If you have a sweet tooth and a love for nostalgic no-bake treats, this Chocolate Salami Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Picture rich, bittersweet and semi-sweet chocolates melding beautifully with crunchy Biscoff cookies, vibrant pistachios, and tart dried cranberries—all tied together with a splash of Grand Marnier that lifts the flavor to elegant heights. This dessert not only looks like a fancy salami log but also offers a delightful contrast of creamy, crunchy, and fruity bites that will make you reach for seconds before the first slice has even been finished.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients will set you up for success in making a Chocolate Salami Recipe that dazzles. Each element brings something special—whether it’s the silky texture, the crunch, or those subtle bursts of flavor—so don’t skimp on quality.
- Dried cranberries: Coarsely chopped for tartness that balances the rich chocolate.
- Grand Marnier: Adds a sophisticated orange note that brightens the dessert.
- Bittersweet chocolate: Chopped finely to provide deep, intense cocoa flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate: Adds a milder sweetness for a well-rounded chocolate palette.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious ganache base, ensuring the texture is smooth and creamy.
- Biscoff cookies: Broken into chunks for that signature crunch and warm spice aroma.
- Kosher salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
- Pistachios: Toasted for a nutty crunch and vibrant pop of green color.
- Confectioners’ sugar: For dusting the finished salami log, mimicking the powdered meat casing perfectly.
How to Make Chocolate Salami Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Cranberries
Start by soaking your coarsely chopped dried cranberries in Grand Marnier. This step isn’t just about softening the fruit—it infuses them with that luscious, citrusy brandy flavor that will surprise and delight your taste buds in every bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Mixture
Gently melt your bittersweet and semi-sweet chocolate together with the heavy cream over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave. Stir frequently to create a smooth, glossy ganache that forms the rich base of your chocolate salami.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Fold the soaked cranberries (with any leftover Grand Marnier), broken Biscoff cookies, toasted pistachios, and a pinch of kosher salt into the chocolate ganache. This mixture will be thick and richly textured—just perfect for shaping.
Step 4: Shape and Chill
Lay out a large piece of parchment paper and scoop the chocolate mixture onto it. Shape it into a rough log, trying to make the ends slightly tapered to mimic a real salami. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This chilling step is crucial to firm up the salami for slicing.
Step 5: Finish and Dust
Once firm, unwrap your chocolate salami, and generously dust the outside with confectioners’ sugar to emulate that classic powdered “casing.” Slice into rounds and get ready to wow your guests.
How to Serve Chocolate Salami Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra toasted pistachios or extra dried cranberries around your serving plate for a colorful and inviting presentation. Fresh mint leaves can also add a refreshing herbal contrast that complements the richness.
Side Dishes
This chocolate salami pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to mellow the intensity. A small glass of dessert wine or your favorite coffee can also elevate the entire experience, making it a perfect after-dinner indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning party platter, surround your sliced Chocolate Salami Recipe with an assortment of fresh berries, nuts, and edible flowers. Alternatively, wrap individual slices in colorful parchment tied with twine for charming, edible party favors that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chocolate salami tightly wrapped in parchment or plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to one week, allowing you to enjoy delightful slices whenever a craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to make this dessert well in advance, freezing is your friend. Wrap the log tightly in plastic and foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the perfect sliceability and flavor integrity.
Reheating
Since Chocolate Salami Recipe is best served chilled, reheating is not recommended. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing to soften slightly if needed, but keep it mostly cool to preserve texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Grand Marnier with something else?
Absolutely! You can use any orange-flavored liqueur or even a splash of orange juice for a non-alcoholic version. The key is to add a bit of citrus brightness to balance the chocolate’s richness.
Are there any alternatives to Biscoff cookies?
Yes, you can swap Biscoff cookies for other spiced or plain crunchy cookies like digestive biscuits or graham crackers. Just make sure they’re broken into chunks to keep that delightful crunch.
How long does it take to make this Chocolate Salami Recipe?
While the hands-on preparation is fairly quick—around 20 to 30 minutes—the chilling time is crucial and takes at least 4 hours, though overnight chilling yields the best slices.
Is this dessert suitable for kids?
Definitely, but with a caveat: the Grand Marnier adds alcohol, so for kids, either omit the liqueur or replace it with a non-alcoholic orange extract or juice. Otherwise, it’s a fun, indulgent treat for all ages.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the Biscoff cookies for gluten-free cookies with a similar texture. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to keep it safe for sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t recommend this Chocolate Salami Recipe enough—its simplicity disguises how special it is. It brings together flavors and textures in a way that’s both comforting and festive, making it ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or anytime you want to treat yourself. Go ahead, give it a try, and watch it become one of your all-time favorite no-bake desserts.
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Chocolate Salami Recipe
Chocolate Salami is a no-bake, indulgent dessert resembling a salami log made from bittersweet and semi-sweet chocolates combined with crunchy Biscoff cookies, toasted pistachios, and dried cranberries. Flavored with Grand Marnier and dusted with confectioners’ sugar, this easy-to-make treat is perfect for serving at parties or as a decadent snack.
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
Fruits and Nuts
- ½ cup dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
- ½ cup pistachios, toasted
Chocolate and Cream
- 4 ounces (113g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 ounces (57g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- ⅓ cup (85g) heavy cream
Others
- 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
- 4 ounces (113g) Biscoff cookies, broken into ¾-inch chunks
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup (75g) confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare Chocolates: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped bittersweet and semi-sweet chocolates.
- Heat Cream: Warm the heavy cream until it is just about to simmer, then pour it over the chopped chocolates. Let it sit for a minute to soften the chocolate.
- Mix Chocolate Ganache: Stir together the cream and chocolate until smooth and fully combined, creating a ganache.
- Add Flavoring: Stir in the Grand Marnier and kosher salt into the ganache to enhance flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix together the broken Biscoff cookies, toasted pistachios, and chopped dried cranberries.
- Mix Everything: Pour the chocolate ganache over the cookie and nut mixture, folding gently to coat all pieces thoroughly.
- Form the Log: Transfer the mixture onto a large sheet of parchment paper. Shape it carefully into a log resembling a salami, about 8-10 inches long and 2-3 inches thick.
- Wrap and Chill: Wrap the log tightly in the parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm enough to slice.
- Coat with Sugar: Before serving, roll the chilled log in confectioners’ sugar to give it the characteristic salami appearance.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the chocolate salami into ¼-inch slices and serve as a decadent dessert or snack.
Notes
- You can substitute Grand Marnier with another orange liqueur or orange extract for a non-alcoholic version.
- Ensure that the heavy cream is warm but not boiling to avoid seizing the chocolate.
- This dessert keeps well refrigerated for up to a week and can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Use different nuts or dried fruits based on preference to customize flavor and texture.
- Let the salami log chill thoroughly to make slicing easier and cleaner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: European
