This rocky road candy has a fudge-like texture and features the classic combination of decadent chocolate, salted peanuts and soft marshmallows.
Rocky Road Candy
Rocky road is a classic combination of decadent chocolate, salted nuts and soft marshmallows. It is actually unknown if the Rocky Road candy bar or ice cream sundae came around first. The name Rocky Road supposedly comes from the “rocky” appearance of the nuts and marshmallows in the candy. Although the flavors of the rocky road sundae may have been around long before the candy, it is suggested that it was not officially called a Rocky Road sundae until after the candy was introduced.
I was able to find a recipe for Rocky Road candy in my collection as early as 1936 that contained melted chocolate, walnuts and marshmallows. Early recipes seem to feature walnuts or pecans frequently, but salted peanuts have become more mainstream for this sweet, yet salty combination. This classic flavor combination continues to inspire many desserts, including the rocky road sundae that continues to be a favorite.
About this Recipe
The recipe for this Rocky Road candy was adapted from my a recipe in my cookbook collection. After doing some research, I found several versions only featured chocolate to coat the nuts and marshmallows and other versions called for the addition of peanut butter to be mixed with the chocolate. This non-peanut butter version is more like a soft chocolate fudge, filled with marshmallows and peanuts and contains only 5 ingredients: chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, butter, salted peanuts and marshmallows. This classic candy is great any time of the year, but would be a perfect to make around the Holiday season.
This candy recipe is simple to make and yields a standard 9″x13″ pan, which is about 16-20 servings. Chocolate and sweetened condensed milk are melted together on the stovetop. Then, this mixture is poured over the salted peanuts and marshmallows. It is then pressed into the pan and allowed to cool. I have seen versions of this recipe where it can be dropped from a spoon, similar to a no-bake cookie but pressing it into a pan saves a lot of time; simply cut into squares when cooled to serve.
Tips for Rocky Road Candy
- Lining the pan with parchment paper or foil allows for easy cleanup
- Use a high quality chocolate bar or chocolate chips for this recipe. Any type of chocolate will do – I like to use Guittard chocolate.
Made this recipe? Comment or rate below or @thetimelessbaker on Instagram or Pinterest!
Rocky Road Candy
Equipment
- 9"x13" baking pan
- parchment paper or foil
- medium sized saucepan
- large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 12 oz. high quality chocolate or chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups salted peanuts
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Line a 9"x13" standard pan with parchment paper or foil.
- In a medium sized saucepan over medium heat, 12 oz. high quality chocolate or chocolate chips 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk and 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter . Stir until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups salted peanuts and 3 cups mini marshmallows. Pour melted chocolate mixture over the salted peanuts and marshmallows and stir to evenly coat.
- Spread mixture into prepared pan. Chill at least 2 hours before cutting into 48 squares. Store in airtight container.
Notes
- Lining the pan with parchment paper or foil allows for easy cleanup
- Use a high quality chocolate bar or chocolate chips for this recipe