This No Bake Chocolate Biscuit Cake is a beautiful, easy-to-make European dessert that is good for the entire family. It looks great as a cake for a fancier occasion but is equally delicious if shaped like a "salami," the traditional way of making it.
In a small pot, combine sugar, cocoa powder, water, and butter.
Place the pot on the stove over medium heat.
Bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring all the ingredients are well incorporated. Stir continuously during this process.
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer.
Allow the syrup to simmer for approximately 7 minutes, ensuring you continue to stir constantly.
After the simmering time, remove the pot from the stove. Let the syrup cool for about 10 minutes.
Toast the walnuts:
Add the walnuts to a skillet and toast over medium heat until browned and fragrant. (for about 2 to 5 minutes). Remove from heat and allow them to cool. Chop them.
Assemble The Cake:
Add the toasted chopped walnuts, the rum flavor, the vanilla, and the dried/candied fruits to the syrup. Set aside.
Meanwhile, break the graham crackers into small pieces and place them in a large bowl.
Pour the chocolate mixture over the crackers and mix all until the crackers are coated.
Place the mixture into a springform pan and press it down to become compact.
Refrigerate for an hour.
Chocolate Ganache:
In a small pot, bring the heavy cream to a boil, remove it from the stove and add the chopped chocolate.
Mix the combination until the chocolate is completely melted and mixed with the heavy cream.
Pour the chocolate ganache over the cake and spread it with a spatula.
Refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight.
Remove the springform and place the cake on a platter.
Decorate with shaved chocolate.
Cut and serve.
Keep it in the refrigerator.
Notes
If the mixture looks kind of dry after mixing the biscuits/crackers with the syrup, do not add more liquid.The ratio between dry and wet ingredients is perfect for getting the right consistency after refrigeration for few hours. The biscuits will have time to absorb the flavors and become soft. The perfect pan for me was a springform pan because I find it easier to remove the cake before serving. The result also looks prettier.