Easy Rocky Road Fudge Recipe: Indulge in Chocolate Bliss

My Rocky Road Fudge Adventure: A Sweet Journey Through Life’s Messy Moments – There’s something about rocky road fudge that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Rocky Road Fudge

Lumina Liu

This yummy American dessert, Rocky Road Fudge, mixes chocolate, marshmallows, and peanuts. Seriously, it's a super sweet and totally delicious treat!

4.5 from 120 votes

Prep Time 10 Minutes

Cook Time 4 Hours

Total Time 4 Hours 10 Minutes

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16 servings

Calories 250 kcal kcal

Ingredients

 

• 2 cups Miniature Marshmallows
• 3 cups Chocolate Chips
• u00bd cup Peanut Butter
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 u00bc cups Peanuts

Instructions

 

1. Line an 8-inch-square baking pan with wax paper or foil, and coat with non-stick spray.
2. Pour u00bd cup of the miniature marshmallows into the bottom of the lined baking dish.
3. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave the chocolate mixture in 20-second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until the chocolate is melted.
4. Add the vanilla extract and stir well, until smooth.
5. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the chopped almonds or peanuts, and set aside.
6. Fold 1 u00bd cups of the miniature marshmallows and the remaining chopped nuts into the chocolate mixture.
7. Transfer the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Immediately top with the reserved chopped nuts and the mallow bits or additional miniature marshmallows, if using.
8. Refrigerate for 4 hours, or until set.
9. Remove the fudge and wax paper from the pan. Carefully peel all of wax paper from the fudge.
10. Cut the fudge into bite-sized pieces and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 250.00 kcalFat: 15.00 gCarbohydrates: 25.00 gProtein: 5.00 g

Keyword Chocolate, Snack, Sweet, Baking, Rocky Road Fudge

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It’s the kind of treat that reminds me of those chaotic family gatherings where everyone’s talking over each other, and the kitchen is a delightful mess of spilled ingredients and laughter.

I remember one particular holiday season when I decided to make this fudge for the first time. My kitchen was a disaster zone, with chocolate smears on the counter and marshmallows stuck to the floor.

My kids, bless their hearts, were more interested in sneaking bites of the ingredients than helping me. But amidst the chaos, there was a sense of joy and togetherness that only food can bring.

We ended up with a batch of fudge that was a bit misshapen and not quite perfect, but it was ours, and it tasted like love. That’s the beauty of rocky road fudge—it’s not about perfection; it’s about the moments we share while making it.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate the simplicity and comfort of this dessert. It’s a nod to the classic American treat that originated in the early 20th century, supposedly named after the rocky roads of Australia.

The combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts is a timeless one, evoking memories of childhood and simpler times.

It’s a dessert that’s easy to make yet feels indulgent, perfect for those days when you need a little pick-me-up or a sweet treat to share with friends and family.

The beauty of rocky road fudge lies in its versatility—you can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste, making it a truly personal dessert.

The Rocky Road Fudge Recipe

The ultimate rocky road fudge recipe: simple and satisfying:

Ingredients

• 2 cups Miniature Marshmallows
• 3 cups Chocolate Chips
• ½ cup Peanut Butter
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 ¼ cups Peanuts, chopped

Easy Rocky Road Fudge Recipe: Instructions

Here’s how to make some yummy Rocky Road fudge:

Preparation

Start by lining an 8-inch-square baking pan with wax paper or foil. Make sure to coat it with non-stick spray to prevent the fudge from sticking.

This step is crucial because it makes it easier to remove the fudge later. Pour ½ cup of the miniature marshmallows into the bottom of the lined baking dish. This will give your fudge a delightful marshmallow surprise in every bite.

Melting the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave the chocolate mixture in 20-second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until the chocolate is melted.

This method ensures that the chocolate melts evenly without burning.

Once melted, add the vanilla extract and stir well until smooth. The vanilla adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.

Mixing and Setting

Reserve 2 tablespoons of the chopped almonds or peanuts, and set them aside. Fold 1 ½ cups of the miniature marshmallows and the remaining chopped nuts into the chocolate mixture.

This is where the magic happens—the marshmallows and nuts add texture and contrast to the smooth chocolate.

Transfer the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Immediately top with the reserved chopped nuts and the mallow bits or additional miniature marshmallows, if using. Refrigerate for 4 hours, or until set.

Finishing Touches

Once the fudge is set, remove it and the wax paper from the pan. Carefully peel all of the wax paper from the fudge. This can be a bit tricky, but take your time, and it will come off easily.

Cut the fudge into bite-sized pieces and serve. The joy of rocky road fudge is in its rustic charm, so don’t worry if your pieces aren’t perfectly uniform.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Rocky Road Fudge

Here’s how to make awesome rocky road fudge:

1. Use Quality Ingredients

The quality of your chocolate chips and peanut butter can make a big difference in the final taste of your rocky road fudge. Opt for high-quality chocolate chips with a high cocoa content for a richer flavor. Similarly, choose a smooth, creamy peanut butter to ensure a silky texture.

2. Don’t Overheat the Chocolate

When melting the chocolate, be patient and use short intervals in the microwave. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize, resulting in a grainy texture. Stirring between intervals helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents burning.

3. Experiment with Nuts

While peanuts are traditional, feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or even pecans. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture to the fudge, so don’t be afraid to mix and match.

4. Add a Pinch of Salt

A small pinch of salt can enhance the flavors of the chocolate and peanut butter, balancing the sweetness and adding depth. Just a tiny amount can make a big difference.

5. Store Properly

Rocky road fudge can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Variations to Try With This Road Fudge Recipe

Here’s what you can do to switch things up with this road fudge recipe:

1. White Chocolate Rocky Road Fudge

Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a different twist on the classic. The sweetness of the white chocolate pairs beautifully with the marshmallows and nuts.

2. Dark Chocolate and Cherry

Use dark chocolate chips and add dried cherries for a more sophisticated flavor profile. The tartness of the cherries complements the richness of the dark chocolate.

3. Peanut Butter and Pretzel

Add crushed pretzels to the mix for a salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter. This variation is perfect for those who love a sweet and salty combination.

4. Coconut and Almond

Replace the peanuts with almonds and add shredded coconut for a tropical twist. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness and a delightful texture.

Thoughts on the Rocky Road Fudge Adventure

Making rocky road fudge is a journey, much like life itself. It’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. But that’s the beauty of it.

The imperfections are what make it special. As I reflect on my rocky road fudge adventure, I’m reminded of the joy of sharing food with loved ones, the laughter that fills the kitchen, and the memories that are created in the process.

This fudge may not be perfect, but it’s a delicious reminder that life’s imperfections are what make it sweet.

So, go ahead and give this recipe a try. Embrace the mess, enjoy the process, and savor every bite of your homemade rocky road fudge.