Rocky Road recipe| RecipeTin Eats (2024)

I love a good Rocky Road. I love the heftiness and endless versatility. Though, unsurprisingly, I have views on what makes a good one! Ratios matter. So here’s my Rocky Road recipe. It’s easy. And it’s oh-so-good.

Rocky Road recipe| RecipeTin Eats (1)

Rocky Road opinions

Rocky Road is about as simple as candy recipes get. Melt chocolate. Stir in add-ins of choice. Marshmallows, raspberries and peanuts are classic. Coconut is my must-have extra.

In other countries around the world (I’m in Australia, BTW!), cookies and dried fruit are common. And I’ve seen glacé cherries instead of raspberries.

No judgement. Rocky Road is a recipe to make your own!

The only firm view I have is to make sure there is enough add-ins. Rocky Road has heft to it, it’s not a thin, wimpy piece of candy. It’s a thick slab. Nobody wants to bite into an enormous block of plain chocolate. We want to sink our teeth into a delightful medley of textures – soft marshmallow, chewy raspberry, nutty crunch of peanuts.

So don’t skimp on add-ins!!

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What you need for Rocky Road

Here’s what you need to make my Rocky Road.

Chocolate – EASY OPTION

Use chips or melts for an easy option. Upgrade to block chocolate for premium. I use a combination of dark and milk chocolate to get the best of both worlds: chocolate flavour intensity plus creaminess of milk chocolate!

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Chocolate melts and chips are the easy option because there’s no chopping involved and they are made for easy melting. Equal amounts of both dark (US: semi-sweet) and milk chocolate is my favourite. You get the best of each type of chocolate: good chocolate flavour from the dark chocolate plus the creaminess of milk chocolate.

But feel free to use the combination you want!

PREMIUM CHOCOLATE

If you want to upgrade, for example, if you’re gifting or making to impress, use block chocolate instead. Lindt is my premium pick before moving into couverture (higher grade chocolate used by fine patisseries, chocolatiers etc), for flavour, quality and also it’s shiny because it’s tempered.

Plaistowe is probably the “best” in the baking aisle followed by Cadbury. And a couple of good US brands: Ghirardelli and Baker’s brand.

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As with the chips, I will typically use a combination of dark and milk chocolate though if using Lindt, I usually stick with just one type. For the sake of purity! 70% for grown ups, milk chocolate for all-rounder crowd pleaser.

If using chocolate block, you’ll need to chop it up before melting. The finer you chop, the easier it melts.

Note: Lindt is not cheap and you need 5 blocks. I stock up when they are steeply discounted. It happens every now and then!

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⚠️ Eating vs cooking chocolate

Whatever chocolate you choose, it is safest to source the chocolate from the baking aisle which is made for melting and cooking. Some chocolate from the confectionary aisle (ie for eating) is actually made to prevent it melting easily if, say, it’s sitting in a warm pantry, your car or handbag.. So they will not necessarily melt smoothly. They are also more prone to problems like seizing and burning if you use the microwave rather than a bain-marie (bowl over simmering water).

It’s not the end of the world for Rocky Road because we re-set the chocolate anyway, but it’d be highly risky to use in things like Chocolate Mousse. So if you know of eating chocolate brands that melt perfectly / you’ve nailed the art of melting Cadbury Milk Chocolate blocks, feel free to use it! But just be aware that chocolate from the baking aisle is safer for use in cooking!

The only exception is Lindt. This can be sourced from the chocolate confectionary aisle. It melts 100% perfectly. And did you know Lindt is already tempered so it’s natural shiny? Lindt is special! 🙂

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rocky road add-ins

And for the add-ins! Here’s what goes in mine. Classic Aussie Rocky Road – marshmallows, chewy raspberries and peanuts. Plus coconut. Reminiscent of retro Golden Rough (chocolate coconut candy here in Australia). Coconut isn’t always present in Rocky Road, but for me it’s a must!

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How to make Rocky Road

Hot contender for the world’s easiest candy recipe!

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  1. Melt chocolate in 30 second bursts, stirring in between.

  2. Stir until smooth. (Hot tip – use a chopstick during the initial stirring phases. Easier – and less surface area for chocolate to stick to. Switch to rubber spatula towards the end).

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  1. Stir through add-ins.

  2. Spread in a 20cm/8″ paper lined square pan.

  3. Refrigerate for 3 hours (or overnight, or days!) until fully firm.

  4. Cut – Remove from the fridge 30 minutes prior to cutting into pieces. I cut into 5 bars, then into smaller pieces if serving to eat, and larger pieces if gifting.

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Rocky Road recipe| RecipeTin Eats (13)

Tell me your Gold Standard Rocky Road!

Thinking back, I’m pretty sure that the vast majority of the time I make Rocky Road is for gifting. Which is not surprising. Rocky Road is a sizeable piece of candy. There’s no such thing as a small nibble. Even breaking off a “small” hunk is a decent mouthful! Unlike, for example, my current favourite small-form candy to have around the house which allows me to take a small guilt-free nibble when the craving hits. (Never mind that I go back to the jar 10 times a day).

What about you? Is Rocky Road a gifting recipe? For parties? Or are you a committed candy monster who will make this for yourself?

But more importantly – SHARE YOUR GOLD STANDARD ROCKY ROAD add-ins!! I bet you make a killer Rocky Road! – Nagi x

Watch how to make it

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Rocky Road

Author: Nagi

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Chilling: 3 hours hrs

Total: 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Candy

Australian, Western

4.95 from 34 votes

Servings12

Tap or hover to scale

Print

Recipe video above. I love a good Rocky Road. I love the heftiness and endless versatility of add-ins. Though, unsurprisingly, I have views on what makes a good one! Ratios matter. Too much chocolate and not enough add-ins is not good! So here's my Rocky Road recipe. Super easy. 🙂

Use chips or melts for an easy option. Upgrade to Lindt for premium. Excellent food gift. Think – Christmas, birthdays, thank you, get well present.

Ingredients

Chocolate (read Note 1!):

  • 225 – 250g / 8 oz dark chocolate melts or chips (1 1/2 cups) or block, chopped (US: semi-sweet chips)
  • 225 – 250g / 8 oz milk chocolate melts or chips (1 1/2 cups) or block, chopped (or more dark choc)
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil or any plain flavoured oil (prevents cracking, adds bit of sheen, Note 2)

Nagi’s Rocky Road Add-ins (Note 3):

  • 3 cups marshmallows, pink and white , most cut in half (firmly pack the cups!)
  • 3/4 cup raspberry lollies , halved
  • 1/3 cup desiccated coconut (or flakes), unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts , very roughly chopped (ie almost just halved)

Instructions

  • Line a 20cm/8" square pan with baking paper (parchment paper).

  • Melt chocolate – Place chocolate and oil in a bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.

  • Add-ins – Stir the Add-ins into the chocolate. Pour into pan, spreading out evenly.

  • Refrigerate for 3 hours or until fully cool.

  • Cut – Remove from the fridge 30 minutes prior to cutting. I cut into 5 lines, then into hunks for eating or larger pieces for gifting!

Recipe Notes:

1. Chocolate options – using melts or chips is the easiest. No chop, and made for easy melting! Dark and milk chocolate combo is my favourite. Cadbury bags are 225g hence the amount.

Premium upgrade to block: Lindt (best before getting into couverture), Plaistowe, and a couple of good US brands: Ghirardelli and Baker’s brand. 70% cocoa for grown-ups, or 50/50 combo of milk and dark. Finely chop with knife then melt. More info in post!

Whatever you choose, it is safest to source the chocolate from the baking aisle which is designed for melting/cooking. Not all chocolate from the confectionary aisle (ie eating chocolate) will melt smoothly or easily, and some are prone to seizing / burning unless using a bain-marie. (Read blue block in post for more info!). But if you have used eating chocolate before and know brands that melt fine, by all means go ahead!

2. Oil – insurance policy to prevent cracking when cutting, and adds a bit of shininess to the chocolate.

3. These are my classic add-ins. Coconut is essential! Reminiscent of Golden Rough, a retro favourite. But…. you can use whatever you want. 🙂 Biscuits, any other nuts, dried fruit, glace cherries. Add as much as you want as long as there is enough chocolate to coat everything.

PS I usually don’t bother cutting the raspberries and marshmallows in half. But when gifting, I do. Just better dispersem*nt.

4. Keeps for weeks and weeks! Refrigerate if hot where you are.

Nutrition per serving, assuming 12 servings.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 387cal (19%)Carbohydrates: 47g (16%)Protein: 4g (8%)Fat: 21g (32%)Saturated Fat: 12g (75%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 2mg (1%)Sodium: 20mg (1%)Potassium: 265mg (8%)Fiber: 4g (17%)Sugar: 34g (38%)Vitamin A: 19IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 28mg (3%)Iron: 3mg (17%)

Keywords: rocky road, rocky road recipe

Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

Life of Dozer

Back to the vet for another check up with ongoing tummy issues. 😢 Clearly he’s gotten into something he shouldn’t have – again! It’s been over a week now, so I’m a little worried so I took him to the vet again. He’s had various blood tests and all have come back clear.

Here he is, wondering if the bandage is edible (the bandage was for the blood test patch).

Rocky Road recipe| RecipeTin Eats (15)

For now he’s on a strict gastro-intestinal dog food diet. No treats, no taste testing, not even a drizzle of canned fish juices to make the dry food more interesting.

He’s so unimpressed with this new diet! Hopefully it won’t be for too long and he’ll bounce back to his normal self.

Rocky Road recipe| RecipeTin Eats (2024)

FAQs

What are the main ingredients in Rocky Road? ›

Rocky road ice cream is a chocolate-flavored ice cream. Though there are variations from the original flavor, it traditionally comprises chocolate ice cream, nuts, and whole or diced marshmallows.

How long does homemade Rocky Road last in the fridge? ›

Rocky Road is best kept in the fridge but you can enjoy it at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or at room temperature for 1-2 weeks. It can also be frozen, just let it come up to room temperature before eating.

What nut is in Rocky Road? ›

This rich chocolate ice cream loaded with almonds and heaps of miniature marshmallows is a classic favorite that's fun to share.

What's the difference between Tiffin and Rocky Road? ›

In the UK, you might hear Rocky Road referred to as 'tiffin'. British tiffin tends to focus more on a medley of dried fruits nestled into the chocolate base. In contrast, American Rocky Road usually includes marshmallows and nuts.

Does Rocky Road contain raisins? ›

This rocky road recipe is easy: just stir marshmallows, nuts, raisins and biscuits into melted chocolate. The hard bit is waiting for it to set… If biscuit, marshmallow and chocolate is your thing, you have to give our Tunnock's teacake traybake a try.

What is the red jelly in Rocky Road? ›

Our original Rocky Road is still as popular as ever with sweet marshmallows, crunchy nuts and red wine jelly covered in delicious milk chocolate. Hide it somewhere if you don't want to share! Ingredients: Milk chocolate, marshmallows, red wine jelly, peanuts, almonds.

Why is my Rocky Road greasy? ›

Be careful heating your chocolate – If you find that your rocky road is a bit greasy or the chocolate is feels grainy the the chocolate has possibly seized; this usually occurs when the chocolate is overheated.

Can you freeze Rocky? ›

You can store them in the refrigerator but you may find that over time they start to go a little more chewy as the marshmallows will start to dissolve slightly and the amaretti can soften a little (due to fridges being cold but generally very slightly damp) but will still be fine to eat. You can also freeze the bars.

What is in Blue Bell rocky road? ›

A rich, dark chocolate ice cream generously sprinkled with chopped, roasted almonds and miniature marshmallows.

What's in Baskin-Robbins rocky road? ›

Cream, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Skim Milk, Marshmallows (Corn Syrup, Sugar, Modified Cornstarch, Gelatin), Roasted Almonds (Almonds, Safflower Oil or Canola Oil), Cocoa and Chocolate Liquor processed with alkali, Whey Powder, Emulsifier/Stabilizer (Cellulose Gum, Mono and Diglycerides, Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Polysorbate 80).

What's the difference between rocky road and Heavenly Hash? ›

They are both very similar. However, Rocky Road is a little chunkier using larger peanuts and actual marshmallow chunks. On the other hand, heavenly hash has extra added Chocolate. Rocky road is a more common flavor in your average U.S. ice cream shop.

What should you not do when melting chocolate? ›

An important step to remember: Keep the chocolate dry

Chocolate and water don't go together. Even a small splash of water in your melting chocolate will cause it to seize, becoming stiff and grainy instead of smooth and silky.

What can you add to chocolate to make it smoother? ›

Cocoa butter is the best option as it's the natural fat present in chocolate. Alternatively, you can use a bit of vegetable oil or shortening. Start by adding just a small amount (a teaspoon for every 100 grams of chocolate should suffice), stir it in, and see if the chocolate is thin enough for your needs.

What is Rocky Road candy made of? ›

Rocky Road is about as simple as candy recipes get. Melt chocolate. Stir in add-ins of choice. Marshmallows, raspberries and peanuts are classic.

What are the ingredients in Rocky Road Swensen? ›

INGREDIENTS. Water, sugar, milk fat, skimmed milk powder, glucose syrup, dark chocolate, cocoa powder, chocolate sauce, diced almonds, marshmallow, permitted colouring, permitted stabilizers and emulsifier.

What are the ingredients in Annabelle's Rocky Road original? ›

Milk Confectionery Coating (sugar, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, lactose, cocoa powder, whey powder, nonfat milk powder, soy lecithin, natural flavors), Cashews, Sorbitol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils (coconut and soybean), Gelatin, Glycerin, Salt, Artificial Flavors, Milk Chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, unsweetened ...

What's the difference between Rocky Road and Heavenly Hash? ›

They are both very similar. However, Rocky Road is a little chunkier using larger peanuts and actual marshmallow chunks. On the other hand, heavenly hash has extra added Chocolate. Rocky road is a more common flavor in your average U.S. ice cream shop.

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