Take your chocolate cravings to the next level with this Dark Chocolate Rocky Road Candy! This is an easy no bake dessert recipe that comes together in minutes with only 4 ingredients!

stack of rocky road candy

During the holidays, my mom spent countless hours preparing treats to give away as gifts to family and friends. Rocky road candy was something that she made every year, and I always looked forward to it.

I came up with this rather gourmet dark chocolate version a few years ago, which is complete with sea salt and homemade marshmallows.

It’s completely next level, and addicting for a chocolate lover like me.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • This rocky road candy recipe is packed with dark chocolate, sea salt, fluffy marshmallows and toasted almonds. It’s crunchy, chocolatey and utterly addictive.
  • It comes together in minutes with only 4 ingredients.
  • It keeps for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and is great for gift giving!
  • This recipe can be customized with your favorite chocolate and nuts.
Squares of homemade rocky road on parchment paper

Recipe ingredients

Most rocky road candy recipes contain sweetened condensed milk and butter, but I’ve cut them out to reduce the sugar and fat, and make this recipe all about the chocolate.

There are only FOUR ingredients in this recipe, most of which you already have on hand.

  • Chocolate. I used dark chocolate in the rocky road candy recipe, but you can use milk, semi-sweet or a combination.
  • Marshmallows. I used my homemade marshmallows in this recipe, and it really elevated this rocky road! If you don’t have time to make your own, purchase store bought marshmallows.
  • Coconut oil. The coconut oil helps to thin the chocolate out a bit so that it’s easier to mix with the other ingredients.  It also helps “soften” the chocolate — without it the chocolate will be more like bark and will be harder to bite into. Feel free to substitute the coconut oil with melted butter if you don’t have any on hand.
  • Almonds. The almonds may be substituted with your favorite nuts such as walnuts or peanuts.
  • Sea salt. The sea salt is optional, but I recommend it as it brings out the chocolate flavor even more.

How to make this recipe

Rocky road candy is extremely easy to make. All you need is 4 simple ingredients and a few minutes of time. The hardest part is waiting for it to set!

Rocky road candy in pan
  • Place the chocolate and coconut oil in a heat proof bowl placed in simmering water and stir until melted.
  • Add the marshmallows and chopped nuts, and stir until well coated with the chocolate.
  • Pour the mixture into an 8×8″ baking dish lined with parchment paper or foil and spread evenly.  Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and allow to set uncovered at room temperature or in the fridge for 1-2 hours.  Once set, cut into bars.

FAQs

What ingredients do you need for rocky road?

Homemade rocky road candy typically includes chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, butter, marshmallows and nuts.  I eliminated the condensed milk in order to minimize sugar and maximize that dark chocolate flavor.

What type of nuts are used in rocky road?

Almonds are typically used in rocky road candy, but you may substitute them with your favorite nuts.

How do you make rocky road in the microwave?

Place the chocolate and coconut oil in a heat proof bowl and heat for 1 minute in the microwave.  Stir well, then continue to heat for 30 second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and continue as directed.

How long will rocky road last in the fridge?

Homemade rocky road candy will last for 2-3 weeks stored in an air tight container in the fridge.  

Recipe notes

  • Use a good quality chocolate in this recipe for best results.  I love using Guittard Organic Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Wafers for their meltability, or I’ve also used Guittard Extra Dark Chocolate Chips with great results as well.
  • If dark chocolate is too strong for you, it may be substituted with semi-sweet, milk chocolate or a combination.
  • Homemade marshmallows really elevate this recipe, but store bought marshmallows work if you’re pressed for time.
  • The almonds may be replaced with your favorite nuts.  Walnuts, peanuts, macadamia or hazelnuts are all great options.
Squares of rocky road candy on parchment paper

More chocolate recipes you’ll love:

Did you try this recipe?  If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram

stack of rocky road candy

Dark Chocolate Rocky Road Candy

Servings: 16 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Additional Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Dark Chocolate Rocky Road Candy is an easy homemade candy recipe that comes together in minutes with only 4 ingredients!
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Ingredients

  • 12 ounces dark chocolate baking wafers or chocolate chips*
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil may be substituted with the same amount of neutral flavored oil or butter
  • 2 cups homemade marshmallows, chopped substitute with store bought mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup chopped roasted almonds or your favorite nuts
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt such as [Maldon]

Instructions 

  • Line an 8×8″ baking dish with foil or parchment paper and set aside.
  • Fill a sauté pan with 2 inches of water and heat over medium heat until simmering, then turn the heat down to low.
  • Place the chocolate and coconut oil in a heat proof bowl and place the bowl in the simmering water. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and add the marshmallows and chopped nuts, then stir until well coated with the chocolate.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and allow to set uncovered in the fridge or room temperature for 1-2 hours. Once set, cut into bars and enjoy!

Notes

  • *I normally use 12 ounces Guittard Bittersweet Baking Wafers for their meltability or an 11.5 ounce bag of Guittard Extra Dark Chocolate Chips.  Dark chocolate may be substituted with semi-sweet, milk chocolate or a combination.
  • Melt the chocolate in the microwave instead of a double boiler! Place chocolate and coconut oil in a heat proof bowl and heat for 1 minute. Stir well, then heat for 30 second intervals, stirring in between until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Continue as directed.
  • Homemade marshmallows really elevate this recipe, but store bought marshmallows work if you’re pressed for time.
  • The almonds may be replaced with your favorite nuts.  Walnuts, peanuts, macadamia or hazelnuts are all great options.
  • Rocky road candy keeps for 2-3 weeks stored in an air tight container in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving: 1square, Calories: 194kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 173mg, Potassium: 198mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 88mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Marcie
All recipes and images © Flavor the Moments.
Did you try this recipe?Be sure to tag @flavorthemoments with the hashtag #flavorthemoments on Instagram so I can see what you made!

**This post was originally published December 2018. The text has been updated to be more informative and step by step photos have been added.

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