If you’re on the hunt for a delightfully indulgent treat that combines rich chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy nuts, look no further than this Rocky Road Fudge Recipe. Bursting with texture and flavor, this classic dessert hits all the right notes with its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate and the playful bites of peanuts and marshmallows. Whether you’re making it for a festive occasion or a cozy night in, this Rocky Road Fudge Recipe is sure to become one of your favorite sweet escapes. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up, making it a perfect recipe to enjoy with friends or family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pan with light wood handles sits on a black stovetop, placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan are three main layers: a creamy light beige liquid forming the base, a thick smooth layer of melted brown chocolate spread in a circular patch on the left side, and a pile of small, dark brown chocolate chips clustered on the right side. Around the pan on the white marbled surface are small white marshmallows in a white bowl, some scattered walnuts, and a few loose chocolate chips. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All you need for this Rocky Road Fudge Recipe are a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together seamlessly to create magic in every bite. Each element plays its part — smooth chocolate gives it richness, sweetened condensed milk makes the fudge luscious and creamy, the mini marshmallows add that classic squishy fun, and peanuts bring a satisfying crunch.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The foundation for a rich and velvety fudge base; choose good quality for the best flavor.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds smoothness and sweetness, helping the chocolate melt evenly and stay creamy.
Mini marshmallows: Bring soft, pillowy texture and a lovely chewiness to contrast the chocolate.
Peanuts: Offer a salty, crunchy bite that balances the sweetness and enhances the rocky road character.

How to Make Rocky Road Fudge Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper or lightly greased aluminum foil. This step makes it super easy to lift the fudge out later without sticking, so your squares will come out perfectly neat every time.

Step 2: Combine Chocolate and Condensed Milk

In a large heatproof bowl, pour in the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Give them a good stir to coat all the chips with milk, setting the stage for that luscious, gooey texture we’ll be aiming for.

Step 3: Microwave and Stir

Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on medium power for one minute. When the timer goes off, pull the bowl out and stir well to encourage the chocolate to melt evenly.

Step 4: Repeat Until Smooth

Keep microwaving in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until the chocolate is just about melted. Finish stirring until the mixture is silky and smooth with no lumps — this is what makes your fudge irresistibly creamy.

Step 5: Fold in Peanuts and Marshmallows

Gently stir in the peanuts and mini marshmallows. Be mindful if your fudge mixture is very hot, as it can melt the marshmallows slightly, giving you a swirled effect that’s still delicious and uniquely fun.

Step 6: Transfer to Pan and Chill

Pour or spoon the mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Let it sit at room temperature for about two hours or place in the fridge for a quicker firm set of around 60 minutes.

Step 7: Cut and Enjoy

Once firm, lift the fudge out using the parchment or foil overhang. Slice into generous squares and marvel at those inviting layers of chocolate, gooey marshmallow, and crunchy peanuts.

How to Serve Rocky Road Fudge Recipe

The image shows two square pieces of chocolate fudge stacked on top of each other. Each piece has a dark brown chocolate base mixed with white marshmallows and light brown peanut pieces embedded inside. The fudge has a slightly rough texture on the top and the sides, showing the nuts and marshmallows clearly. The squares are placed on a white paper on a wooden surface, with a blurred glass of milk in the background and another white plate holding more fudge pieces. The overall look is rich and chunky, with a clear contrast between the dark chocolate, white marshmallows, and tan peanuts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Although this Rocky Road Fudge Recipe shines on its own, you can sprinkle a few extra chopped peanuts on top before chilling or add a light dusting of cocoa powder to elevate the presentation. For festive occasions, a drizzle of white chocolate can create a beautiful contrast and extra texture.

Side Dishes

This fudge pairs beautifully with a simple cup of rich coffee or a glass of cold milk. If you’re serving it as part of a larger dessert platter, think about including some fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance the richness and cleanse the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make your Rocky Road Fudge Recipe stand out? Cut it into bite-sized cubes, then skewer a piece on a decorative stick for a fun fudge pops treat. Wrapping individual squares in colorful parchment paper also makes these perfect for gifting or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps preserve that perfect soft-chewy texture without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy Rocky Road Fudge Recipe longer, freezing is your friend. Wrap the fudge tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months frozen without losing its signature flavor and texture.

Reheating

When thawing, let the fudge sit at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving. Avoid microwaving leftover fudge directly as it might change the texture — this dessert is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use nuts other than peanuts in this Rocky Road Fudge Recipe?

Absolutely! Almonds, walnuts, or pecans all make delicious substitutions if you want a different crunch or are catering to nut preferences.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can try using dairy-free chocolate chips and a vegan condensed milk substitute, but keep in mind the texture might be slightly different since sweetened condensed milk plays a key role here.

How long does Rocky Road Fudge Recipe take to set?

It generally takes about two hours at room temperature or just one hour in the fridge for the fudge to firm up perfectly and be ready to cut.

Can I make this fudge on the stovetop instead of microwave?

Definitely! You can gently melt the chocolate chips with condensed milk in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler) for smooth results if you prefer not to use the microwave.

What’s the best way to cut the fudge without it sticking?

Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This helps make clean cuts, preventing the fudge from sticking and tearing.

Final Thoughts

Making this Rocky Road Fudge Recipe is like creating a little piece of joy that’s rich in flavor and packed with fun textures. It’s easy enough for beginners yet satisfying for anyone craving a classic treat. So go on, gather those simple ingredients and whip up a batch that will quickly become a favorite to share with everyone you love!

Rocky Road Fudge Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 38 reviews

Print Recipe

This Rocky Road Fudge recipe is a quick and easy no-bake treat combining rich semi-sweet chocolate, creamy sweetened condensed milk, mini marshmallows, and crunchy peanuts. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a delightful mix of textures, this fudge sets in just a couple of hours and is ideal for parties, gift-giving, or an anytime indulgence.

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 48 servings

Ingredients

Fudge Base

2 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

Add-ins

3 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup peanuts

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly grease it. Allow the edges to extend over the sides for easy lifting later.
Combine Chocolate and Condensed Milk: In a large heatproof bowl, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir to coat the chocolate chips evenly with the milk.
Microwave Chocolate Mixture: Microwave the bowl on medium power for 1 minute. Remove and stir the mixture.
Repeat Heating: Continue microwaving on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is almost melted. Then stir thoroughly until you achieve a smooth chocolate mixture.
Add Peanuts and Marshmallows: Stir in the peanuts and mini marshmallows. Be mindful that if the chocolate is very hot, it can melt the marshmallows, creating swirled textures rather than distinct marshmallow pieces.
Transfer to Pan: Pour or spoon the fudge mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
Set the Fudge: Let the fudge sit at room temperature until firm, about 2 hours, or refrigerate it for approximately 60 minutes to speed up the process.
Cut and Serve: Once set, use the parchment paper or foil edges to lift the fudge out of the pan. Cut into 48 small pieces for serving.

Notes

For best results, use a microwave-safe bowl when melting the chocolate mixture.
If you prefer a nut-free version, omit the peanuts or substitute with seeds.
Ensure not to overheat the chocolate to avoid burning it or melting the marshmallows too much.
Store the fudge in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Feel free to experiment with different nuts or add dried fruit for variations.

Author: ELLA
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American