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These decadent rocky road bars are the best no-bake treat that you can whip up in no time when that sweet tooth hits. Fudgy chocolate, soft marshmallows, and chewy pecans combine to make the most amazing dessert.

Side shot of stacked rocky road bars

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in less than 10 minutes. The hardest part is waiting two hours for them to set up in the fridge.
  • Classic Flavor Combo: I have always loved the combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts. Rocky Road was my favorite ice cream growing up, and these taste just like it!
  • Versatile: Theyโ€™re also a versatile dessert that works perfectly for family gatherings, holidays, or after-school treats. Both kids and adults love them.

Ingredients Needed For Rocky Road Bars

These easy rocky road bars only use a few simple ingredients. Most of them should already be in your kitchen. Scroll to the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

  • Mini Marshmallows: Adds a sweet, pillowy texture that perfectly contrasts the chewy pecans and fudgy chocolate.
  • Chopped Pecans: You can use any nut, but I prefer the crisp chew of pecans.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolateย or Chocolate Chips: When blended with sweetened condensed milk, this chocolate perfectly mirrors the sweet chocolate flavor in Rocky Road ice cream.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps the chocolate melt evenly.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds a sweet, creamy flavor that helps the chocolate setup into a fudgy texture.
Overhead shot of labeled ingredients.

How to Make No Bake Rocky Road Bars

This sweet and delicious treat comes together quickly and easily. These would be a great neighbor gift for this holiday season. They would be beautiful, wrapped in cellophane and a festive ribbon.

  1. Prep: Line a 9×9 pan with parchment paper or wax paper, lightly spray with pan spray or rub with butter, and set it aside. Add the marshmallows and pecans to a large bowl.
  2. Melt: Add the chocolate and butter to a separate bowl. Melt it in the microwave at 50% power in 30-second increments. Stir between each increment until fully melted.
  3. Stir: Pour the sweetened condensed milk into the chocolate and stir until fully combined.
  4. Combine: The chocolate will start to set up as soon as the sweetened condensed milk is mixed into it, so move quickly to add the chocolate mixture to the marshmallows and pecans.
  5. Chill: Stir until they are evenly distributed in the chocolate. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours so it can finish setting up. Remove from the pan and slice into bars before serving.

Rocky Road Candy Tips and Variations

This rocky road bars recipe is great for changing it to make it just the way you like. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

  • Chocolate: You can use milk, white, or semi-sweet chocolate for these bars! If you use white chocolate, reduce the amount of butter to 1 tablespoon.ย 
  • Nuts: I love using pecans in this recipe, but you can substitute any other nut of your preference. Almonds, walnuts, or peanuts are popular choices.ย 
  • Marshmallows: If you donโ€™t want to use mini marshmallows, you can use large ones that have been cut into quarters instead.ย 
  • Move Fast! Once the sweetened condensed milk is mixed into the chocolate, it really starts to set up quickly. Itโ€™s best to move fast to mix in the marshmallows and nuts!
Overhead shot of rocky road bars cut up on parchment paper on a wooden cutting board.

How to Store Leftover Rocky Road Bars

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They will last in the fridge for up to 1 month.ย 
  • Freezer: You can freeze Rocky Road candy by cutting it into bars and placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let the candy thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Close up shot of stacked rocky road bars.

More Marshmallow and Chocolate-Inspired Recipes

If you’re like me, then you love this flavor combo. I love it in my s’mores fudge pops, s’mores dip, and my Mississippi mud cake. Here are a few more recipes for you to try with this classic flavor combination.

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Rocky Road Candy (Bars)

By: Alyssa Rivers
These decadent rocky road bars are the best no-bake treat that you can whip up in no time when that sweet tooth hits. Fudgy chocolate, soft marshmallows, and chewy pecans combine to make the most amazing dessert.
Prep Time: 7 minutes
chill time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 7 minutes
Servings: 16 bars

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 ยฝ cups roughly chopped pecans
  • 12 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate, or chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions 

  • Line a 9×9 pan with parchment paper or wax paper, lightly spray with pan spray or rub with butter, and set it aside.
  • Add the marshmallows and pecans to a large bowl.
  • Add the chocolate and butter to a separate bowl and melt them in the microwave at 50% power in 30-second increments. Stir between each increment until fully melted.
  • Add the sweetened condensed milk to the chocolate and stir until fully combined.
  • The chocolate will start to set up as soon as the sweetened condensed milk is mixed into it, so move quickly to add the chocolate mixture to the marshmallows and pecans. Stir until they are evenly distributed in the chocolate.
  • Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours for it to finish setting up. Remove from the pan and slice into bars before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 2gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 7mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

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2 Comments

    1. Hi Barbara, thank you for your question. Yes, you can use whatever nuts you like and have on hand. Let me know how it turns out!