Take your chocolate cravings to the next level with this Dark Chocolate Rocky Road Candy. This easy no-bake dessert comes together in minutes with just four simple ingredients and makes a perfect treat for gift-giving or a cozy night in.
During the holidays my mom always made treats to share, and rocky road candy was one of my favorites. A few years ago I developed a richer, slightly more gourmet dark chocolate version that includes flaky sea salt and chopped marshmallows. The combination of deep chocolate, airy marshmallows and toasted almonds is irresistible.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Packed with dark chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, toasted almonds and a touch of sea salt — crunchy, chocolatey and utterly satisfying.
- Only four ingredients and no baking required, so it comes together fast.
- Stores well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it great for gifts.
- Easily customizable: swap chocolates or nuts to suit your taste.
Recipe ingredients
Most rocky road recipes use sweetened condensed milk and butter, but this version focuses on chocolate and keeps the ingredient list short. You’ll need only four main items, many of which you likely already have in your pantry.
- Chocolate — I use dark chocolate for a rich flavor, but semi-sweet, milk chocolate or a mix will work.
- Marshmallows — Homemade marshmallows elevate the texture, but mini store-bought marshmallows are a perfectly good shortcut.
- Coconut oil — A tablespoon helps thin and soften the melted chocolate so it coats the mix evenly. You may substitute melted butter or another neutral oil if preferred.
- Almonds — Toasted, chopped almonds add crunch. Substitute walnuts, peanuts, hazelnuts or macadamia nuts to suit your taste.
- Flaky sea salt — Optional but recommended to brighten the chocolate flavor.
How to make this recipe
Rocky road candy is straightforward and forgiving. The most time-consuming step is waiting for the chocolate to set.
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil and set aside.
- Place chocolate and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler). Stir until melted and smooth, about 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add chopped marshmallows and nuts, and stir until everything is well coated with chocolate.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top if using.
- Let the candy set uncovered at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours. Once firm, cut into squares or bars and enjoy.
FAQs
What ingredients do you need for rocky road?
Traditional rocky road often includes chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, butter, marshmallows and nuts. This recipe skips condensed milk and focuses on pure chocolate flavor with marshmallows and nuts.
What type of nuts are used in rocky road?
Almonds are common, but you can use walnuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts or any favorites you prefer.
How do you make rocky road in the microwave?
Place chocolate and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Stir, then continue in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Proceed with the recipe as directed.
How long will rocky road last in the fridge?
Store homemade rocky road in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 weeks.
Recipe notes
- Use a good-quality chocolate for the best results. Baking wafers or high-quality chips that melt smoothly will give a silky texture.
- If dark chocolate is too intense, substitute semi-sweet or milk chocolate, or use a mix to balance bitterness and sweetness.
- Homemade marshmallows add a light, fresh texture; store-bought mini marshmallows are a convenient alternative.
- Swap the almonds for your preferred nuts: walnuts, peanuts, macadamia or hazelnuts all work well.
- Rocky road keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three weeks.
More chocolate recipes you’ll love:
- Chocolate ganache
- Chocolate mousse
- Chocolate peanut butter fudge
- Chocolate truffles
- Dark chocolate crownies
- German chocolate brownies
- Homemade peanut butter cups
- Peanut butter brownies
Did you try this recipe? If so, please leave a review below and tag @flavorthemoments on social media so I can see what you made!
Dark Chocolate Rocky Road Candy
Servings: 16
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 5 mins | Additional Time: 2 hrs | Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Dark Chocolate Rocky Road Candy is an easy homemade candy that comes together quickly with only four ingredients.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dark chocolate baking wafers or chocolate chips*
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (may substitute melted butter or neutral oil)
- 2 cups chopped homemade or store-bought marshmallows
- 1 cup chopped roasted almonds or your favorite nuts
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with foil or parchment paper and set aside.
- Fill a pan with about 2 inches of water and bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low.
- Place the chocolate and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl and set it over the simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth, about 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped marshmallows and nuts until evenly coated with chocolate.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, spread evenly, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Allow to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours. Once set, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- I often use 12 ounces of bittersweet baking wafers for their meltability, or an 11.5-ounce bag of extra-dark chocolate chips.
- To melt chocolate in the microwave: combine chocolate and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl. Microwave 1 minute, stir, then continue in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Homemade marshmallows elevate the texture, but store-bought mini marshmallows are a quick alternative.
- Rocky road stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 weeks.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 square • Calories: 194 kcal • Carbohydrates: 19 g • Protein: 4 g • Fat: 12 g • Saturated Fat: 7 g • Cholesterol: 1 mg • Sodium: 173 mg • Fiber: 2 g • Sugar: 11 g
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is intended as a guideline only.
All recipes and images © Flavor the Moments.
Note: This post was originally published December 2018. The text has been updated for clarity and step-by-step photos have been added.