Christmas Rocky Road Recipe

The Magical Christmas Rocky Road Recipe You Need to Try

Sweet memories often spark when you whip up a delightful christmas rocky road that connects generations through simple ingredients.

Chocolate lovers appreciate this no-bake dessert that combines marshmallows, nuts, and festive cheer.

Kids adore helping mix the creamy mixture while holiday music plays softly in the background.

Festive colors peek through each delectable bite, promising joy in every slice.

Unexpected texture contrasts make this treat a crowd-pleaser at seasonal gatherings.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this foolproof confection that feels like a warm holiday hug.

Craft this irresistible dessert and watch smiles light up around your table.

Why Easy Christmas Rocky Road Is Always A Hit

  • Celebrate Festive Flavors: Indulge in a mouthwatering Christmas treat that captures the essence of holiday cheer with every bite of chocolate and seasonal ingredients.
  • Craft with Minimal Skill: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires no advanced techniques, making it accessible to everyone from kids to grandparents.
  • Quick Christmas Delight: Prepare this showstopping dessert with simple steps and minimal cooking, allowing more time to enjoy family gatherings and festive moments.
  • No-Bake Holiday Magic: Skip the complicated baking process and create a stunning dessert that looks impressive and tastes incredible with just a few mixing and chilling steps.

What You’ll Need For Christmas Rocky Road

Chocolate Base:
  • Dark Chocolate: Rich and intense chocolate that provides the deep, decadent foundation for the rocky road.
  • Milk Chocolate: Creamy chocolate that adds smoothness and balances the dark chocolate's intensity.
  • Condensed Milk: Sweet, thick milk that helps bind the ingredients and create a smooth texture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky chocolate mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall chocolate flavor with its warm, sweet notes.
Festive Mix-ins:
  • Pecans, Glacé Cherries: Crunchy nuts and sweet candied cherries that add texture and Christmas flavor.
  • Marshmallows: Soft, fluffy pieces that provide a light and pillowy contrast to the chocolate.
  • Dried Cranberries: Tart berries that bring a festive red color and bright fruity taste.
Decorative Topping:
  • White Chocolate: Smooth chocolate used for drizzling and creating a decorative pattern.
  • Candy Canes: Peppermint-flavored candies that add a festive crunch and holiday spirit.

How To Build Christmas Rocky Road Quickly

Step 1: Line the Baking Tin

Grab a square 20cm baking tin and cover the inside with parchment paper. Make sure the paper edges stick out a bit so you can easily lift out the rocky road later.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Base

Set up a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Gently melt dark and milk chocolate until the mixture becomes silky smooth and shiny.

Step 3: Blend Creamy Ingredients

Take the chocolate off the heat and stir in:
  • Condensed milk
  • Butter
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until everything combines perfectly.

Step 4: Prepare Festive Mix-Ins

Chop up your delicious add-ins:
  • Pecans into bite-sized chunks
  • Glacé cherries into small pieces
  • Candy canes into tiny fragments
  • Marshmallows sliced in half

Step 5: Combine Chocolate and Mix-Ins

Gently fold all chopped ingredients into the melted chocolate:
  • Pecans
  • Cherries
  • Marshmallows
  • Dried cranberries

Ensure everything gets evenly coated.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Tin

Pour the chocolatey mixture into the prepared tin. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.

Step 7: Add White Chocolate Drizzle

Melt white chocolate using the same double boiler method. Drizzle it artistically across the top of the rocky road.

Step 8: Sprinkle Festive Topping

Scatter remaining candy cane fragments over the surface for a crunchy, festive finish.

Step 9: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the rocky road for 2-3 hours until it becomes completely firm and solid.

Step 10: Cut and Serve

Lift the rocky road out of the tin using the parchment paper edges. Slice into square or triangular pieces for serving.

Step 11: Store Properly

Keep your Christmas Rocky Road in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one week.

Tips For Perfect Christmas Rocky Road

  • Melt Chocolate Perfectly: Use a gentle double boiler method to prevent chocolate from burning or seizing, ensuring a smooth, glossy texture every time.
  • Chop Ingredients Consistently: Cut nuts, cherries, and marshmallows into similar-sized pieces for even distribution and better texture in each bite.
  • Control Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of condensed milk or use dark chocolate with higher cocoa content to balance the overall sweetness of the rocky road.
  • Create Festive Variations: Swap candy canes with holiday-themed sprinkles or use different nuts like almonds or pistachios to personalize the recipe for various celebrations.
  • Slice with Clean Precision: Use a warm, sharp knife wiped between cuts to create clean, neat edges when portioning the rocky road into servings.

Tasty Combos For Christmas Rocky Road

  • Festive Nutty Extravaganza: Replace pecans with mixed Christmas nuts like almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts for a rich, complex flavor profile.
  • Tropical Holiday Escape: Swap dried cranberries with dried pineapple and coconut flakes, adding a sunny twist to the traditional recipe.
  • Gingerbread Chocolate Paradise: Mix crushed gingerbread cookies into the chocolate base and top with ginger-spiced white chocolate drizzle.
  • Salted Caramel Christmas Charm: Incorporate salted caramel pieces and drizzle with caramel sauce before chilling, creating a luxurious sweet-salty combination.

What Goes Well With Christmas Rocky Road

  • Pair with Festive Holiday Beverages: Complement the rich, sweet rocky road with warm mulled wine or spiced apple cider for a cozy Christmas feeling.
  • Serve Alongside Creamy Dessert Wines: Select a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or Port to match the chocolate's intense flavor and enhance the rocky road's decadent texture.
  • Enjoy with Hot Espresso Drinks: Balance the sweetness with a strong espresso, cappuccino, or Irish coffee to cut through the richness and provide a warming contrast.
  • Create a Dessert Platter Pairing: Arrange the rocky road with gingerbread cookies, candied orange slices, and roasted chestnuts for a stunning holiday dessert presentation.

How To Keep Christmas Rocky Road Fresh

  • Keep the Christmas Rocky Road in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption. Place it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, away from strong-smelling foods.
  • Separate individual rocky road pieces with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking and preserve their decorative appearance. Stack layers carefully to avoid crushing the delicate treats.
  • Wrap the rocky road tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a long-lasting festive treat that can be enjoyed later.
  • Avoid leaving the rocky road at room temperature for extended periods, as the chocolate will soften and lose its crisp texture.

Easy Christmas Rocky Road FAQs

  • Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with almonds, walnuts, or pistachios for a similar texture and flavor profile.

  • How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting?

Always use low heat, stir constantly, and ensure no water touches the chocolate to maintain a smooth consistency.

  • Is this recipe suitable for kids to help make?

Absolutely! Children can help with crumbling candy canes, chopping marshmallows, and drizzling white chocolate under adult supervision.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular candy canes with gluten-free versions and ensure all chocolate and ingredients are certified gluten-free to adapt the recipe.

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Christmas Rocky Road Recipe

Christmas Rocky Road Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 2-3 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Festive Christmas Rocky Road brings holiday cheer with rich chocolate, marshmallows, and festive sprinkles. Indulgent layers of sweetness create a delightful dessert you’ll savor during seasonal celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 400g dark chocolate
  • 200g milk chocolate
  • 150g marshmallows
  • 100g glacé cherries
  • 100g pecans

Festive Add-ins:

  • 50g white chocolate
  • 30g candy canes
  • 25g dried cranberries

Binding/Coating Ingredients:

  • 50ml condensed milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare a square 20cm baking tin by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring the edges overhang for easy removal.
  2. Create a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, melting dark and milk chocolate together until smooth and glossy.
  3. Remove chocolate from heat and gently fold in condensed milk, butter, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. Roughly chop pecans and glacé cherries into bite-sized pieces, preparing them for mixing.
  5. Crumble candy canes into small fragments and slice marshmallows into halves.
  6. Fold pecans, cherries, marshmallows, and dried cranberries into the melted chocolate mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  7. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
  8. Melt white chocolate in a separate bowl using the same double boiler method.
  9. Drizzle melted white chocolate across the top of the rocky road, creating decorative patterns.
  10. Sprinkle remaining candy cane fragments over the surface for festive crunch.
  11. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until completely set and firm.
  12. Lift the rocky road out of the tin using parchment paper edges and cut into square or triangular pieces.
  13. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

  • Opt for high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content to enhance the rich, deep flavor profile of the rocky road.
  • Consider toasting pecans beforehand to amplify their nutty essence and add extra depth to the dessert’s overall taste.
  • Experiment with alternative mix-ins like pistachios or dried raspberries for a unique twist on the classic Christmas rocky road.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly the candy canes and marshmallows.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 23g
  • Sodium: 25mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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