Easy Rocky Road Candy Recipe with Walnuts and Marshmallows

Create irresistible homemade Rocky Road candy that rivals expensive boutique confections using just three simple ingredients! This classic treat combines rich, velvety chocolate with fluffy marshmallows and crunchy walnuts to deliver the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite. With no baking required and minimal prep time, this foolproof recipe transforms your kitchen into a candy shop while saving you money compared to store-bought alternatives.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Rocky Road candy with nuts

Old Fashioned Walnut Rocky Road is a chocolate candy made super delicious with marshmallows and nuts – all ingredients to satisfy your sweet tooth. Williams Sonoma sells something similar for a whopping $34.95 a box. You don’t have to spend that much – our cookies taste just as good and cost a lot less.

This Rocky Road recipe is easy to make with only three ingredients – chocolate, marshmallows, and walnuts. It tastes wonderful and is perfect for gift-giving.

With its chocolatey base, marshmallow fluffiness, and walnut crunch, this is an irresistible concoction. And it’s definitely a rocky road to make!

Why This Recipe Works

The success of this Rocky Road candy depends on understanding chocolate tempering basics and ingredient interaction. Proper chocolate melting prevents seizing while maintaining the smooth, glossy finish that defines quality confections. The slight cooling period before adding marshmallows prevents them from melting completely while allowing enough warmth for proper adhesion. The layering technique creates structural integrity that holds the candy together while ensuring the even distribution of ingredients throughout each piece.

Ingredients

For the Candy Base:

• High-quality chocolate – Provides the rich, smooth foundation that defines great Rocky Road candy
• Large marshmallows – Contributes fluffy sweetness and characteristic chewy texture
• Fresh walnuts, chopped – Adds satisfying crunch and earthy richness that balances the sweetness

How to make Rocky Road candy

1. Cut marshmallows into quarters.
2. Lightly spray a baking pan with nonstick spray.
3. Melt the chocolate. See different ways to melt it below.
4. Layer the bottom of the pan with a third of the melted chocolate.
5. Sprinkle marshmallows and nuts on top.
6. Pour remaining melted chocolate on top.
7. Gently spread chocolate over marshmallows and nuts.
8. Let set to cool to room temperature.
9. Break or cut into pieces.

How to melt the chocolate

Be careful when melting the chocolate. You don’t want it to bake and become clumpy rather than velvety smooth. You can melt the chocolate in the microwave or on your stovetop.

Microwave: Place the chocolate in a large heatproof bowl. Microwave on medium for 45-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Only microwave until the chocolate is about 95% melted, then stir until smooth.

Stovetop: Add water to the bottom of a saucepan. Place a large bowl on top of the pan so that the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. On low heat, add the chocolate to the bowl and melt while stirring occasionally.

Once the chocolate is melted, allow it to cool slightly, so you don’t melt the marshmallows. Once you’ve made your candy, let it harden at room temperature for about 2-3 hours. You can speed up the process by putting it in the fridge, but sometimes this makes the chocolate turn a funny color. 

Recipe notes and variations

Use semi-sweet chocolate if you don’t want your candy to be too sweet. Of course, you can use milk or dark chocolate if desired.

Try a combo of milk and dark chocolate. It makes the candies super creamy without being too sweet or too rich. 

You can use mini marshmallows, but if you only have regular-sized ones on hand, cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Gift Packaging: Package in decorative tins or boxes lined with parchment paper. Store in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Room Temperature Storage: Store in airtight containers at cool room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Layer pieces between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm Weather Storage: In temperatures above 75°F, refrigerate to prevent melting. Allow to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing Instructions: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store them in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before eating.

Love chocolate? Try these recipes!

• Homemade Truffles
• Peanut Butter Balls
• Chocolate Fondue Recipe
• Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe
• Fools Gold Candy
• Homemade Twix

Favorite Christmas Treats

• Easy Peppermint Bark Candy Recipe
• Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake
• Hello Dolly Bars
• Oreos Dipped in White Chocolate
• Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies
• Almond Shortbread Cookies

Check out my easy candy recipes and the best Christmas recipes to make for your family and friends.