If you’ve ever wanted to whip up something indulgently sweet without too much fuss, this Easy Rocky Road Fudge Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, chocolaty, loaded with marshmallows and nuts, and honestly, just downright fun to make. I’m going to walk you through every step, share my little hacks, and show you how easy it is to get perfect fudge every time. Trust me, once you try this, Rocky Road will become your go-to treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: You only need a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of active work—perfect when you want quick sweets.
- No Candy Thermometer Needed: I love that this fudge skips the fancy equipment but still turns out rich and creamy.
- Customizable Crunch & Chew: Peanuts and mini marshmallows add just the right texture balance—you can swap or add your favorites.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Treat: It chills overnight beautifully, so you can prep ahead for parties or gifts.
Ingredients & Why They Work
What I absolutely love about the ingredients in this Easy Rocky Road Fudge Recipe is how they come together to create a simple yet ridiculously tasty dessert. Everything plays a vital role, from the smoothness of chocolate chips to the sweet creaminess of condensed milk.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The base of our fudge—melts evenly and gives that rich chocolate flavor without being too bitter or too sweet.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Adding sweetness and creaminess, this also helps avoid candy thermometer complexities by giving a silky texture.
- Butter: Cubed butter helps the chocolate melt smoothly and adds a lovely richness to the fudge.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla amps up the flavor, balancing the deep chocolate and sweetness perfectly.
- Mini marshmallows: For those classic fluffy bits that melt slightly inside but stay chewy in the fudge—freeze them first if you want less melting!
- Salted peanuts: Crunchy, salty contrast that cuts through the sweetness and brings that signature Rocky Road texture.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Easy Rocky Road Fudge Recipe is how easy it is to make it truly your own. Whether you want to swap nuts, add dried fruit, or infuse new flavors, the base is forgiving and delicious.
- Nut Variations: I’ve swapped salted peanuts for almonds or walnuts depending on what I had on hand, and honestly, it’s fantastic every time.
- Mix-In Ideas: Try throwing in some crushed candy canes around the holidays or toasted coconut for a tropical twist.
- Flavor Boosts: Adding a touch of espresso powder or even orange zest can elevate the chocolate flavor beautifully.
- Diet-Friendly Modifications: Use dairy-free butter and vegan chocolate chips to make a vegan-friendly Rocky Road that still rocks.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Rocky Road Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Line Your Pan
I always start by lining my 9×13-inch baking dish with foil—this is a total game-changer because it makes lifting out the fudge super easy later on. Don’t forget to spray the foil lightly with nonstick spray so none of this gooey goodness sticks around for the wrong reasons!
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and cubed butter. Stir constantly so the chocolate melts evenly without scorching. It usually takes around 5-7 minutes—your patience here really pays off in silky smooth fudge, so don’t rush it or walk away!
Step 3: Add Peanuts & Vanilla
Once the chocolate mixture is fully melted and glossy, remove the pot from heat. Now stir in the salted peanuts and vanilla extract. This is where that delicious nutty, aromatic layer starts building—making your kitchen smell like fudge heaven.
Step 4: Mix with Marshmallows
Put your mini marshmallows in a large bowl. If you want chunkier marshmallows in your fudge, let the chocolate cool a bit before you pour it over them; otherwise, they’ll melt completely and create a smoother texture. Pour the chocolate mixture over, then gently fold everything together until the marshmallows are coated but not breaking down.
Step 5: Pour and Chill
Spread the rocky road mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Sprinkle some extra peanuts and mini marshmallows on top for that classic Rocky Road look. Pop it into the fridge and let it chill until firm, which usually takes 2-3 hours, but I often leave it overnight for best results.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Rocky Road Fudge Recipe
- Freeze Marshmallows First: Freezing the marshmallows before mixing helps them keep their shape and prevents them from melting too much in the warm chocolate.
- Use Cold Butter: I find that using butter straight from the fridge helps the chocolate melt evenly without becoming greasy or separated.
- Warm Your Knife for Clean Cuts: When slicing, warm your knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then cut—this prevents the fudge from crumbling and keeps edges neat.
- Line Your Pan with Foil: This makes removing and transferring fudge so much easier, especially when it’s sticky and dense.
How to Serve Easy Rocky Road Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it classic by simply sprinkling extra mini marshmallows and salted peanuts on top—that’s how I serve this to guests. Sometimes, I drizzle a little caramel sauce for a dreamy twist that instantly gets everyone’s attention and elevates the look and flavor.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a rich, creamy hot chocolate—those warm drinks balance the rich flavors. I’ve also served it alongside fresh berries for a refreshing bite to cut through the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or birthdays, I like to cut the fudge into bite-sized squares and place them in mini cupcake liners—makes them super giftable and cute! Wrapping individual pieces in wax paper tied with twine also makes a simple yet charming homemade present.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover fudge in an airtight container in the fridge—it keeps perfectly for about 1-2 weeks. Just bring your servings to room temperature a few minutes before munching, it softens up nicely without being too melty.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Easy Rocky Road Fudge, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. I’ve found they keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight to avoid condensation ruining the texture.
Reheating
While I usually enjoy this fudge cool or at room temp, if you want it melty, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave brings out luscious softness—just don’t go too long or it’ll get grainy. I recommend covering it loosely to keep moisture balanced.
FAQs
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Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet in this Easy Rocky Road Fudge Recipe?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make the fudge sweeter and creamier, which some people prefer. Just keep an eye on melting time as it might melt a bit quicker than semi-sweet. Adjust your sweetness with the condensed milk if needed.
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Do I have to use salted peanuts or can I go unsalted?
You can use unsalted peanuts if that’s what you’re after—just keep in mind the salt adds a nice balance to the fudgy sweetness. If you go unsalted, a tiny pinch of salt in the fudge mix wouldn’t hurt.
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Can I make this fudge without nuts?
Yes! If you’re allergic or just prefer it nut-free, simply omit the peanuts and maybe add extra marshmallows or other fun mix-ins like dried fruit or crushed cookies for texture.
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Why does my fudge turn out grainy sometimes?
Grainy fudge often results from overheating or adding cold ingredients too quickly. Stir slowly and melt on medium heat, avoid stirring once it begins to thicken, and use room temperature additions to maintain a smooth result.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Rocky Road Fudge Recipe has been a family favorite of mine for years—not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s so approachable. Whether you’re a fudge-making newbie or a seasoned chocoholic, I promise you’ll enjoy the process and the payoff. Give it a try, add your own twists, and most importantly, share it with friends who appreciate a sweet, homemade hug in a bite.
Print
Easy Rocky Road Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and indulgent Rocky Road Fudge recipe featuring melted chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, mini marshmallows, and salted peanuts, perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients
Fudge Base
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tablespoons butter cubed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Add-ins
- 3 cups mini marshmallows plus a few extra for the top
- 1 cup salted peanuts plus a few extra for the top
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13 inch dish with foil and spray with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of the fudge.
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and cubed butter. Stir constantly until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Mix in Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the salted peanuts and vanilla extract until evenly combined.
- Prepare Marshmallows: Place the mini marshmallows into a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the warm chocolate and peanut mixture over the marshmallows. Mix well, but for swirled marshmallows, allow the chocolate mixture to cool a few minutes before pouring over.
- Spread in Pan: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle additional salted peanuts and mini marshmallows over the top for decoration and texture.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2-3 hours or overnight until the fudge is firm.
Notes
- Always use sweetened condensed milk; no substitutes for best results.
- Freeze marshmallows before mixing to prevent excessive melting.
- Use cold butter to help the chocolate melt evenly and smoothly.
- Line the pan with foil for easy removal of fudge once set.
- For clean slices, warm your knife under hot water, wipe dry, and cut.
- For a caramel twist, drizzle caramel sauce on top before chilling, similar to Turtle Fudge.
