These No Bake Rocky Road Bars are an easy homemade treat that comes together fast with simple ingredients. This is one of those desserts I love making when I need something quick but still fun and crowd pleasing. Every bite has that perfect mix of chocolate, crunch, and gooey goodness.
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I have been making from scratch recipes for years, starting in my teens and continuing through busy family life and time spent in restaurant kitchens. Recipes like this are tested in my own kitchen and shared only after they have been made and loved by my family. I like to focus on reliable desserts that bring people together without a lot of fuss. With kids who are always ready to taste test, I know this is one treat that disappears fast and gets requested again and again.
Why We Love These Rocky Road Bars
- No oven needed which makes it perfect for warm days.
- Fast and easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients.
- Great make ahead dessert.
- Family friendly and always a hit with kids and adults.
- A crowd pleaser. An easy recipe to double if needed.
Ingredients in Rocky Road Bars
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Salted Butter
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- Pure Vanilla Extract
- Roasted and Salted Almonds
- Roasted and Salted Peanuts
- Mini Marshmallows
Substitution Suggestions
- Salted Butter: Feel free to use unsalted butter. I suggest adding a tiny pinch of salt to the melted chocolate if you use unsalted butter.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: If you prefer you can use milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: I think it is essential to use pure extracts. Especially in no bake desserts. The imitation stuff can leave an unpleasant after taste.
- Almonds and Peanuts: Traditionally rocky road was made with peanuts, but I like the combination of almonds and peanuts. You can use your favorite! Cashews, walnuts or pecans are yummy options too! You want the nuts to be roasted and lightly salted. If starting with raw nuts, roast them for 8-10 minutes at 350°F and lightly salt them immediately after you take them out of the oven. The salt helps cut through the sweetness of the rest of the ingredients.
How to Make Rocky Road Bars
- First, line a 9x13 pan or baking dish with parchment paper leaving an inch over hang on the long sides. Or you can grease with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl combine the almonds, peanuts and mini marshmallows.
- Next, in a medium pot combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips and butter. Melt over low heat until everything is smooth. Do NOT boil! Remove from heat.
- Then stir in the vanilla extract and let cool 3-5 minutes.
- Now pour the chocolate mixture over the nuts and marshmallows and gently fold it all together until everything is evenly coated with the chocolate. You'll want to work as quickly as possible so the chocolate doesn't start to set.
- Scoop it into prepared pan and pat it out into an even layer.
- Let rest until set or chill in the fridge for an hour.
- Slice, serve and enjoy!
Serving Rocky Road Bars
These no bake treats are a crowd pleaser! Serve them at parties, family gatherings, picnics or pot-lucks. The family loves to have them added in their packed lunches as a fun treat too!
Love rocky road? You need to try these Rocky Road Brownies too for that same chocolatey, fudgy goodness in every bite.
Storing No Bake Rocky Road Bars
If your house isn't too warm at room temperature you can store these bars in an air tight container between layers of wax paper for a week. Or you can store them in the fridge for a few weeks. I personally like to keep them in the fridge because I think they taste better cold!
Heather's Favorite Tools for this Recipe
- These nestled mixing bowls are my favorite for prepping ingredients.
- Long ago, I used to be a Pampered Chef consultant and I still prefer their baking tools and pans to any others. Find yourself a consultant, host a party and treat yourself. I also really like these Pyrex baking dishes.
- If you need to toast your nuts these Nordic Ware sheet pans are great!
- I love my Rachael Ray pots and pans that I've had since I got married and they're still going strong!
- Parchment paper is a life saver for lifting the bars out of the pan and making clean up easier.
Tips For No Bake Rocky Road Bars
- Gather and prepare all your ingredients before starting the recipe. This way you won't miss an essential ingredient.
- Read the recipe from start to finish before starting to make the bars. This helps prevent any mistakes from happening. I've learned from experience.
- Line the baking dish with parchment paper leaving an inch overhang on the long sides. This helps to remove the bars and slice them easier.
- Work quickly when mixing it all together. The chocolate sets up pretty fast.
- Double the recipe for crowds! A jelly roll pan or 15x10 in pan works great for a doubled recipe.
More No Bake Dessert Recipes:
- S'mores Marshmallow Treats
- Peanut Butter Bars
- Lemon Cheesecake Bars
- Chocolate Raisin Cookies
- Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Bars
- Strawberry Shortcake Icebox Cake
- Scotch-A-Roos
- Edible Brownie Batter
- Cheesecake Bars
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No Bake Rocky Road Bars
Ingredients
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup roasted and salted peanuts
- 1 cup roasted and salted almonds
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Line a 9x13 pan or baking dish with parchment paper leaving an inch over hang on the long sides. Or you can grease with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl combine the peanuts, almonds and mini marshmallows.
- In a medium pot combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips and butter. Melt over low heat until everything is smooth. Do NOT boil! Remove from heat.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and let cool 3-5 minutes.
- Now pour the chocolate mixture over the nuts and marshmallows and gently fold it all together until everything is evenly coated with the chocolate. You'll want to work as quickly as possible so the chocolate doesn't start to set.
- Scoop it into prepared pan and spread it out into an even layer. Let rest until set or chill in the fridge for an hour.
- Slice, serve and enjoy!
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