Chocolate Rocky Road Candy (Easy 5-Ingredient Fudge Bars)

Made with just 5 simple ingredients, this no bake rocky road candy comes together in minutes, making it perfect for holiday trays, homemade gifts, cookie exchanges, or anytime a chocolate craving strikes. The sweet-and-salty flavor and creamy chocolate coating make it nearly impossible to stop at just one piece.

If a candy bar, a chocolate fudge square, and a marshmallow cloud walked into a candy factory together, this would be the delicious result.

This rocky road candy recipe is packed with everything we love in a homemade sweet treat: rich chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, crunchy peanuts, and that irresistible sweet-and-salty balance that keeps you coming back for “just one more piece.” (Famous last words.)

Even better, this no bake rocky road candy doesn’t require a candy thermometer, special equipment, or hours in the kitchen. Just melt, mix, chill, and try not to hover around the refrigerator waiting for it to set.

Here’s why everyone loves it:

• Just 5 simple ingredients
• No baking required
• Rich, creamy, fudge-like texture
• Perfect balance of chocolate, marshmallows, and peanuts
• Great for holiday trays, gifting, and cookie exchanges
• Easy to customize with your favorite nuts and chocolates
• Tastes like something from an old-fashioned candy shop

• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – The rich, chocolatey foundation of the candy. You can also use chopped chocolate bars or a combination of semi-sweet and milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Helps create a smooth, creamy fudge-like texture and adds richness to every bite. You can substitute creamy peanut butter for a fun flavor twist.
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can) – The magic ingredient that binds everything together and gives the candy its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 cup salted roasted peanuts – Adds the perfect crunchy texture and balances the sweetness with a salty bite. Unsalted peanuts work too, but salted peanuts really make the flavors pop.
• 2 to 4 cups mini marshmallows – The classic rocky road ingredient! Use 2 cups for a more chocolate-forward candy, 3 cups for a balanced mix, or up to 4 cups if you’re a serious marshmallow lover. Just keep in mind that more marshmallows means less chocolate coating around each bite.

1. Prepare the pan. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly coat with nonstick spray. For thinner bars, use a 9×13-inch pan instead.
2. Melt the chocolate mixture. Add the chocolate chips and butter to a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth and completely melted.
3. Add the sweetened condensed milk. Stir until the mixture is thick, glossy, and silky smooth. This is what gives the candy its rich, fudge-like consistency.
4. Fold in the mix-ins. Add the peanuts and mini marshmallows, then gently stir until everything is evenly coated in chocolate. Work fairly quickly because the mixture will begin to set as it cools.
5. Spread into the pan. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. If desired, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the top for an extra sweet-and-salty finish.
6. Chill until firm. Refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until the rocky road candy is completely set.
7. Slice and enjoy. Lift the candy out using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and try not to eat half the pan while “testing” a piece.

One of the best things about this rocky road candy recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you love extra marshmallows, different nuts, or even a little sea salt on top, there are plenty of ways to make this candy your own.

• For a richer, fudgier candy: Use 2 cups of marshmallows. Fewer marshmallows means more chocolate coating in every bite.
• Love marshmallows? Increase the marshmallows to 3 or 4 cups for a fluffier rocky road. The more marshmallows you add, the less chocolate coating you’ll have around each piece.
• Use salted peanuts for the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat. The salty crunch balances the sweetness of the chocolate and marshmallows perfectly. If preferred, substitute unsalted peanuts.
• Switch up the nuts. Try chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or cashews for a different flavor and texture.
• Mix your chocolates. While semi-sweet chocolate provides the best balance, you can use a combination of semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate. I recommend keeping at least half of the chocolate semi-sweet so the candy doesn’t become overly sweet.
• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. A light sprinkle on top adds a bakery-style finish and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• For thinner bars, use a 9×13-inch pan. If using a larger pan, I recommend sticking with 2 cups of marshmallows so the mixture spreads more easily.
• Work quickly once everything is mixed together. The chocolate mixture starts setting fast, so have your prepared pan ready before combining the ingredients.
• Turn them into candy clusters. Instead of pressing the mixture into a pan, drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill until firm.
• Add a candy-shop twist. Stir in ½ cup shredded coconut for a fun variation inspired by classic chocolate marshmallow candies.

Keep your rocky road candy in an airtight container so it stays fresh and delicious!

• Refrigerator: Store for up to 3 weeks for the best texture.
• Room Temperature: Store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Thawing: Let thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

This rocky road candy makes a wonderful homemade gift during the holidays or anytime you want to share a sweet treat with friends and family.

• Layer pieces between parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
• Package in festive tins or decorative treat boxes for an easy homemade gift.
• Place a few squares in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for party favors, teacher gifts, or cookie exchanges.
• Keep chilled until gifting if serving at an event or transporting on a warm day.
• Add a handwritten tag with the recipe name and storage instructions for a thoughtful finishing touch.

If you’re looking for a sweet-and-salty treat that’s guaranteed to disappear fast, this rocky road candy recipe delivers every time. Packed with creamy chocolate, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy peanuts, it’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors in every bite.