Rich and decadent rocky road fudge is easy to make in the microwave and loaded with mini marshmallows and nuts. It’s indulgent with sweet, salty, crunchy and chewy taste.
This rocky road fudge is everything I love about rocky road candy but in a rich chocolate fudge! It’s perfect for a homemade Christmas treat gift for neighbors or on a holiday treat platter.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Rocky road fudge can be prepped in less than 15 minutes with only 6 ingredients, even my kids could do it!
- No bake: Just like Oreo balls, coconut balls and truffles this fudgy rocky road recipe doesn’t heat up the house or make a kitchen mess.
- Classic flavor combination: Chocolate, marshmallows and nuts, if you loved rocky road ice cream as a kid, you will love this easy rocky road fudge.
Ingredient Notes
- Chocolate chips: I used semi-sweet chocolate chips but milk chocolate chips can be used as well.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Not half and half, not heavy cream and not evaporated milk, check the label, it must be sweetened condensed milk.
- Butter: Salted butter. If you only have unsalted butter, that is okay, just add a pinch of salt.
- Vanilla extract: This balances the rich flavors in the dessert.
- Mini marshmallows: Large marshmallows will work but will need to be cut into 4 pieces.
- Chopped nuts: I used almonds, but peanuts are traditional in rocky road. You can also use walnuts or pecans.
How to Make Rocky Road Fudge
In a large microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter. Microwave 1 minute at 50% power then stir and microwave another 30 seconds.
Quickly stir in vanilla, marshmallows and nuts.
Pour into the parchment paper lined 8×8 baking dish and press down in an even layer. Press extra marshmallows or nuts on top if desired then refrigerate until set.
Slice into 4 squares. Then slice each square into 9 squares to create 36 squares of the creamy chocolate fudge.
Tips and Variations
- Freeze the marshmallows. Chill the marshmallows in a single layer on a baking sheet. Frozen marshmallows won’t melt when adding them to the hot chocolate mixture.
- Stovetop: If you prefer not to use a microwave, you can add chocolate to a double boiler on the stovetop to melt.
- Smaller batch. This easy rocky road fudge is so decadent! If you want, you can halve the recipe and make it in a loaf pan.
- Slice small. A little goes a long way with this decadent fudge that is very rich and chocolatey!
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
- Make ahead: This rocky road fudge can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for a few weeks. Place parchment paper or wax paper between the layers.
- Freeze: Store this easy fudge recipe in the freezer up to two months. Thaw before serving. I love to keep a few different varieties of fudge on hand during the holiday season to package in boxes with ribbon for an instant handmade gift.
More fudge recipes to try include this original fantasy fudge recipe or eggnog fudge. Crockpot candy is another holiday favorite!
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Rocky Road Fudge Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (can also use milk chocolate)
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup salted butter , sliced
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups mini marshmallows , plus more for top if desired
- ¾ cup chopped nuts , see notes
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Lightly butter and set aside.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, add 3 cups chocolate chips, 1 can condensed milk, and 1/4 cup butter. Microwave 1 minute at 50% power. Stir and microwave another 30 seconds or until the chocolate has melted. Be careful not to over cook or it will become grainy.
- Quickly stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 cups marshmallows and 3/4 cup nuts. Pour into the baking dish and press down with a spatula or piece of parchment paper. Press extra marshmallows or nuts on top if desired. Refrigerate until set.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Slice into 4 squares. Then slice each square into 9 squares to create 36 squares.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Candy + Fudge, Christmas, Desserts, Gluten-Free, Reader Favorites
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Can this be made on stovetop to melt ingredients?? I don’t have a microwave
Yes that will work, here are some tips on how to melt chocolate if needed.
Oh my goodness it was fantastic!! So easy to make and was a hit at the party that I took it to!
I’m so glad you and your friends at the party loved it! The rocky road fudge goes fast, it’s so delicious :)
I had roasted, salted almonds on hand, so I used those. Turned out fantastic! Next time I want to try it with peanuts.
That sounds delicious Kara! Thanks for sharing :)
This is such a perfect holiday treat!! Totally irresistible! Thanks so much for sharing!