Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Italian Chocolate Salami is a classic no-bake dessert that is as charming as it is delicious. Despite its name, it contains no meat at all. Instead, it is a rich chocolate treat shaped like a salami and sliced to reveal a beautiful mosaic of cookies and nuts. I love this recipe because it is incredibly easy to make, requires no oven, and always sparks curiosity and smiles when served. The texture is perfectly balanced, with creamy chocolate, crunchy biscuits, and optional nuts adding depth in every bite. This dessert is popular throughout Italy, especially during holidays and celebrations, but it is simple enough to enjoy any time of year. If you are looking for a dessert that is playful, elegant, and effortlessly impressive, Italian Chocolate Salami is an excellent choice.
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Italian Chocolate Salami (Salame al Cioccolato)
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Italian Chocolate Salami is a no-bake classic dessert made with crushed cookies, rich chocolate, and butter, shaped like a salami and sliced to reveal a beautiful mosaic interior.
Ingredients
- 7 oz plain tea biscuits or graham crackers, roughly crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (hazelnuts or almonds)
- Optional: powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
- Fold in crushed biscuits and nuts if using.
- Spoon mixture onto parchment paper and shape into a log.
- Roll tightly in parchment and twist ends to seal.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until firm.
- Unwrap, dust with powdered sugar to resemble salami casing.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use pasteurized egg if concerned about raw eggs.
- Can be frozen for longer storage.
- Traditionally served sliced thin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Dark chocolate forms the rich, decadent base of the dessert.
Unsalted butter adds smoothness and helps bind the mixture.
Granulated sugar sweetens the chocolate without overpowering it.
Eggs add richness and structure to the chocolate mixture.
Vanilla extract enhances flavor and adds warmth.
Cocoa powder deepens the chocolate taste.
Plain tea biscuits or cookies provide crunch and the signature salami-like appearance.
Chopped nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds, or pistachios add texture and flavor.
Powdered sugar is used for dusting to resemble a cured salami exterior.
Directions
Begin by roughly breaking the biscuits into small chunks. They should be uneven in size to create the traditional marbled look. Set aside along with the chopped nuts.
In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter together until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Stir in the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder until fully combined and glossy.
Fold the broken biscuits and nuts into the chocolate mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed. The mixture should be thick and moldable.
Spoon the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper and shape it into a log resembling a salami. Roll it tightly in the parchment, twisting the ends to secure. Refrigerate until firm.
Once set, unwrap the log and dust generously with powdered sugar. Slice and serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8 to 10 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and chilling time is about 2 to 3 hours.
Storage/reheating
Store Italian Chocolate Salami wrapped tightly in parchment or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to two months. Reheating is not required.
Variations and Customizations
Italian Chocolate Salami is very adaptable. For a stronger flavor, use espresso powder or a splash of rum or orange liqueur. I tested this recipe with orange zest, and it added a lovely brightness that paired beautifully with dark chocolate.
You can also replace biscuits with shortbread cookies for a richer texture or use dried fruit such as cherries or cranberries instead of nuts. For a lighter version, reduce the butter slightly and add extra biscuits.
Some variations skip raw eggs entirely and rely on melted chocolate and butter alone, which works well for those who prefer an egg-free version. These options allow you to customize the dessert while preserving its classic Italian character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein (g) | 6 |
| Carbs (g) | 38 |
| Fat (g) | 28 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 14 |
| Fiber (g) | 3 |
| Sugar (g) | 24 |
| Sodium (mg) | 120 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use good-quality chocolate
The flavor depends heavily on the chocolate you choose.
Do not overcrush biscuits
Larger pieces create a more authentic look.
Chill thoroughly
Proper chilling ensures clean slices.
Dust generously
Powdered sugar completes the salami illusion.
FAQs
Is Italian Chocolate Salami safe with raw eggs?
Traditional recipes use eggs, but egg-free versions work well too.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, it is ideal for making in advance.
Does it really taste like salami?
No, it is purely chocolate with biscuit crunch.
Can kids enjoy this dessert?
Yes, it is very kid-friendly and fun to serve.
What biscuits work best?
Plain tea biscuits or digestive-style cookies are ideal.
How should it be served?
Slice thinly and serve with coffee or espresso.
Conclusion
Italian Chocolate Salami is a delightful no-bake dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with playful presentation and traditional charm. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it is perfect for holidays, gatherings, or anytime you want a unique dessert that surprises and delights with every slice.
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