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This Portuguese no-bake treat is a joy to put together. You just combine chocolate, cookies, and nuts for a showstopper you can prep ahead. When you slice it up, you'll get a pretty, patchwork look inside. At one of my first dinner parties, people couldn't stop asking how I'd made it even before dessert was over.
Got hooked on this in Portugal after tasting how simple and elegant it is. Now it’s my go-to dessert for friends, and everyone thinks I spent way longer on it than I actually did.
Essential Ingredients
- Powdered sugar: coats the outside for that signature salami look and adds a sweet finish
- Bittersweet or semisweet chocolate: deep chocolatey flavor—pick good stuff for best taste
- Nuts: almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios work great for bits of crunch
- Bolacha Maria or digestive biscuits: classic cookies for the base, balancing the chocolate with a little vanilla
- Milk: loosens everything up so it’s creamy but never too heavy
- Alcohol (optional): splashes of Kahlua or rum level up the flavor, but you can leave this out
- Unsalted butter: keeps it smooth, plus you decide how salty to make it
Simple Steps to Make It
- Chill and finish up:
- Wrap your log up tight in parchment or plastic, twist both ends so it holds its shape, then pop it in the fridge for 3 hours or until it feels firm. When it’s set, unwrap and dust all over with powdered sugar, rubbing it in for that classic look.
- Mix and shape everything:
- Pour the chocolate mix onto the biscuits and nuts and gently fold it all together. Act fast, ’cause it sets as it cools. Scoop the whole thing onto plastic wrap or parchment, roll into a log about two inches thick, and press gently so the biscuit chunks don't crumble.
- Melt chocolate:
- Slowly warm butter and chocolate in short bursts in the microwave or over a pot of hot water (double boiler). Stir until it’s fully melted and glossy. Mix in the milk and booze if you’re adding any, so it all blends together smoothly.
- Get biscuits ready:
- Bash biscuits in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin—go for a mix of fine crumbs and chunkier bits. Put them in a big bowl, toss in your toasted nuts, and stir everything to spread them around.
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This treat takes me back to chill Sundays with my grandma. She’d serve slim slices next to little espresso cups. The rich chocolate and bitter coffee together is a combo I still love. Crunchy cookies and soft chocolate—hard to beat that texture mix.
Switch It Up
In Portugal, everyone does this their own way. Some people add bits of tart dried fruit like cherry or cranberry, others love orange zest for a zing. What makes chocolate salami great is that you can toss in whatever you like or have on hand.
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Want it a bit more grown up? Use two tablespoons of your favorite boozy option—try spiced rum or bourbon if you’re feeling bold. Skipping the alcohol for kids? Add a splash of vanilla instead for an easy twist.
How to Store It
Wrap it up tight and stash in your fridge—it stays fresh for up to two weeks. Want to freeze? Let it firm up bare in your freezer first for about an hour, then seal in plastic and foil. No freezer burn and the texture stays spot on.
From frozen, let thaw in the fridge overnight or leave at room temp for about half an hour. This keeps the chocolate from cracking so slicing is super easy.
Serving Ideas
Serve up chocolate salami slices with espresso, fresh berries, or a glass of sweet Port wine. Goes great on a snack board with nuts, dried fruit, and a bit of honey to drizzle.
Giving it as a homemade gift? Wrap in parchment, tie with some pretty string, and toss in a note with how to eat and a bit of its backstory.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of cookies work best for a choco log?
You’ve got options—classic Bolacha Maria, digestive biscuits, tea cookies, or even vanilla ones all pair well with the chocolatey mix.
- → Do I have to use alcohol in this treat?
Nope, it’s totally your call. Leave it out or swap it with something like vanilla or almond extract for a different kick.
- → How long should the choco log sit in the fridge?
Give it 3-4 hours in the fridge to set nicely, or keep it there overnight if that works better for you.
- → Can I try different kinds of nuts or dried fruits?
For sure! Pick your favorites—walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for nuts; raisins, apricots, or cranberries for fruits.
- → What’s the best way to store a choco log?
Keep it refrigerated for up to seven days, or freeze it for longer storage. Let it sit out for a bit before serving.