Ah, the holidays – a time of twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and, of course, indulgent treats that fill our homes with the irresistible aroma of chocolate. And if there’s one dessert that truly captures the essence of Christmas, it’s the enchanting Chocolate Salami.
This no-bake masterpiece is a delightful blend of rich cocoa, crunchy nuts, and a hint of festive spice – a true taste of the season that’ll have your family and friends swooning with delight. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or looking to add a special touch to your holiday spread, this Chocolate Salami recipe is the answer to all your Christmas dessert dreams.
So, let’s dive in and uncover the secrets to crafting the ultimate Chocolate Salami that’s sure to become a new holiday tradition in your home.
What Makes This Recipe Truly Special?
What sets this Chocolate Salami recipe apart is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The rich, velvety chocolate is complemented by the satisfying crunch of toasted nuts, while a subtle hint of cinnamon and orange zest adds a festive twist that’ll transport your taste buds straight to a winter wonderland.
But it’s not just the flavors that make this recipe exceptional – it’s also the ease of preparation. As a no-bake dessert, this Chocolate Salami comes together in a flash, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones and less time slaving away in the kitchen. Plus, the fact that it can be made well in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer makes it the ultimate stress-free holiday treat.
Ingredients
• 1 cup (240ml) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts), chopped
• 1/4 cup (30g) cocoa powder, for dusting
The key ingredients that truly make this Chocolate Salami stand out are the high-quality dark chocolate and the blend of toasted nuts. The dark chocolate provides a deep, rich flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness, while the nuts add a satisfying crunch that takes the texture to the next level.
Additionally, the hint of cinnamon and orange zest gives the salami a festive flair that’s simply irresistible. Feel free to experiment with different nut blends or add a touch of espresso powder for an even more intense chocolate flavor.
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate: In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chopped dark chocolate, stirring occasionally until smooth and completely melted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Beat the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the Eggs and Flavorings: One at a time, add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and orange zest until well combined.
- Fold in the Chocolate and Nuts: Gently fold the melted chocolate and chopped nuts into the butter-egg mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape the Salami: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on your work surface. Scoop the chocolate mixture onto the center of the wrap and shape it into a log, about 8-10 inches long. Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap or parchment, twisting the ends to secure it.
- Chill the Salami: Place the wrapped chocolate salami log in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Coat and Slice: Remove the chilled chocolate salami from the fridge and unwrap it. Dust the outside generously with the cocoa powder, using your hands to coat it evenly. Using a sharp knife, slice the salami into 1/2-inch thick rounds and serve.
Timing Overview
• Chill time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 16 servings.
• Protein: 4 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
Make It Your Own: Substitutions and Ideas
• To Make it Vegan: Substitute the butter with an equal amount of coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a high-quality vegan dark chocolate. You can also replace the eggs with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes).
• To Add a Spicy Kick: For a touch of heat, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes to the chocolate mixture before forming the salami. The warmth will complement the rich chocolate beautifully.
How to Serve This Dish Like a Pro ?
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the sliced Chocolate Salami with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for an extra touch of holiday cheer.
• Beverage Pairing: This rich, chocolatey treat pairs wonderfully with a warm mug of mulled wine, a creamy hot chocolate, or a glass of port or dessert wine.
Your Guide to a Flawless Execution
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature before beginning. Cold ingredients can cause the chocolate mixture to stiffen and become difficult to work with.
• Mistake 3 – Not Chilling the Salami Long Enough: It’s crucial to chill the shaped chocolate salami log for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm enough to slice without losing its shape. Rushing this step can result in a messy, soft salami.
A Guide to Storing for Later
• Freezing: The unsliced Chocolate Salami log can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer-safe bag. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and dusting with cocoa powder.
• Reheating: If the Chocolate Salami slices have become too firm, you can gently reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to soften them up before serving.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
While you can certainly use milk chocolate in this recipe, we highly recommend sticking with high-quality dark chocolate. The rich, intense flavor of the dark chocolate is what truly makes this Chocolate Salami stand out. Milk chocolate will result in a sweeter, less complex flavor profile.
How do I ensure the Chocolate Salami slices retain their shape?
The key to getting clean, well-defined slices is to chill the shaped log for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm enough to slice without losing its shape. You can also use a very sharp knife and gently saw back and forth to slice the salami, rather than trying to cut straight through.
Can I add any additional mix-ins to the Chocolate Salami?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite mix-ins, such as dried cherries, crystallized ginger, or even a sprinkle of sea salt. Just be mindful of the overall texture and make sure any add-ins are finely chopped so they don’t interfere with the slicing process.
How do I store the leftover Chocolate Salami?
For maximum freshness, store any leftover sliced Chocolate Salami in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the unsliced log for up to 3 months, then thaw it in the fridge overnight before slicing and serving.
Can I make the Chocolate Salami in advance for the holidays?
Yes, this Chocolate Salami recipe is the perfect make-ahead dessert for the holidays! You can prepare the entire log in advance, wrap it tightly, and store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to serve. Just remember to allow enough time for it to chill and firm up before slicing and serving.
A Final Word from Our Kitchen
As the holidays draw near and the air is filled with the scent of cinnamon and cocoa, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a decadent slice of this Chocolate Salami. Its rich, indulgent flavor and irresistible texture will have your guests raving, while the festive presentation and make-ahead convenience will have you feeling like a true holiday dessert maestro.
So, gather your loved ones, pour a steaming mug of hot chocolate, and get ready to savor the flavors of the season with this extraordinary Chocolate Salami recipe. It’s a Christmas treat that’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your home for years to come.
Wishing you a very merry and delicious holiday season!
🎄 Simple, Hearty Chocolate Salami Recipe: The Ultimate Christmas Treat
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chopped dark chocolate, stirring occasionally until smooth and completely melted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- One at a time, add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and orange zest until well combined.
- Gently fold the melted chocolate and chopped nuts into the butter-egg mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Lay a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper on your work surface. Scoop the chocolate mixture onto the center of the wrap and shape it into a log, about 8-10 inches long. Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap or parchment, twisting the ends to secure it.
- Place the wrapped chocolate salami log in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Remove the chilled chocolate salami from the fridge and unwrap it. Dust the outside generously with the cocoa powder, using your hands to coat it evenly. Using a sharp knife, slice the salami into 1/2-inch thick rounds and serve.
