Easy No-Bake Rocky Road: Celebrate National Rocky Road Day
There’s something magical about Rocky Road it’s nostalgic, sweet, and packed with chewy, crunchy, chocolatey goodness in every bite. I’ve made this treat countless times for birthdays, potlucks, and little family celebrations, and it never fails to bring smiles all around.
You’ll love making it with kids or whipping up a quick dessert for the weekend, this recipe is wonderfully simple and totally irresistible. It’s the perfect no-bake dessert to celebrate National Rocky Road Day!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Treat
This rocky road is the ultimate crowd-pleaser: it’s sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy all in one bite. No baking required, super quick to throw together, and endlessly customizable. It’s the kind of recipe that’s fun to make with kids and makes a perfect sweet gift or party snack.
Simple Ingredients
Here’s what makes this treat so special:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt down to make the perfect rich chocolate base just sweet enough without being overwhelming.
- Mini marshmallows: Their soft, chewy texture is the signature bite in every Rocky Road square.
- Salted peanuts: A little salt balances out the sweetness and gives a satisfying crunch.
- Butter: Helps everything melt together smoothly and adds a creamy finish.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash enhances the overall flavor and adds a warm note.
Recipe Details
- Servings: 16 squares
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (stovetop)
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
What is Needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup salted peanuts
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips and butter together until smooth and fully melted. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly (just a few minutes), then fold in the salted peanuts and mini marshmallows until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into a parchment-lined square baking dish and press it gently into an even layer.
- Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until fully set and firm to the touch.
- Once set, lift out of the pan using the parchment and cut into squares.
Top Tips
- Let the chocolate cool just a little before adding marshmallows to prevent them from melting too much.
- Use parchment paper to make it super easy to lift and cut the bars.
- Chill thoroughly so you get clean, sharp edges when slicing.
- Get the kids involved mixing in the marshmallows and peanuts is the fun part!
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Swap salted peanuts for almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
- Add dried cherries or cranberries for a fruity twist.
- Mix in crushed graham crackers for extra texture.
- Use white chocolate or dark chocolate for a different base flavor.
Recommended Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Rubber spatula
- Square baking pan (8×8)
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Refrigerator
Make Ahead Tips
You can make Rocky Road up to 3 days ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to slice and serve.
How to Store and Reheat
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. No reheating needed just bring to room temp before serving for softer texture.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Serve Rocky Road with a tall glass of milk, fresh fruit on the side, or as part of a larger dessert platter. It’s also fun with coffee or hot cocoa!
What You Need to Know About This Recipe
Rocky Road is a kid-approved, crowd-favorite, no-bake dessert that’s ready in minutes and always delivers. It’s gluten-free (just check your marshmallows and chocolate chips), and it travels really well, making it ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or gifting. Perfect for summer when you don’t want to turn on the oven!
Rocky Road has a sweet bit of history. It originated in the United States during the Great Depression as a way to bring joy during tough times by combining affordable ingredients like chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts into a fun, comforting treat. The name “rocky road” was meant to reflect the difficult economic path ahead, with a sweet twist of hope.
Rocky Road
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Rubber spatula
- Square baking pan (8×8)
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate and butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips and butter together until smooth and fully melted. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Add vanilla extract: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix in peanuts and marshmallows: Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly (just a few minutes), then fold in the salted peanuts and mini marshmallows until evenly coated.
- Spread into pan: Pour the mixture into a parchment-lined square baking dish and press it gently into an even layer.
- Chill until set: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until fully set and firm to the touch.
- Cut and serve: Once set, lift out of the pan using the parchment and cut into squares.
Notes
- Be sure to let the chocolate mixture cool slightly before adding the marshmallows.
- Store leftovers chilled for best texture.
- Easily doubled for a larger crowd.
One-Pot Cooking Rocks!
Michelle
Hi, I’m Michelle, the founder, owner, author, and editor of OvenSpot. My passion for one-pot cooking commenced when I was working to prepare cafeteria lunches for school students. I am now on a mission to assist you in choosing the cooking pot or appliance you will use daily. As well as in-depth information to assist you in using and caring for your cookware and appliances. Along with the yummy recipes I use at home.
Questions? Reach out to Michelle at [email protected]