Chocolaty Classic Rocky Road
The good news is that this delicious Classic Rocky Road recipe is vegetarian and egg-free. With some substitutions, it can also be vegan, nut-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Who hasn’t made Rocky Road biscuity cakes/cookies? We remember making them when we were little kids and clearly remember them never lasting long. Whether enjoyed as a decadent dessert, a delightful afternoon snack with a cuppa coffee, or a homemade gift, they always win people over.
Many have fond memories of enjoying Rocky Road as a child, whether homemade or purchased from a store. It never fails to captivate with its irresistible blend of flavors and textures, making every bite a moment of pure indulgence, nostalgia, and comfort.
The balance of sweet chocolate and marshmallows with the slightly salty, savory nuts creates a harmonious flavor profile that many adults and children find irresistible.
What’s To Love?
💕 The classic blend of rich, creamy chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy nuts creates a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
💕 Rocky Road can be enjoyed in various forms—bars, ice cream, or even cake. This versatility makes it a popular choice for different occasions and preferences.
💕 The combination of smooth, creamy chocolate with soft, chewy marshmallows and crunchy nuts provides a satisfying and enjoyable eating experience.
💕 Is a fantastic confectionary for entertaining guests.
💕 Offers a deep, satisfying chocolate taste that chocolate lovers adore.
💕 Great for making in advance.
Have you already tried Classic Rocky Road? If so, let us know how it was…we can’t wait to hear all about it!
Rocky Road Origin
Rocky Road has existed for centuries, but the most widely accepted origin story is that it was created in Australia during the gold rush in the mid-1800s. Confectioners used broken or spoiled sweets imported from Europe and combined them with locally available nuts and chocolate.
Some claim that Fenton’s Creamery in Oakland, California, invented Rocky Road ice cream in the 1920s. In another popular version in 1929, William Dreyer, an American ice cream maker, is credited with creating Rocky Road ice cream by mixing nuts and marshmallows into chocolate ice cream.
Regardless of its exact origins, it quickly gained popularity over the centuries for its irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
Let’s Talk Ingredients
We feel every ingredient adds to the overall taste and texture; if you remove one, it’s like you’ve removed them all.
- Cookies — we use shortbread because it tastes divine with the Rocky Road foody combinations.
- Chocolate — we use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate. One of our favorite brands is Lindt because it has a lot of flavor.
- Butter — for the best results, use dairy butter at room temperature.
- Golden Syrup — also known as light treacle in some countries.
- Nuts — we use brazil nuts because they produce the typical rocky texture without tasting like rocks.
- Marshmallows — we suggest using mini marshmallows because they’re easier to use. Large are also great, but they will need to be chopped.
- Vanilla Extract — use Nielsen Massey, which is made with real vanilla beans and alcohol. The vanilla is quite potent and adds a beautiful richness to desserts.
- Salt — use Himalayan salt; it brings out the flavor and offsets the sweetness.
For more detailed ingredients, see the recipe card.
Customizations
Here are some foodie alternatives should you want to make some changes:
- Cookies — great alternatives are digestive or gluten-free.
- Butter — a great alternative is dairy-free butter.
- Nuts — almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans are great alternatives. For a nut-free version use extra marshmallows, dried fruit, or shredded coconut.
- Marshmallows — all flavors work well.
- Vanilla Extract — if you prefer a non-alcohol base, use vanilla flavoring.
When substituting ingredients, it’s essential to remember that the taste, texture, and overall result might differ, particularly if you’re substituting many ingredients.
If you have made the Classic Rocky Road with any customizations, we’d love to hear about it; please message us in the comments.
Instructions – Overview
Classic Rocky Road is easy to make and is even easier to eat. Here’s a breakdown of how to get started on your baking journey (more detailed instructions are in the recipe card):
▶︎ The essence of the Classic Rocky Road lies in its simplicity. A base of melted dark and milk chocolate forms the luscious foundation of these delicious confectionaries.
▶︎ Stir in the butter; then, when fully melted and combined with the melted chocolate, add the vanilla, golden syrup, chopped Brazil nuts, salt, crushed shortbread, and pink and white mini marshmallows. Each ingredient adds a satisfying crunch and signature softness and sweetness.
▶︎ Spread in a rectangular dish and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top to decorate. Cut into chunky squares and serve!
For more detailed instructions, notes, and ideas…see the recipe card.
Removing From The Pan
Use a cake pan with a detachable base (unclippable sides), like this square baking pan. for best results.
Warm a knife under a hot tap and pat it dry; use the warmed knife to run around the edges. Unclip the springform, lift it off, then gently slide the Rocky Road off the loose cake tin bottom onto a plate. If you lined your pan with parchment paper, then now’s the time to remove it. Use a warmed knife to slice the Rocky Road into slices for a perfect cut.
Tools You’ll Need
Want to make the best Classic Rocky Road? Using the correct equipment for preparation is essential; we think they’re a big helping hand. We understand that you might already have some of these kitchen tools to make this recipe, or you might want to use other tools and may not require our recommendations. Here are some of our suggestions to get you started:
- 23cm Square Cake Pan
- Saucepan – to melt the chocolate and add the remaining ingredients.
- Silicone Spatula – for stirring and incorporating all the ingredients smoothly.
- Weighing Scales and Measuring Spoons – to measure the ingredients accurately.
- Parchment Paper – to line the cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Mini Chopper or Food Processor – to chop the nuts.
If you love those gadgets for this recipe, then you’ll love these beautiful saucepans for making your Classic Rocky Road. They’re our go-to for many of our recipes, and we think every budding chef needs them.
Induction-ready Stellar Stainless Steel Pans have a thick ‘hot-forged’ base, even heat distribution, the highest quality 18/10 stainless steel, high straight sides, premium stainless steel cast handles, oven-safe handles, time-saving internal measuring guides, dishwasher safe, oven safe up to 240°C, and a lifetime guarantee.
Check out our favorite kitchen equipment that we love to use with all our recipes.
Storing
See our FAQs for detailed instructions on storing, refrigeration, freezing, and defrosting and for answers to readers’ questions.
Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant.
Pairing
Classic Rocky Road is frequently eaten as a standalone dessert, but can easily be paired. Here are some suggestions and our favorite go-to’s what to eat with them:
▶︎ Serve a slice of Classic Rocky Road alongside a scoop of creamy Vanilla Ice Cream or some Mocha Coffee Ice Cream, both are heavenly. Alternatively, break it up and mix it in. The cool, creamy vanilla provides a refreshing contrast to the dense, fudgy texture of the Rocky Road, creating an unforgettable experience. We’re sure you’ve heard of the Rocky Road Ice Cream? Well, now you can have your cake and eat it and you don’t have to pay a fortune!
▶︎ Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over a serving of Classic Rocky Road for an extra indulgent treat. The sauce can also be poured over Rocky Road Ice Cream. The sweet and salty flavors elevate the flavor profile of Rocky Road, adding another dimension of deliciousness.
▶︎ Don’t know what to have for dinner with it? A delicious meal such as Butter Chicken Curry (Murgh Makhani) or a light Smokey Chorizo Ratatouille stands out beautifully.
More Recipes
Here are some other delicious recipes that we think you might also like:
Thank you for checking out Classic Rocky Road!
We hope you enjoy making and eating it! Let us know how you get along, and please rate using the ⭐️ by the comments. HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest for all of our latest updates. Happy Baking!
⭐️ Quick Tip: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand. Voila…you’re all set to go!
Classic Rocky Road
Ingredients
- 200 grams Shortbread
- 200 grams 70% Dark Chocolate or other
- 150 grams Lindt Milk Chocolate or other
- 100 grams Unsalted Butter room temperture
- 100 grams Golden syrup or agave nectar
- 100 grams Brazil Nuts
- 150 grams Mini Marshmallows
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 pinch Himalayan Salt
- 50 grams Lindt White Chocolate or other
Equipment
Method
- Line a baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches or similar size) with non-bleached parchment paper or greaseproof paper.
- Crush the shortbread into small chunks. Set aside.
- Roughly chop the nuts in a mini chopper. Set aside.100 grams Brazil Nuts
- Break up the dark and milk chocolate. Set aside.200 grams 70% Dark Chocolate, 150 grams Lindt Milk Chocolate
- Melt the dark chocolate and milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (or in the microwave in short bursts). Once melted, stir in the butter.100 grams Unsalted Butter
- Pour the mixture into a large bowl.
- Add the vanilla, golden syrup, crushed shortbread, salt, marshmallows, and nuts. Combine well.200 grams Shortbread, 100 grams Golden syrup, 150 grams Mini Marshmallows, 1 tsp Vanilla Extract, 1 pinch Himalayan Salt
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking tray, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (or in the microwave in short bursts), melt the white chocolate.50 grams Lindt White Chocolate
- Drizzle over the top using a spoon.
- Refrigerate the tray for at least 1-2 hours, or until set.
- Once set, remove the Rocky Road from the tray and cut it into slices to serve.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
- The chocolate is the star ingredient, so investing in good quality chocolate will make a noticeable difference in the final result.
- You can use a combination of milk or dark chocolate, as we do. Or you can use one or the other, but make sure the quantity is equal, which for this recipe would be a total of 350g.
- When melting the chocolate, be cautious not to overheat it, as this can cause it to seize or become grainy. Use gentle heat and stir frequently to ensure smooth and glossy melted chocolate.
- Avoid using white chocolate in the base as it will crack and split when mixing it with the golden syrup or butter!
- When combining the melted chocolate with the other ingredients, make sure to mix everything together thoroughly to ensure that each bite of Rocky Road contains a balanced distribution of marshmallows, nuts, biscuits, and chocolate.
- Line your baking tray with parchment paper or greaseproof paper before pouring in the Rocky Road mixture. This will make it easier to remove the set Rocky Road from the tray and will also prevent it from sticking.
- Allow the Rocky Road to sit in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours before cutting it into squares or bars. This will ensure that the chocolate firms up properly, resulting in neat and clean slices.
- Slice the Rocky Road using a warmed knife.
- The nutritional calculation doesn’t include the white chocolate as it’s optional.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free shortbread or similar cookies.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate.
- Nut-Free: Replace the nuts for extra marshmallows, or add dried fruit or shredded coconut.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!⭐️ Please note that some of our posts may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, and any sales made through such links will reward us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. [Read More]
FAQ’s & Troubleshooting
By addressing these FAQs and troubleshooting tips, you can overcome common challenges and create a delicious batch of Classic Rocky Road every time.
Your Questions Matter
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For food safety top tips, check out USDA.gov.
Hey, I’m Sharon, I’m a full-time food blogger, mother of 3 grown adults and 3 huskies. Most days you can find me in the kitchen creating new recipes, I love cooking indulgent bakes and love sharing them. I am lucky to connect with and inspire people from all around the world and help you on your cooking journey so you can eat in style!
I think these rocky bars have my name written ALL over them lol. I love everything about them and can’t wait to start experimenting. They look so easy to make!
We are Rocky bar lovers as well, we dare not make too many lol