Rocky Road Fudge is an easy, no-bake dessert that you can make in 10 quick minutes. This family favorite recipe is simply a combination of the classic old-fashioned fudge flavorsโ€“chocolate, marshmallows, and nutsโ€“that form together to create an irresistible Christmas candy or an anytime indulgence.

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My Favorite No-Bake Rocky Road Fudge

This Rocky Road Fudge recipe is what I call โ€œthe easiest, most straightforwardโ€ way to cook candy because it doesnโ€™t require a thermometer or special equipment. Instead, this stovetop method simply combines 6 ingredients to create a creamy chocolate fudge that is filled with peanuts and marshmallows.

Each rich square is chewy, crunchy, salty, and sweet; a perfect flavor and texture pairing and the best bite-size delightfully decadent dessert!

Rocky Road Fudge is the ultimate sweet treat because it combines everything I love about the classic ice cream flavor mixed into a rich chocolate confection. Better than anything made in a fudge factory and more economical than something store-bought, this homemade fudge is ideal for holiday gift-giving and easy to dress up with decorative colors for a festive and fun party platter or tray of holiday treats.

Why We Love This Rocky Road Fudge Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make.
  • Delicious no-bake dessert that only uses 6 ingredients.
  • Chewy, crunchy, salty, and sweet in every bite.
  • Creamy chocolate Christmas candy or anytime indulgence.
  • Can be enjoyed year-round or dressed up for the holidays. 
  • Perfect for a simple snack, potluck, or homemade edible gift.
bitten rocky road

Ingredients

  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Sweetened condensed milk: This recipe calls for sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk, not heavy cream, not half and halfโ€“nothing else will work! The sweetened condensed milk contains sugar which is vital to the taste, texture, and consistency of this fudge.
  • Butter, cubed
  • Vanilla
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Salted peanuts

Substitutions and Additions

  • Nuts: I love the taste of peanuts in this Rocky Road Fudge, but this recipe works with any type of nuts. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or pecans will all taste delicious! For those with nut allergies, this fudge will taste great without nuts too!
  • Tasty Toppings: This recipe has an adaptable base and is so easy to create custom variations just by sprinkling your favorite garnishes on top of the fudge right after pouring it in the pan. You can try mini pretzel pieces, M&Mโ€™s, crushed cookies or candy bars, or even dried fruit. or if you are making it at other times of the year you could do candy corn or heart shaped sprinkles, depending on the season.
  • Festive Fudge: Feel free to make holiday or seasonal fudge that looks festive. You can add candy corn, heart shaped candy, or themed colored sprinkles for special occasions.
rocky road fudge with mini marshmallows
  • 9ร—13 dish
  • Tin foil
  • Nonstick spray
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring tools

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How to Make the Homemade Rocky Road Fudge

This Rocky Road Fudge recipe is so easy and quick to make by combining the classic flavors of chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts. A delicious Christmas candy or irresistible anytime indulgence!

  1. Combine and melt the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and butter.
    Pro-Tip: I recommend using cold butter for this recipe. I actually think it works out better when the butter takes a little longer to melt with the chocolate.
  2. Remove from heat and mix in peanuts.
    add peanuts to the melted the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and butter
  3. Add marshmallows to a large bowl and mix in chocolate mixture.
    Pro Tip: If you donโ€™t want some of the marshmallows to melt and swirl then wait just a few minutes to let the chocolate cool before pouring over the marshmallows. You can freeze the marshmallows to help them keep their shape and not melt too much when they get stirred into the hot chocolate mixture.
    mix chocolate and marshmallow
  4. Spread mixture into 9ร—13 dish.
    spread mixture to baking dish
  5. Sprinkle additional peanuts and marshmallows on top and chill in refrigerator for 2-3 hours or overnight.
    sprinkle additional marshmallow and peanuts on top
  6. Cut into squares and enjoy!
    Pro-Tip: Make sure your fudge is completely cool before cutting. I like to refrigerate my fudge for at least 2-3 hours because it makes the fudge much easier to cut. 
    cut into squares rocky road fudge

Tips

  • This recipe calls for sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk, not heavy cream, not half and halfโ€“nothing else will work! The sweetened condensed milk contains sugar which is vital to the taste, texture, and consistency of this fudge.
  • You can freeze the marshmallows to help them keep their shape and not melt too much when they get stirred into the hot chocolate mixture.
  • Make sure your fudge is completely cool before cutting. I like to refrigerate my fudge for at least 2-3 hours because it makes the fudge much easier to cut. 
  • I recommend using cold butter for this recipe. I actually think it works out better when the butter takes a little longer to melt with the chocolate.

Storage Tips

  • To Store: Fudge will stay for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. Just make sure you keep it in an airtight container so it doesnโ€™t dry out.
  • To Freeze: Store the fudge in the freezer, wrapped in plastic and then placed in an airtight container, for up to 3 months.
stacked rocky road fudge

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rocky Road?
Can I make this fudge in advance?
Does fudge have to be refrigerated?
What is the best way to freeze my fudge?
a square of rocky road fudge

Other Easy Homemade Fudge Recipes

4.80 from 5 votes
rocky road featured image

Rocky Road Fudge

Author โ€” Jennifer Fishkind
Serves โ€”
Rocky Road Fudge is a quick and easy no-bake dessert. It's a classic flavor combination of chocolate, nuts, and marshmallows that forms a delicious Christmas candy or holiday treat.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 tbsp butter cubed
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows plus a few extra for the top
  • 1 cup salted peanuts plus a few extra for the top

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    Instructions
     

    • Line a 9ร—13 dish with foil. Spray with nonstick spray.
    • In a medium saucepan combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk and butter. Over medium heat melt the chip mixture stirring constantly until the chips are melted.
    • Remove from heat and stir in the peanuts.
    • Place the marshmallows in a large bowl.
    • Pour the chocolate mixture over the marshmallows and mix well. If you donโ€™t want some of the marshmallows to melt and swirl then wait just a few minutes to let the chocolate cool before pouring over the marshmallows.
    • Spread into the prepared pan.
    • Sprinkle the top with additional peanuts and marshmallows.
    • Place in refrigerator to chill until firm, 2-3 hours or overnight.

    Jennโ€™s Notes

    Storage:
    • To Store: Fudge will stay for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. Just make sure you keep it in an airtight container so it doesnโ€™t dry out.
    • To Freeze: Store the fudge in the freezer, wrapped in plastic and then placed in an airtight container, for up to 3 months.
    Tips:
    • This recipe calls for sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk, not heavy cream, not half and halfโ€“nothing else will work! The sweetened condensed milk contains sugar which is vital to the taste, texture, and consistency of this fudge.
    • You can freeze the marshmallows to help them keep their shape and not melt too much when they get stirred into the hot chocolate mixture.
    • Make sure your fudge is completely cool before cutting. I like to refrigerate my fudge for at least 2-3 hours because it makes the fudge much easier to cut.
    • I recommend using cold butter for this recipe. I actually think it works out better when the butter takes a little longer to melt with the chocolate.

    Nutrition Info

    Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 107mg | Potassium: 356mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 171IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 2mg

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    4.80 from 5 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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