If you’re craving something rich, chocolaty, and just a little bit nostalgic, you absolutely need to try this Quick Rocky Road Fudge Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that I’ve made on a whim and ended up with fans begging me to save them a slice. The combination of smooth fudge, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy nuts is pure happiness in every bite. So grab your apron—this is going to be fun and totally worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick & Easy: You’ll have this fudge ready in no time, making it perfect for last-minute sweet cravings or guests.
- Perfect Texture: The mix of creamy chocolate, soft marshmallows, and crunchy nuts is utterly satisfying in every bite.
- Minimal Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients, so no extra trip to the store required!
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s always a hit at potlucks or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this quick Rocky Road fudge are simple but work together beautifully to create that classic flavor and texture. I recommend using good quality chocolate chips for the richest taste.
- Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips: I like semi-sweet because it balances the sweetness, but dark chips work if you prefer a richer taste.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This keeps the fudge smooth and creamy without any fuss.
- Butter: Adds a silky texture and richness to the fudge mixture.
- Mini marshmallows: They add that classic Rocky Road softness—be sure to fold some inside and sprinkle some on top!
- Sliced almonds or walnuts: I often use almonds, but walnuts add lovely warmth if that’s your preference.
Variations
This Quick Rocky Road Fudge Recipe is super flexible—feel free to make it your own! I’ve played around with different nuts and even added dried cranberries when I wanted a festive twist.
- Nut-Free Version: Swap nuts for extra marshmallows or your favorite seeds if allergies are a concern—I’ve done this plenty of times and it still tastes amazing.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl in a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter before setting for a rich, nutty kick.
- White Chocolate Variation: Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier fudge that’s perfect for summer treats.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped pretzels or toffee bits for a fun, salty twist that my family loves.
How to Make Quick Rocky Road Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8 baking dish with parchment or wax paper. This little step makes life so much easier when it comes to removing your fudge in one beautiful piece—and trust me, you want those perfect squares!
Step 2: Melt Your Fudge Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine your chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly to prevent scorching, making sure you scrape the bottom of the pan so nothing sticks. When the mixture is smooth and glossy, it’s ready! This usually takes around 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in Marshmallows and Nuts
Remove the pan from heat and quickly fold in half of your mini marshmallows and sliced almonds or walnuts. The heat will soften those marshmallows slightly, creating that signature chewy Rocky Road texture.
Step 4: Pour and Top
Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared dish and smooth it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining marshmallows and nuts on top. This not only looks inviting but adds great texture and flavor in every single bite.
Step 5: Chill and Slice
Cover your fudge and pop it in the fridge for about 2 hours until it’s fully set. Once firm, lift it out using the parchment paper and cut into squares. I like to use a sharp knife heated under warm water—just wipe dry before slicing—to keep my edges clean and neat!
Pro Tips for Making Quick Rocky Road Fudge Recipe
- Use Good Quality Chocolate: I learned that the fudge tastes way better when you start with decent chocolate chips; avoid generic brands if possible.
- Don’t Overheat: Keep your heat medium to low to prevent the chocolate from seizing—stir regularly for a silky finish.
- Chill Covered: Cover your fudge while chilling to prevent it absorbing fridge odors or developing a crusty top layer.
- Cut with a Warm Knife: Warm your knife between cuts for clean squares without cracking or crumbling.
How to Serve Quick Rocky Road Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my Rocky Road fudge with a light dusting of cocoa powder or a few extra chopped nuts for extra crunch. Sometimes a sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes it to a whole new level—trust me, that little salty-sweet magic is irresistible.
Side Dishes
This fudge pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or rich black tea. I also like serving it with fresh berries or whipped cream if I’m feeling fancy, turning it into a dessert experience rather than just a quick treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, I’ve wrapped individual fudge squares in festive parchment paper tied with twine. Another favorite is layering different fudge flavors in a clear dish to create a striking Rocky Road fudge platter that guests rave about every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
My go-to methods for storing quick Rocky Road fudge are simple: keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It holds up beautifully for about two weeks—just make sure you let it come to room temperature a few minutes before eating for the best texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this fudge wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag. It freezes well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bring it to room temp before serving.
Reheating
Usually, Rocky Road fudge doesn’t need reheating, but if you want a softer bite, pop a piece in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds. This softens the chocolate while keeping the marshmallows delightfully gooey—just don’t overdo it!
FAQs
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Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for this fudge?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make the fudge sweeter and creamier. Just be aware it may not set quite as firmly as when using dark or semi-sweet chocolate, but it’s delicious in its own right.
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Is it possible to make this Quick Rocky Road Fudge Recipe vegan?
You can try substituting dairy-free chocolate chips, plant-based butter, and swapping sweetened condensed coconut milk for the regular condensed milk. Keep in mind, the texture may differ slightly, but it’s a tasty alternative!
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How can I tell when the fudge is fully set?
The fudge will feel firm to the touch and no longer sticky, and it should easily lift out of the pan when you grab the parchment paper. Two hours in the fridge usually does the trick.
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What nuts work best for Rocky Road fudge?
Sliced almonds and walnuts are classic choices. I’ve found that sliced almonds give a nice delicate crunch without overpowering the flavor, but walnuts are great if you prefer a stronger nutty taste.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Rocky Road Fudge Recipe has become my go-to when I want to whip up something indulgent and crowd-pleasing without fuss. I love how flexible it is, and the way those marshmallows and nuts add so much fun to every bite makes it extra special. If you love chocolate (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), I highly recommend giving this a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite fudge too!
Print
Quick Rocky Road Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 14 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and indulgent Rocky Road Fudge combines smooth dark chocolate, creamy sweetened condensed milk, and buttery goodness with crunchy nuts and fluffy mini marshmallows for a delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Fudge Mixture
- 3 cups dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (about 18 ounces)
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
Mix-ins & Topping
- 5 ounces mini marshmallows
- 4 ounces sliced almonds or walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment or wax paper and set it aside to make removal of the fudge easy.
- Melt chocolate mixture: Combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add mix-ins: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in half of the mini marshmallows and half of the sliced almonds or walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the chocolate mixture.
- Pour fudge into pan: Quickly pour the warm fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the remaining mini marshmallows and sliced nuts evenly over the top of the fudge for a crunchy, festive finish.
- Chill to set: Cover the baking dish and refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours or until fully set and firm enough to cut into squares.
Notes
- Storage: Store homemade Rocky Road fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- Use good quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for best flavor and texture.
- For a nut-free version, omit the nuts and add extra marshmallows or your favorite seed mix-ins.
- Allow fudge to come to room temperature slightly before serving for easier cutting and improved texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 1.5 x 1.5 inch)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
