Rocky Road candy is perfect for gift giving during the holidays. This is an easy chocolate candy recipe that you can put together in no time at all. It’s truly one of the easiest fudge-like treats that you can make!
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No bake rocky road candy
If you need a quick recipe, this no-bake Rocky Road candy recipe doesn’t need you to turn on the oven, making it simple to keep a batch on hand to spread some holiday cheer when your friends and relatives pop over. Or wrapped in a seasonal gift box, these candy bites make the perfect hostess gift. They are also ideal for adding to Easter baskets.
And there are only three ingredients – chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts.
And, if you want a real treat, serve your candy with vanilla ice cream for a luscious dessert!
Was the rocky road in Australia or America?
The earliest mention of the Rocky Road appears in 1853 during the Australian gold rush. Legend has it that Rocky Road was created to sell cookies that had spoiled during the long voyage from Europe. Once on Australian dry land, the spoiled cookies were combined with chocolate and nuts to disguise the not-so-tasty flavor.
According to the American story, Rocky Road Ice Cream was created in California in 1929 by William Dreyer. He cut up some walnuts and marshmallows and added them to chocolate ice cream. In reality, he was copying his partner’s candy concoction. After the 1929 stock market crash, the two named the flavor Rocky Road – “To give folks something to smile about in the midst of the Great Depression.”
Ingredients needed for rocky road
Here’s a list of what you need for this rocky road recipe:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Miniature marshmallows
- Chopped nuts
Ingredient notes and substitutions
Stay away from the candy melts because chocolate tastes best. Instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can use milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips.
I usually choose pecans or walnuts, but you can use whatever nuts you like best (or happen to have on hand).
Are you a fan of sweet and salty? This recipe is also terrific with salted peanuts. If you need a nut-free candy recipe, you can get the same salty crunch by using pretzel pieces.
How to make rocky road candy
- Melt the chocolate chips slowly in a double boiler over low heat or in the microwave using a microwave safe bowl.
- Place the marshmallows and pecans in a large bowl.
- Add the melted chocolate.
- Stir to combine.
- Scoop the chocolate mixture onto waxed or parchment paper and roll it into a log.
- Refrigerate for two hours.
- Remove the paper and slice the log into ½-inch pieces.
How to make rocky road candy bars
To make bars that are completely coated in chocolate, you will need bar-sized candy molds.
- Melt the chocolate and spoon halfway into each mold, coating the sides with a thin layer. Allow to cool a little, so the chocolate doesn’t melt the marshmallows.
- Sprinkle the mini marshmallows and chopped nuts over the cooled chocolate. Fill up the mold with more chocolate to cover them as completely as possible.
- Place the molds in the refrigerator until the chocolate is firm and unmold onto paper towels.
How to store rocky road candy
Store the candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Take it out of the fridge about an hour before serving it to get it to room temperature.
For longer storage, you can freeze the candy in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag. It will last up to 4 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Do you love homemade candy? Try these recipes!
- Almond Brittle
- Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls
- York Peppermint Patty
- Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark
- Fools Gold Candy
- Buttermilk Fudge
- Fannie Mae Candy
- Pecan Pralines Recipe
- DIY Truffles
- Homemade Twix Bar Recipe
Favorite Christmas desserts
Be sure to check out more of my easy candy recipes and the best Christmas recipes to make for your holiday celebration.
Rocky Road Candy
Ingredients
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 cups marshmallows (miniatures)
- 1/3 cups chopped nuts
Instructions
- Melt chocolate slowly in a double boiler or in the microwave. Add marshmallows and pecans. Scoop onto waxed paper. Roll into a log. Chill 2 hours. Slice into 1/2 inch pieces.
This makes a great gift for the holidays.