graham crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Dust with cocoa powder instead of icing sugar for a more intense chocolate presentation.

• Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 15 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg