If you’ve ever dreamed of a melt-in-your-mouth treat bursting with chocolatey goodness, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy nuts, then this Rocky Road Fudge Recipe is your new best friend. It’s one of those desserts that instantly brings a smile, blending velvety semisweet chocolate with the soft chew of marshmallows and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. Whether you’re making it for a festive occasion, a family gathering, or just because you deserve a sweet indulgence, this Rocky Road Fudge Recipe promises to deliver on flavor, texture, and that comforting homemade vibe you crave.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need to make this fudge magic happen are some simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, chewy, and crunchy. These staples come together effortlessly, making sure your Rocky Road Fudge Recipe is as delicious as it is easy to prepare.
- Mini marshmallows (3 cups): They provide that signature chewy softness and sweet puffiness that defines rocky road.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (2½ cups): The rich chocolate base that melts smoothly and adds deep cocoa flavor.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): A little fat that gives the fudge a silky, smooth texture and richness.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces): The secret to creating that creamy, fudge-like consistency that binds everything together beautifully.
- Chopped walnuts (1 cup): Crunchy nuts bringing texture contrast and an earthy flavor to cut through the sweetness.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of warmth and aromatic depth to elevate the entire fudge.
How to Make Rocky Road Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Chill the Marshmallows and Prepare Your Pan
Pop those mini marshmallows into the freezer while you start your fudge adventure. This little trick helps keep them from melting too quickly once mixed in, so you get delightful pockets of marshmallow softness. Meanwhile, grease a 9×9-inch pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate, Butter, and Condensed Milk
Over medium heat, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan. Stir continuously with a spatula until everything melts into a luscious, smooth mixture. This is where the magic begins, turning these simple ingredients into the foundation of your Rocky Road Fudge Recipe.
Step 3: Stir In Walnuts and Vanilla
Once your chocolate mixture is silky and combined, fold in the chopped walnuts and vanilla extract. The nuts add a fantastic crunch, while the vanilla deepens the flavor, ensuring every bite is rich and perfectly balanced.
Step 4: Let the Mixture Cool Slightly
Give your fudge mixture a few minutes to cool down. This helps when you add the marshmallows so they don’t melt completely, preserving their chewy texture and the distinctiveness that makes rocky road so lovable.
Step 5: Add Most of the Chilled Marshmallows
Gently fold in 2½ cups of the chilled mini marshmallows. Be careful not to over-mix; you want the marshmallows to stay intact and create those delightful gooey pockets within the fudge.
Step 6: Pour the Mixture Into the Pan and Top with Remaining Marshmallows
Transfer the entire fudge mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of marshmallows onto the top for an adorable, pillowy finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 7: Chill Until Set
Now, patience is key—pop that pan into the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours so the fudge can set fully. This chilling step ensures you get firm yet creamy squares that hold their shape beautifully.
Step 8: Cut Into Squares and Enjoy
Finally, lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper edges, slice it into 16 generous squares, and get ready to savor every decadent bite of your handmade Rocky Road Fudge Recipe.
How to Serve Rocky Road Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic rocky road is irresistible on its own, you can dress it up with an extra sprinkle of chopped walnuts, a light dusting of cocoa powder, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for some show-stopping flair. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt also elevates the flavor by adding a subtle savory contrast.
Side Dishes
Rocky road fudge pairs beautifully with a cozy cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk. If you want to create a bigger dessert spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy combination of indulgent and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider cutting the fudge into fun shapes using cookie cutters for parties or gifting. Wrapping squares individually in decorative wax paper or cellophane tied with a ribbon makes for a heartfelt homemade gift your friends and family will treasure. You can even layer different flavored fudges in a clear box for a colorful Rocky Road Fudge Recipe assortment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cut, store your Rocky Road Fudge in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. It will keep its delicious texture and flavor for up to two weeks, making it perfect for prepping ahead or savoring little by little.
Freezing
If you want to keep your fudge longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When properly frozen, the fudge maintains its texture for up to three months and thaws quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
No need to reheat your Rocky Road Fudge Recipe to enjoy it; it’s meant to be eaten cold or at room temperature. However, if you prefer it softer, a few seconds in the microwave will warm it just enough to enhance that gooey texture without melting the marshmallows entirely.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even peanuts work wonderfully in this Rocky Road Fudge Recipe. Just make sure to chop them roughly for that classic crunch and texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips along with sweetened condensed coconut milk to create a dairy-free rocky road fudge that’s just as delicious.
Can I add other mix-ins to the fudge?
Definitely! Some people love adding dried cherries, shredded coconut, or even crushed cookies. Just keep the balance so the marshmallows and nuts can still shine through.
What’s the best way to cut the fudge for neat squares?
Using a sharp knife warmed slightly with hot water helps you cut clean, smooth squares without cracking or crumbling the fudge.
How long does the fudge need to chill before serving?
For the best texture, chilling the Rocky Road Fudge Recipe for at least 2 hours is ideal, but 3 hours ensures it’s fully set and easy to slice.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the full scoop on how to create this luscious Rocky Road Fudge Recipe, I encourage you to dive in and treat yourself to this timeless chocolate delight. It’s a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, guaranteed to brighten any day with its perfect combo of creamy chocolate, chewy marshmallows, and crunchy nuts. Enjoy every bite and share the love!
Print
Rocky Road Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Rocky Road Fudge recipe is a rich and indulgent dessert featuring a smooth chocolate base combined with sweet mini marshmallows, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of vanilla. Perfectly chilled to set into decadent squares, this fudge offers a delightful combination of creamy, chewy, and nutty textures that make it a classic treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 2½ cups semisweet chocolate chips (425 grams)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28 grams – ¼ stick)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (396 grams – 1 can)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
Add-ins
- 3 cups mini marshmallows (129 grams, divided)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (113 grams)
Instructions
- Chill Marshmallows: Place the marshmallows in the freezer to chill while you prepare the fudge. Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, unsalted butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously with a spatula until the chocolate has fully melted and the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Add Walnuts and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped walnuts and pure vanilla extract evenly throughout the fudge mixture.
- Cool Mixture: Let the chocolate mixture sit for a few minutes so it cools slightly, ensuring it does not immediately melt the marshmallows when combined.
- Combine Marshmallows: Gently fold 2½ cups of the chilled mini marshmallows into the cooled chocolate mixture until well distributed.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the entire fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Top the fudge with the remaining ½ cup of mini marshmallows for an attractive and chewy topping.
- Chill to Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for 2 to 3 hours or until the fudge is firm and set.
- Serve: Once set, remove the fudge from the pan by lifting the parchment paper, cut into 16 squares, and serve.
Notes
- Using parchment paper in the pan makes removing the fudge easier and cleaner.
- Ensure the chocolate mixture has slightly cooled before adding marshmallows to avoid melting them completely.
- Walnut pieces can be substituted with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- Store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a smoother fudge, you can briefly pulse the walnuts in a food processor before adding.
