Rocky Road Clusters
Delightful Rocky Road Clusters are the best! No bake recipe is really great for a quick holiday dessert to whip up with your little helpers!
Oftentimes during the holidays, I find myself in a cookie baking frenzy, dreaming up elaborate flavors and trying new, exciting recipes. In my excitement, I sometimes forget to come back to my family’s all-time favorite treats, like turtles candy and microwave rocky road candy.
These simple treats are always a hit and I can throw them together in no time flat. Surprisingly, I was never a big fan of rocky road ice cream growing up. This recipe for homemade rocky road candy clusters has given me a newfound love for this classic, family-friendly dessert.
ROCKY ROAD CLUSTERS
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WHAT KIND OF NUTS ARE IN ROCKY ROAD?
If you are truly interested in the history of rocky road, a little research will show that there is still some debate as to who actually invented the flavor and which nut was originally used in the concoction.
Luckily for us, the simple answer to this question is really that any nut will work!
Almonds and walnuts are the original rocky road nuts. I have also tried recipes for homemade rocky road candy featuring peanuts, cashews, and even a nut lover’s version that seemed to have a little bit of every nut in it. So pick your favorite nut, or two, or three, and dream up your own best version of this classic candy.
INGREDIENTS AND VARIATIONS
Chocolate: In my family, we all have a different chocolate preference. I love dark chocolate, my husband likes semi-sweet chocolate, and my kids prefer classic milk chocolate. Feel free to switch up the richness of the chocolate bark you use.
I sometimes even incorporate a holiday peppermint white chocolate bark when I am preparing my drizzle. You pretty much cannot go wrong when chocolate is involved.
Nuts: You can substitute and use whatever nuts you prefer if you do not have, or like, walnuts. Almonds, peanuts, and cashews are all great options. Feel free to cut or dice the nuts if you prefer smaller nutty chunks too. You can even use a mix of nuts for a nut lover’s version of this rocky road candy recipe.
Does someone in your house have a nut allergy? Consider substituting nuts for crunchy salted pretzels instead!
HOW DO YOU MAKE ROCKY ROAD CANDY?
This recipe is honestly one of the easiest dessert recipes that you can make.
- First, make sure your baking sheet is prepped and ready. Line it with parchment paper and set it aside for now.
- Next, in a microwave-safe bowl, add in your chocolate bark, along with half of your white chocolate bark, and 1.5 tablespoons of butter. Microwave the bark and butter in 30-second intervals to melt the chocolate. Stir the mixture in between intervals until it is smooth and creamy.
- Once the chocolate mixture is smooth, allow it to cool slightly before adding in your nuts and marshmallows. Stir the mixture together until everything is evenly coated.
- Then you’ll grab a cookie scoop or tablespoon measuring spoon and scoop 1 tablespoon clusters of rocky road mix onto your prepared baking sheet. Then allow them to cool and harden completely. At this point they’re ready to eat, but let’s decorate them!
- For a finishing touch, microwave the remaining white chocolate and half a tablespoon of butter together. Then use a spoon to drizzle the white chocolate over your clusters. For that extra holiday touch, remember to add your festive sprinkles right away so they will sticks as your drizzle hardens.
HOW LONG DOES ROCKY ROAD KEEP FOR?
I cannot answer how long this homemade rocky road candy will last because in my home it always disappears in a couple of days. I can however speak to how long it will theoretically keep for in the fridge.
You can store any extra rocky road candy in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks. Just be sure to separate your candy clusters with parchment or wax paper so they do not stick together. When you are ready for them, simply take them out of the fridge and allow them to return to room temperature before enjoying.
MORE TASTY CHRISTMAS TREATS TO TRY!
- Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Bark – This merry bark will satisfy even the most sophisticated palate at your holiday table
- Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Sticks – This dream team of flavors packed into the perfect cookie stick is a seasonal must-have
- Spritz Cookies – Aside from being delicious, these pretty cookies are a blast to decorate together for the holidays
- Christmas Crack – Sweet and salty Christmas Crack is the perfect addition to your holiday treat table
- More dessert recipes…
TOOLS USED TO MAKE THIS ROCKY ROAD CLUSTERS RECIPE
Baking Sheets: These non-stick baking sheets make transferring my treats super convenient with no sticky casualties
Microwave Safe Bowls: My favorite bowls for mixing. They are easy to clean and super storage-friendly.
Parchment Paper: Your baked goods will never stick again! I love using parchment paper for everything from cookies to pizzas!
Rocky Road Clusters
Ingredients
- 8 ounces chocolate bark
- 4 ounces vanilla bark divided
- 2 tablespoons butter divided
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup walnuts chopped
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave chocolate bark, half the vanilla bark, and 1 1/2 Tbsp butter in 30-second intervals until completely melted. Stir after each cooking interval until smooth.
- Allow chocolate mixture to cool a bit before adding marshmallows and walnuts. Stir until marshmallows and walnuts are completely coated.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop clusters onto your prepared baking sheet. Allow clusters to cool and harder.
- Melt remaining vanilla bark and 1/2 tbsp butter in a small microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. Using a spoon, drizzle over clusters. Add sprinkles before vanilla bark hardens. Let cool until set.
Nutrition
