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This rocky road candy only takes 5 ingredients and is super easy to make at home. Made with chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts. Absolutely no cooking or baking is required. Perfect for when you need a last-minute holiday treat!

Need more candy recipes? Try chocolate coconut balls, chocolate fudge or caramel popcorn balls.

Rocky road candy on baking sheet.
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Grandma’s Rocky Road

With just 5 simple ingredients, you can make this delicious rocky road candy right at home. Simply melt chocolate and nuts together, then mix in the marshmallows. A sweet and salty no-bake treat that’s perfect for gifting or holidays parties and potlucks.

It’s one of my go-to recipes when I need to quickly make a holiday dessert. If you’re looking for more ideas to make I also love Christmas crack toffee, peppermint bark, and maple peanut brittle.

5 Simple Ingredients

Combine ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you to create the best rocky road fudge! Seriously, this rocky road candy recipe is one of the easiest treats you’ll make all season!

Crockpot candy recipe.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet taste is best in my opinion. It is the perfect combination and melts easily in the slow cooker. The milk chocolate chips are smooth and creamy for the extra sweetness in the chocolate candy.
  • Dark chocolate chunks: This adds another layer of rich chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate chips also work!
  • Peanut butter: The creamy type works best. It is best not to use the natural, drippy kind though.
  • Peanuts: The saltiness of the peanuts perfectly balances out the sweet chocolate flavor. They also give it a nice crunch.
  • Marshmallows: I love the texture these add. You stir them in once the chocolate has cooled a bit so that they keep their shape and don’t melt. Use the miniature marshmallows for best results.

How to Make Rocky Road Candy in Crockpot

Melt together this amazingly delicious rocky road fudge in a slow cooker. With a sweet chocolate flavor, creamy peanut butter, squishy marshmallows, and a crunchy nut flavor, it is the perfect combination!

Mixing marshmallows into rocky road candy in crockpot.
  1. Combine. Add all ingredients except marshmallows to the crockpot.
  2. Cook. Cover and cook for 1 hour. Remove the lid and stir until smooth.
  3. Mix. Turn the crockpot off and let the chocolate mixture cool (for about 2 minutes). Then add marshmallows and mix.
  4. Scoop. Immediately place rounded spoonfuls of the candy onto a lined cookie sheet. Top with chopped peanuts and extra marshmallows. Allow to cool before serving.
Close up of rocky road candy.

Tips + Variations

These tips and variations are the perfect way to create more ways to make this rocky road recipe. Add more chocolate, choose a different nut, and learn just when to add the marshmallows. It is a quick and easy recipe that can be made in batches!

  • Chocolate. You can omit the chocolate chunks and use 1 and 3/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips if desired.
  • Nuts. You can replace the peanuts with other types of nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
  • When to add marshmallows. Make sure the chocolate mixture has cooled a bit before mixing in the marshmallows or else they will melt.
  • Chill. To speed up the cooling process, place the candy in the refrigerator to chill until firm.
Rocky road candy with a bite out of it.

Recipe FAQs

What does rocky road consist of?

Rocky Road is a no-bake candy consisting of melted chocolate, mini marshmallows, and nuts. It can also include coconut, raisins, dried fruit, popcorn, or honeycomb.

What does rocky road taste like?

This has a sweet chewy texture from marshmallows, a nutty texture, and a complex texture of smooth and creamy flavors blending together.

Why is rocky road called rocky road?

Rocky road is called rocky road because it refers to chocolate chunks that have a rocky road texture. It refers to people who had to walk during America’s Great Depression. Rocky road ice cream was a favorite and popular back then.

Rocky road candy gift box with christmas tag.

5 star review

“Rocky road is always my favorite kind of fudge so this recipe is perfect to satisfy that craving in an easier way!”

-Gina

Storing and Freezing

Get ready to take a dive into a sweet rocky road recipe that is perfect for making ahead, storing, and freezing. It is the perfect candy that is delicious to share with friends and family year-round!

  • To store: Rocky Road will last about 1 to 2 weeks stored at room temperature, or about 3 weeks in the fridge. I prefer to chill mine in the fridge because it keeps the candy firm and it tastes delicious when chilled.
  • To freeze: Make sure it has cooled completely and firmed up prior to freezing. Then wrap clusters in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. It should last a couple of months in the freezer. To thaw, place in the fridge overnight. I sometimes even snack on the rocky road right out of the freezer. I let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating. It’s still a little tough, but I think it’s yummy that way. :) If you’d prefer your rocky road on the softer side, then stick with the overnight method.

The Perfect Holiday Gift!

Looking for a fun gift to give? Place a piece of parchment paper in a basket and place the rocky road inside. Then tie it with some baker’s twine and a holiday tag. So fun, festive, and delicious!

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rocky road candy on a baking sheet with wax paper

Rocky Road Candy

5 from 28 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
This rocky road candy is super easy to make and only takes 5 ingredients! Absolutely no cooking or baking required. Perfect for when you need a last minute holiday treat!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12

Video

Ingredients 

Instructions

  • Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. Combine the chocolate, peanuts and peanut butter into a slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on low for 1 hour. Remove lid and stir until smooth. Turn off the slow cooker and allow chocolate to cool for 2 minutes and then stir in marshmallows.
  • Immediately place rounded spoonful's onto the lined cookie sheet. Top with extra marshmallows and chopped peanuts if desired. Allow to cool.

Notes

Variation: You can omit the chocolate chunks and use 1 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips if desired.
Storage: Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or in the freezer for 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 204kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 201mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1.8mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

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