This rich and decadent chocolate rocky road fudge recipe has crunchy walnuts and fluffy marshmallows, and whips up in 1 bowl in just 5 minutes! It’s a lovely festive treat to have on hand for the holidays, and it’s great for a dessert buffet or as party favors all year.
As a kid I remember going to the county fair and carnivals. Nine times out of ten, my dad would buy some type of fudge on the way out right before we went home.
Sometimes he’d get butter pecan fudge (because he knew it was mom’s favorite), sometimes cookies and cream fudge, occasionally peanut butter fudge. It was different every time.
Rocky road fudge was always my top choice! The creamy texture and rich chocolate flavor is balanced with crunchy nuts and fluffy marshmallows. It's perfection for a chocolate-lover like me.
Rocky road flavor is a combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts. It’s known by different names in different countries. And you can find it in different forms, including the classic rocky road ice cream flavor and a no-bake slice, which is similar to fudge.
If you’ve never tried it, you might be surprised at how easy this fudge is to make! This microwave fudge recipe uses sweetened condensed milk and requires minimal ingredients.
This treat lasts up to 3 weeks if stored in the fridge. It’s the perfect holiday fudge to keep on hand during Christmastime!
What Type of Nuts Are in Rocky Road?
This depends on who you ask! I’ve seen rocky road with walnuts, almond, pecans, or peanuts.
The bottom line is that you can use whatever your favorite nut is.
The Best Easy Rocky Road Fudge Recipe
This 5-minute microwave fudge is very quick and easy to make. And if you prefer, you can make it in a double boiler.
Ingredients
- Semisweet chocolate chips – regular run-of-the-mill chocolate chips work great here
- Canned sweetened condensed milk – look for this in the same aisle as the other canned milk products
- Unsalted butter – adds richness and makes it extra creamy
- Vanilla extract – for aroma; this also helps pull out the flavors in the chocolate
- Salt – to enhance the flavor
- Walnuts – for nutty crunch
- Mini marshmallows – they add fluffy texture; if you don’t have mini marshmallows, you can cut regular-sized marshmallows into 4 pieces
Step by Step Instructions
- Line an 8 by 8-inch or 9 by 9-inch square pan with 2 pieces of parchment paper so it hangs over all 4 sides (so you can easily remove the fudge later). Add the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter to a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals to melt the chocolate. Stir together to combine. (Or you can use a double boiler instead of the microwave.)
- Stir in the vanilla and salt.
- Fold in the walnuts and marshmallows.
- Transfer the fudge to the prepared pan.
- Spread it out evenly.
- Refrigerate until fully chilled, about 4 hours, before slicing and serving.
Storage
Store homemade fudge layered between pieces of wax paper in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Pro Tip: Only 3 Ingredients Needed!
For a 3-ingredient basic chocolate microwave fudge recipe, you only need chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter! Follow the same steps as in the recipe card below.
Variations on This Rocky Road Fudge Recipe
- Nuts: Instead of walnuts, you can use pecans, almonds, peanuts, or any type of nuts you like.
- Marshmallows: If you don’t have miniature marshmallows on hand, you can cut regular-sized marshmallows into 4 pieces. Or use colored marshmallows!
- Topping: This is completely optional, but you can decorate the top if you like. For example, red and green sprinkles would be great for Christmas, and rainbow sprinkles would be perfect for a birthday.
More Chocolate Confections to Make
- Chocolate Covered Sponge Candy
- Fudgy Brazilian Chocolate Truffles
- Drinking Chocolate (French Hot Chocolate)
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Rocky Road Fudge Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 14 ounces canned sweetened condensed milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Line an 8 by 8-inch or 9 by 9-inch square pan with 2 pieces of parchment paper so it hangs over all 4 sides (so you can easily remove the fudge later).
- Add the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter to a large microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals to melt the chocolate. Stir together to combine. (Or you can use a double boiler instead of the microwave.)
- Stir in the vanilla and salt. Fold in the walnuts and marshmallows.
- Transfer the fudge to the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Refrigerate until fully chilled, about 4 hours, before slicing and serving.
Faith's Tips
- Storage: Store homemade fudge layered between pieces of wax paper in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
- Nuts: Instead of walnuts, you can use pecans, almonds, peanuts, or any type of nuts you like.
- Marshmallows: If you don’t have miniature marshmallows on hand, you can cut regular-sized marshmallows into 4 pieces. Or use colored marshmallows!
- Topping: This is completely optional, but you can decorate the top if you like. For example, red and green sprinkles would be great for Christmas, and rainbow sprinkles would be perfect for a birthday.
Nutrition
Betsy says
This is so easy, festive, and decadent - great contribution to a Christmas party!!