🍫 Portuguese Chocolate Salami (Salame de Chocolate): The No-Bake Dessert I Craved Weekly in Portugal—and You’ll Make on Repeat!


 


The 6-Ingredient Magic:

  • 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate (60–70% cacao), chopped
  • 100g (½ cup) unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature (see safety note below)
  • 200g (2 cups) tea biscuits or Maria cookies, finely crushed
  • 100g (¾ cup) walnuts, toasted and chopped
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for rolling)

🌿 Nut-free? Use pumpkin seeds or omit nuts entirely.
🥚 Egg safety note: For raw egg concerns, use pasteurized eggs or swap with ¼ cup heavy cream + 1 tbsp cocoa powder (texture will be softer).

đź•’ Step-by-Step Instructions (Foolproof & Fun!)

1. Melt Chocolate & Butter

  • In a heatproof bowl over simmering water (or microwave in 30-sec bursts), melt chocolate and butter until smooth. Let cool slightly.

2. Whisk in Eggs

  • Whisk eggs into the chocolate mixture until glossy and thickened (about 1–2 minutes).
  • (If using pasteurized eggs, no need to temper.)

3. Fold in Dry Ingredients

  • Gently stir in crushed cookies and toasted walnuts until fully coated.
  • Mixture should be thick and moldable (like cookie dough).

4. Shape the “Salami”

  • Tear off a large sheet of parchment paper.
  • Scoop mixture onto paper and shape into a log (about 8–10 inches long).
  • Roll tightly in parchment, twisting ends like candy.

5. Chill Until Firm

  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or freeze 1 hour for faster set).
  • For best texture, chill overnight.

6. Slice & Serve

  • Unwrap and roll log in powdered sugar to mimic mold on salami.
  • Slice with a hot knife (dip in hot water, wipe dry) for clean cuts.
  • Serve on a wooden board with fruit or espresso!

🇵🇹 The Story Behind the Name

In Portugal, salame de chocolate is a playful nod to Italian salami—rolled in paper, tied with string, and sliced thin. It became popular in the mid-20th century as a clever way to use simple pantry staples during leaner times. Today, it’s a cherished holiday treat, especially at Christmas and Easter.

🍷 Traditional pairing: Serve with a glass of Port wine or bica (Portuguese espresso).

đź’ˇ Pro Tips for Perfect Results

  • Toast the walnuts—350°F for 8 minutes—to deepen flavor
  • Use Maria cookies (or tea biscuits)—they’re crisp, mildly sweet, and traditional
  • Don’t overmix—keep some cookie texture for contrast
  • Make ahead: Keeps refrigerated for 1 week or frozen for 1 month
  • Gift idea: Wrap in butcher paper, tie with twine, and label “Salame de Chocolate”

❓ Common Questions Answered

Can I use milk chocolate?
Yes—but dark chocolate gives the best balance and authentic flavor.

Why are my slices crumbling?
→ Not chilled long enough
→ Too many dry ingredients
→ Fix: Press mixture firmly when shaping.

Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate, coconut oil, flax eggs, and vegan cookies.

❤️ Final Thought: Sweetness with a Story

This Portuguese Chocolate Salami isn’t just dessert—it’s a taste of memory, simplicity, and joy.

It’s the kind of treat that sparks curiosity, laughter, and second helpings.

So grab those cookies, melt that chocolate, and roll up a piece of Portugal in your kitchen.

Your future self—sipping coffee beside a slice of this fudgy “salami”—will thank you.

🍫 Because the best traditions are the ones you can hold in your hands.

Loved this nostalgic recipe?
👉 Pin it for your holiday menu
👉 Share it with a fellow traveler or dessert lover
👉 Comment below: What’s your favorite international no-bake treat?

Prep: 15 min | Chill: 4+ hrs | Serves: 10–12