Rocky Road Fudge

Rocky Road Fudge

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Refrigerate: 2 hrs
Total: 2 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 64 servings

Rocky road fudge is a smooth chocolate fudge packed with crunchy nuts and sweet, chewy marshmallows. This recipe works with any type of nuts, but we especially love using walnuts or pecans. If you only have pistachios, peanuts, or almonds on hand, however, then feel free to opt for one of those—any nut will be fantastic in this rich, delectable fudge.

The inspiration for rocky road fudge is based on the well-known flavor profile of the iconic ice cream. While there are disputing claims about who "invented" it, the facts are: It is always chocolate based; nuts and marshmallows are mixed into a chocolate ice cream foundation; and, originally, the nuts were either walnuts or almonds. Since its original iteration, though, some variations have also included chocolate chips or chunks. In addition, there have been attempts to further diversify the recipe—including using dried fruit—but the classic version remains unbeatable and those flavors are perfect for this dense, delicious fudge.

This recipe calls for condensed milk, and if you haven't used it before, it's a terrific addition to almost any dessert. It's sweet, thick, and decisively milky, and helps to round out the flavor of the fudge. The butter adds richness, the chocolate chips add color and flavor, and the vanilla provides fragrance and a touch of complex flavor. The salt is an incredibly important addition—in case you're unacquainted, salt mixed with chocolate (and nuts) is a fantastic combination. The double-duty addition of nuts and marshmallows provides textural differentiation and amazing flavor notes, ensuring that no bite is the same. Of course, if you have any nut allergies, feel free to leave them out or swap in chocolate chips or even dried fruit in their place. 

In addition to being a satisfying snack or dessert, this makes for an absolutely lovely homemade gift. There aren't many people who wouldn't appreciate some handmade fudge on their doorstep.

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray

  • 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips

  • 1 (14-ounce) can condensed milk

  • 1/4 cup butter

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows, divided

  • 1 1/4 cups toasted nuts, coarsely chopped, divided

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Rocky Road Fudge ingredients

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  2. Prepare an 8 x 8-inch or 9 x 9-inch pan by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with cooking spray.

    aluminum foil lined baking pan

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  3. Combine chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 1-minute increments until melted, about 2 to 3 minutes.

    Combine the chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter in a bowl

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  4. Stir to ensure all chocolate is melted, then add vanilla and salt. Stir until fudge is smooth and well mixed. Add 1 cup of the marshmallows and 1 cup of the nuts and stir until well combined.

    fudge with nuts and marshmallows in a bowl

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  5. Pour fudge into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer.

    fudge in the prepared pan

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  6. Sprinkle remaining marshmallows and remaining nuts on top of fudge and press gently so that they're embedded in the surface.

    fudge in a baking pan with marshmallows and nuts on top

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  7. Place fudge in refrigerator to set for at least 2 hours. Once set, cut into 1-inch squares and serve them at room temperature. Store excess fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

    Rocky Road Fudge cut into pieces on a cutting board

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

How to Microwave Chocolate Without Burning It

A quick note about microwaving chocolate—in this recipe, the chocolate is mixed with condensed milk and butter, so the fat from those items helps ensure that the chocolate doesn't burn. If you want to microwave chocolate on its own, it's smarter to try heating it in 15-second (or shorter) intervals than 1-minute intervals. Burnt chocolate is essentially useless, so do your darnedest to ensure that your chocolate doesn't veer into that territory. It's super disappointing—trust us.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
92 Calories
5g Fat
11g Carbs
2g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 64
Amount per serving
Calories 92
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 7%
Saturated Fat 3g 13%
Cholesterol 5mg 2%
Sodium 30mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 11g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 30mg 2%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 78mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)