Welcome to Day 10 of the 12 Days of Christmas Desserts! Today, we’re diving into a beloved Romanian classic that has graced dessert tables for decades: the Chocolate Biscuit Log. This recipe is an absolute must-try, cherished by everyone who tastes it.
This Chocolate Biscuit Log is a dessert that everyone seems to have their own version of, but this recipe is truly exceptional. The toasted nuts and bursts of dried cranberries take it to the next level, adding depth and richness to every bite. Plus, it’s one of those rare treats that actually improves the longer it sits in the fridge – if you can resist digging in right away, that is!
Not a fan of cranberries? No problem – you can skip them entirely or substitute with raisins or other dried fruits. Feel free to swap the cashews and walnuts for your favorite nuts. This dessert is super versatile, and trust me, you’re going to love it.
What makes this Chocolate Biscuit Log so great?
This dessert embodies the cozy, festive vibes of Christmas. The tea biscuits, toasted nuts, and cranberries create a medley of flavors and textures that scream holiday spirit. It’s not overly sweet, but it delivers a deep chocolate taste that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill in the fridge.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Simple and quick to make with minimal ingredients.
- A perfect balance of flavors: nutty, chocolatey, and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Customizable: swap out nuts, dried fruits, or even add a touch of spice.
- Nostalgic and festive – a crowd-pleaser for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Tea Biscuits: Simple, basic tea biscuits are perfect for this recipe. They absorb the syrup beautifully without becoming too soft.
Butter: Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
Milk: Helps create the chocolate syrup base.
Sugar: Sweetens the log to perfection.
Cocoa Powder: Provides a deep chocolate flavor.
Rum Extract: Classic in the original recipe, it’s a must for authentic flavor. If you’re not a fan, vanilla extract works too.
Cashews & Walnuts: A heavenly combination. Toasting them elevates their flavor significantly.
Dried Cranberries: Add a festive touch and a hint of tartness. Substitute with raisins if preferred.
Desiccated Coconut (Optional): Makes the log look beautiful and festive.
Tips for recipe success
- The longer it sets in the fridge, the better it tastes. Overnight is ideal and worth the wait.
- Don’t skip toasting the nuts – it enhances their flavor and adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Make sure the syrup is cooled slightly before mixing it with the biscuits to avoid a soggy texture.
Chocolate Biscuit Log
Course: DessertCuisine: RomanianDifficulty: Easy15
servings30
minutes2
hours214
kcalA festive Romanian classic dessert made with tea biscuits, cocoa, and toasted nuts, this Chocolate Biscuit Log is easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
250g tea biscuits
100g butter
100ml milk
90g sugar
50g cocoa powder
2 tsp rum extract
50g cashews
50g walnuts
20g dried cranberries
Optional: 30g shredded coconut
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Toast the cashews and walnuts on a baking tray for 10 minutes, until fragrant, then let them cool.
- Break the tea biscuits into small pieces (roughly 0.5 to 0.25 cm). Aim for varied sizes—some larger chunks will add visual appeal and texture to the log, but most of your biscuits should be fairly small or crushed completely for a cohesive mixture.
- In a saucepan, combine the butter, milk, sugar, and cocoa powder. Place over medium heat and whisk occasionally until the mixture thickens into a smooth, syrup-like consistency.
- Once it starts bubbling, remove from heat and stir in the rum extract. Let the syrup cool for 5–10 minutes.
- While the syrup is cooling, chop the nuts – coarsely for texture or finely for a smoother consistency.
- In a large bowl, mix the crushed biscuits, toasted nuts, and cranberries. Pour the cooled syrup over the mixture and stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface. Spoon the biscuit mixture onto the wrap, forming it into a log shape. Wrap tightly and roll the log on the counter to create a smooth, even shape.
- Transfer the wrapped log to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, until firm.
- Optionally, for a festive look, roll the chilled log in desiccated coconut before slicing.
- Slice into rounds and serve. Store any leftovers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Notes
- This recipe is very forgiving and easy to customize. Use your favorite nuts or dried fruits to make it your own.
- If you prefer a sweeter dessert, increase the sugar by 10–20g.
