Name: Rocky Road Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; 1 cup milk chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cups mini marshmallows; 1 1/2 cups roasted salted peanuts or chopped walnuts; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’re on the hunt for a no-fuss dessert that’s destined to be the star of every gathering, look no further than Rocky Road. This beloved classic is loaded with gooey marshmallows, crunchy salted nuts, and rich, velvety chocolate that meld together in the most delightful way. Each bite brings a nostalgic sense of comfort and a playful twist of textures, making it just as irresistible for adults as it is for kids. Whether you’re craving an afternoon pick-me-up or searching for the perfect treat to share, Rocky Road never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Rocky Road lies in its simplicity—every ingredient is carefully chosen to create the ideal balance of sweet, salty, soft, and crunchy. Gathering these pantry staples makes whipping up this dessert a breeze, while ensuring every square is absolutely packed with flavor and character.

Semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups): These provide a deep, bittersweet chocolate base that prevents the dessert from becoming overly sweet.
Milk chocolate chips (1 cup): Their creamy sweetness complements the semisweet chips, adding layers of chocolatey flavor and a smooth texture.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Butter gives the chocolate a glossy finish and silken mouthfeel, helping everything melt seamlessly together.
Mini marshmallows (2 cups): The star for pillowy softness, marshmallows add chewiness and a burst of nostalgia in every bite.
Roasted salted peanuts or chopped walnuts (1 1/2 cups): Nuts offer crunch and a touch of salt that brings balance—choose your favorite or mix both for extra personality.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors, subtly enhancing the chocolate and nuts.

How to Make Rocky Road

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a little overhang on the edges. This simple step guarantees easy lifting later—no sticking, no mess, just crisp, clean edges when it’s time to slice your Rocky Road squares.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, and the unsalted butter. Microwave in short 30-second intervals, stirring after each burst, until the mixture is glossy and completely smooth. Patience is key; gentle heat prevents scorching and ensures a creamy chocolate base.

Step 3: Stir in Vanilla

Add the vanilla extract to your melted chocolate mixture and stir well. This not only boosts the aroma, but pulls all the rich flavors together so every bite of your Rocky Road tastes thoughtfully finished.

Step 4: Fold in Marshmallows and Nuts

Let the chocolate mixture cool for a couple of minutes—just until it’s warm but not piping hot. Then gently fold in the mini marshmallows and your roasted salted peanuts or chopped walnuts. Try to stir just enough to coat everything evenly without melting those marshmallows away.

Step 5: Pour and Chill

Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth it into an even layer. Pop the pan in the fridge for about 2 hours, or until the Rocky Road is firm and set. This chill time ensures you get neat, crisp squares that hold together beautifully.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy

Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the Rocky Road block out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice into 16 generous squares—or smaller bites if you’re serving a crowd. Store extras in an airtight container in the fridge, if you can resist eating them all at once!

How to Serve Rocky Road

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving gives your Rocky Road a snow-kissed look, especially lovely for holiday platters. For more color, try sprinkling with a few extra mini marshmallows, a scattering of chopped nuts, or even colorful sprinkles for a party-perfect finish.

Side Dishes

Rocky Road is rich and indulgent on its own, so it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh seasonal fruit like strawberries or raspberries. For a cozy dessert spread, add a cup of hot cocoa or bold espresso; the creamy, chocolatey notes will echo in every yummy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the (baking) box by cutting Rocky Road into bars or triangles for a unique twist. For gifting, wrap individual squares in cellophane and tie with colorful ribbon. You can even turn Rocky Road into a dessert platter centerpiece, fortifying it with chocolate-dipped pretzels and pretty bowls of nuts or berries for a snacking extravaganza.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Rocky Road stores like a dream—just keep squares in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh and chewy for up to a week (though they rarely last that long!). A sheet of parchment between layers prevents sticking.

Freezing

Craving Rocky Road down the road? No problem! Pop your squares in a freezer-safe container, using parchment to separate the layers, and freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge so everything stays pleasantly soft and flavorful.

Reheating

Unlike brownies or cakes, Rocky Road is best served chilled or at room temperature. If it feels a bit too firm straight from the fridge, let it sit out for 10 minutes before serving. There’s no need to reheat—just savor the creamy, crunchy bliss as-is.

FAQs

Can I use different kinds of nuts in Rocky Road?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in almonds, cashews, pecans, or even pistachios for a fun flavor twist. You can also mix and match for extra color and crunch—Rocky Road is incredibly versatile.

Is there a way to make Rocky Road gluten-free?

Yes! Just double-check that your chocolate chips and marshmallows are gluten-free (most are, but it’s best to confirm the labels). Then, use gluten-free nuts and you’re all set to enjoy this treat without worries.

Can I add dried fruit for extra flavor?

Definitely! Chopped dried cherries, cranberries, or apricots add a sweet-tart pop that brightens up the chocolaty richness. Stir in about a half cup along with the marshmallows and nuts for a gourmet twist on classic Rocky Road.

Why is my Rocky Road mixture too thick to spread?

If the mixture seems stiff, the chocolate may have cooled a bit too much before folding in the marshmallows and nuts. No worries—just work quickly and gently. If needed, microwave the bowl for 10 seconds to soften the chocolate, then continue mixing.

What’s the best way to cut Rocky Road into neat squares?

For the cleanest slices, use a large, sharp knife and wipe it with a warm, damp cloth between cuts. Chilling the Rocky Road thoroughly also helps prevent crumbling, ensuring picture-perfect presentation every time.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a homemade batch of Rocky Road to any gathering is a surefire way to make new friends and spark smiles. It’s rich, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, making it a true staple in any dessert repertoire. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making Rocky Road for every special occasion (and plenty of everyday moments, too).

Rocky Road Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts with this easy-to-make Rocky Road recipe. Perfect for holiday gifting or a sweet treat any time of year!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Rocky Road:

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 1/2 cups roasted salted peanuts or chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the Chocolate Mixture: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Melt the semisweet and milk chocolate chips with butter in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract.
Add Mix-Ins: Fold in mini marshmallows and peanuts/walnuts. Spread the mixture in the pan and refrigerate until firm.
Serve: Cut into squares and store chilled.