recipe

No-Bake Chocolate Salami Sheet Cake

Name: No-Bake Chocolate Salami Sheet Cake
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4-6
Ingredients: Biscuits, 650g (6 cups); sugar, 140g (⅔ cup); Milk, 270ml (1 cup); vanilla sugar, 10g (1 tbsp); butter, 170g (⅔ cup); cocoa powder, 80g (½ cup); chocolate, 120g (½ cup); full-fat cream, 180ml (⅔ cup); roasted peanuts, 170g (1 cup)

Total time: 30 min + freezing

Difficulty: Low

Serves: 4-6

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By Francesca Oppio

Chocolate Salami Cake is a no-bake dessert that’s rich, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying. Made with crushed biscuits, cocoa, peanuts, and a silky ganache, this easy treat is perfect for chocolate lovers and busy home bakers alike. Whether you're prepping for a quick weeknight indulgence or a casual party, this chilled cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

No oven required – perfect for hot days or quick prep.
Chocolate overload – with cocoa, melted chocolate, and a glossy ganache.
Texture heaven – crunchy biscuits, creamy filling, and roasted peanuts.
Kid-friendly and adult-approved – everyone will come back for seconds.
Make-ahead convenience – just chill and slice!

What Is Chocolate Salami Cake?

Despite its name, Chocolate Salami Cake contains no meat—its name comes from its resemblance to a traditional cured salami roll. This European-inspired dessert is especially popular in Italy and Portugal, where it's known as “salame di cioccolato.” It's a classic comfort food treat, combining crushed cookies and cocoa into a sliceable log or traybake that’s rich in flavor and fun to eat.

Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Salame Cake

Use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer, more decadent flavor.
Chill time is key – don’t rush the cooling steps or the cake may crumble.
Want extra crunch? Swap peanuts for toasted almonds or hazelnuts.
Use a lined pan to ensure easy removal and clean slices.
Customize it – mix in raisins, orange zest, or a splash of rum for an adult twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Any Type of Biscuits?

Yes! Digestive biscuits, graham crackers, or tea biscuits all work well. Avoid overly soft cookies—they won’t provide the right texture.

Can I Replace the Peanuts?

Absolutely. Try chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or even crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet combo.

How Long Does It Take to Set?

The cake sets in just 1 hour in the fridge, but chilling overnight gives it the cleanest slices and richest flavor.

Can I Skip the Ganache Topping?

You can, but the ganache adds a luscious finish. For a lighter version, dust the top with cocoa powder or powdered sugar instead.

Is It Safe for Kids?

Yes! There’s no alcohol or raw eggs, making it ideal for kids’ parties and lunchbox treats.

How to Store

Keep leftover Chocolate Salame Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To maintain its shape and texture, allow it to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before slicing. For best results, slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water.

How to Freeze

You can freeze Chocolate Salame Cake either whole or sliced. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about an hour.

Ingredients

Biscuits

650g (6 cups)

sugar

140g (⅔ cup)

Milk

270ml (1 cup)

vanilla sugar

10g (1 tbsp)

butter

170g (⅔ cup)

cocoa powder

80g (½ cup)

chocolate

120g (½ cup)

full-fat cream

180ml (⅔ cup)

roasted peanuts

170g (1 cup)

How to Make Chocolate Salami Cake

Step 1

Crumble biscuits into small chunks in a large mixing bowl. Set aside the remaining 100g for the base layer.

Step 2

Make the chocolate syrup: In a saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla sugar, and milk. Heat gently until it reaches a boil. Remove from heat, stir in butter, and let cool for 10 minutes.

Step 3

Combine the crumbled biscuits with roasted peanuts in a large bowl. Pour the chocolate syrup over and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.