When I ran out of enough cookies for dessert and still wanted something sweet, I tried to improvise with what I had in the pantry. I used some cereal flakes instead of the remaining cookies, and it turned out to be a vegan cookie salami that I keep making since then. It doesn’t require complicated ingredients, and the combination of dried fruits and nuts gives it a nice texture.
Quick info
Total time: 40 minutes (plus at least 3 hours in the fridge)
Servings: 10 thick slices (or thinner, if you prefer)
Difficulty: easy, no baking
Ingredients
300 g plain cookies
1 Unirea margarine (250 g)
100 g brown sugar
1 cup water (250 ml)
4 tablespoons cocoa
1 small vial of rum essence (8-10 ml)
100 g raisins
100 g dried cranberries
100 g mixed candied fruits
2 tablespoons candied orange peel (optional, but adds flavor)
4 tablespoons breadcrumbs (or more if the mixture is too soft)
1 cup cereal flakes (about 30-40 g, like cornflakes or other plain cereals)
1 cup walnut kernels (80-100 g), lightly chopped
Coconut flakes for finishing
Preparation method
1. Prepare all the ingredients at hand. Break the cookies by hand, not too small – pieces of 1-2 cm. You can crush the nuts with a rolling pin, so they are not flour-like, but in pieces.
2. In a small pot, melt the margarine and sugar over low heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the water and cocoa, mixing well to avoid lumps.
3. Once a homogeneous liquid is formed, add the rum essence, raisins, cranberries, candied fruits, and orange peel. Let it boil briefly, just enough to hydrate the fruits a bit. Remove the pot from the heat.
4. Add the nuts, then the breadcrumbs and mix vigorously. Add the broken cookies and cereal flakes. Mix with a spatula gently, so you don’t crush the cookies completely. If it seems too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water. If it seems too soft, add a bit more breadcrumbs.
5. Divide the mixture into 2-3 pieces, depending on how thick you want it. Spread plastic wrap on the table, place the mixture, and shape it tightly into a salami shape. Roll it up and twist the ends of the wrap like candy. Press gently to make it as compact as possible.
6. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, ideally overnight. It will harden from the margarine and breadcrumbs.
7. Remove from the fridge, unwrap, and roll each salami in coconut flakes. Cut into slices with a thin-bladed knife.
Why I make this recipe often
It’s quick to make, no oven needed, doesn’t dirty many dishes, and I can use leftover ingredients at home. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days, doesn’t harden, and doesn’t dry out. You can vary the filling based on what you have.
Tips and variations
Tips
Don’t break the cookies too small, or you’ll end up with a paste.
If you use margarine from a package, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes beforehand; it melts faster.
If you want it denser, add 1-2 extra tablespoons of breadcrumbs or some crushed cookies.
Use a spatula for mixing, so you don’t crush the flakes and cookies.
Substitutions
Margarine can be replaced with coconut oil (though it results in a slightly different taste).
Cereal flakes can be any type without added sugar, even extruded oats.
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar as well.
Candied fruits can be replaced with finely chopped figs, dried apricots, or dates.
If you don’t want orange peel, you can add a little vanilla.
Variations
You can add some raw sunflower seeds or chopped almonds.
Tried with small chopped sour cherries from a jar – it turns out slightly tart, but be careful to drain the juice well.
If you prefer a more intense cocoa flavor, add an extra tablespoon and reduce the sugar.
Instead of cranberries, use only raisins or dried berries.
Serving ideas
It can be cut into thick slices and served directly cold from the fridge.
It works as a snack with coffee, tea, or a quick breakfast.
It can also be packed for the road if wrapped well in foil.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use digestive biscuits?
Yes, they come out a bit crunchier, but it’s no problem. Just make sure they aren’t too salty.
How long does it last in the fridge?
It stays good for 5-6 days without drying out or changing flavor.
Can it be frozen?
Yes, you can keep it in the freezer wrapped in foil. Thaw it slowly in the fridge before serving.
Can I use oil instead of margarine?
I don’t recommend it; it won’t bind the same way and won’t have the same texture. Coconut oil is the only close alternative.
What do I do if it has hardened too much?
You can leave it at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or cut slices with a knife dipped in warm water.
Nutritional values (per slice, estimated for 10 slices/salami)
Calories: ~220 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Most of the calories come from cookies, margarine, and nuts. The cereal flakes and dried fruits increase the fiber content.
Storage and reheating
It keeps in the fridge, wrapped in foil or in a well-sealed container, for up to 6 days. It doesn’t need reheating – it’s served cold directly. If you want to take it on the road, it can be kept at room temperature for 4-5 hours, but avoid sun or heat, especially in summer.
Quick info
Total time: 40 minutes (plus at least 3 hours in the fridge)
Servings: 10 thick slices (or thinner, if you prefer)
Difficulty: easy, no baking
Ingredients
300 g plain cookies
1 Unirea margarine (250 g)
100 g brown sugar
1 cup water (250 ml)
4 tablespoons cocoa
1 small vial of rum essence (8-10 ml)
100 g raisins
100 g dried cranberries
100 g mixed candied fruits
2 tablespoons candied orange peel (optional, but adds flavor)
4 tablespoons breadcrumbs (or more if the mixture is too soft)
1 cup cereal flakes (about 30-40 g, like cornflakes or other plain cereals)
1 cup walnut kernels (80-100 g), lightly chopped
Coconut flakes for finishing
Preparation method
1. Prepare all the ingredients at hand. Break the cookies by hand, not too small – pieces of 1-2 cm. You can crush the nuts with a rolling pin, so they are not flour-like, but in pieces.
2. In a small pot, melt the margarine and sugar over low heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the water and cocoa, mixing well to avoid lumps.
3. Once a homogeneous liquid is formed, add the rum essence, raisins, cranberries, candied fruits, and orange peel. Let it boil briefly, just enough to hydrate the fruits a bit. Remove the pot from the heat.
4. Add the nuts, then the breadcrumbs and mix vigorously. Add the broken cookies and cereal flakes. Mix with a spatula gently, so you don’t crush the cookies completely. If it seems too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water. If it seems too soft, add a bit more breadcrumbs.
5. Divide the mixture into 2-3 pieces, depending on how thick you want it. Spread plastic wrap on the table, place the mixture, and shape it tightly into a salami shape. Roll it up and twist the ends of the wrap like candy. Press gently to make it as compact as possible.
6. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, ideally overnight. It will harden from the margarine and breadcrumbs.
7. Remove from the fridge, unwrap, and roll each salami in coconut flakes. Cut into slices with a thin-bladed knife.
Why I make this recipe often
It’s quick to make, no oven needed, doesn’t dirty many dishes, and I can use leftover ingredients at home. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days, doesn’t harden, and doesn’t dry out. You can vary the filling based on what you have.
Tips and variations
Tips
Don’t break the cookies too small, or you’ll end up with a paste.
If you use margarine from a package, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes beforehand; it melts faster.
If you want it denser, add 1-2 extra tablespoons of breadcrumbs or some crushed cookies.
Use a spatula for mixing, so you don’t crush the flakes and cookies.
Substitutions
Margarine can be replaced with coconut oil (though it results in a slightly different taste).
Cereal flakes can be any type without added sugar, even extruded oats.
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar as well.
Candied fruits can be replaced with finely chopped figs, dried apricots, or dates.
If you don’t want orange peel, you can add a little vanilla.
Variations
You can add some raw sunflower seeds or chopped almonds.
Tried with small chopped sour cherries from a jar – it turns out slightly tart, but be careful to drain the juice well.
If you prefer a more intense cocoa flavor, add an extra tablespoon and reduce the sugar.
Instead of cranberries, use only raisins or dried berries.
Serving ideas
It can be cut into thick slices and served directly cold from the fridge.
It works as a snack with coffee, tea, or a quick breakfast.
It can also be packed for the road if wrapped well in foil.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use digestive biscuits?
Yes, they come out a bit crunchier, but it’s no problem. Just make sure they aren’t too salty.
How long does it last in the fridge?
It stays good for 5-6 days without drying out or changing flavor.
Can it be frozen?
Yes, you can keep it in the freezer wrapped in foil. Thaw it slowly in the fridge before serving.
Can I use oil instead of margarine?
I don’t recommend it; it won’t bind the same way and won’t have the same texture. Coconut oil is the only close alternative.
What do I do if it has hardened too much?
You can leave it at room temperature for 10-15 minutes or cut slices with a knife dipped in warm water.
Nutritional values (per slice, estimated for 10 slices/salami)
Calories: ~220 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Most of the calories come from cookies, margarine, and nuts. The cereal flakes and dried fruits increase the fiber content.
Storage and reheating
It keeps in the fridge, wrapped in foil or in a well-sealed container, for up to 6 days. It doesn’t need reheating – it’s served cold directly. If you want to take it on the road, it can be kept at room temperature for 4-5 hours, but avoid sun or heat, especially in summer.