Rocky Road Candy Recipe

Introduction

I recently made this Rocky Road Candy for a family gathering, and it was an instant hit! The combination of creamy milk chocolate, crunchy peanuts, fluffy marshmallows, and a pinch of coarse salt creates a satisfying treat that everyone loved. It’s incredibly simple to make, and the result is a perfect mix of textures and flavors. The best part? You can whip up a batch in just 10 minutes, and the setting time is quick enough to have a delicious snack ready in about an hour. My family couldn’t get enough of these candy clusters, and they disappeared quickly! This recipe is now one of our go-to treats when we need something easy, yet indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a sweet snack, this Rocky Road Candy is sure to please.

Why You’ll Love This Rocky Road Candy Recipe

This Rocky Road Candy is everything you could want in a dessert—decadent, crunchy, and easy to make. It’s a no-bake recipe that takes only a few minutes of prep time but delivers big flavor. The combination of smooth melted chocolate, salty peanuts, and chewy marshmallows is irresistible. If you’re looking for a quick candy recipe that’s both satisfying and simple, this one is perfect. Plus, it’s highly customizable—you can switch up the nuts or use dark or semi-sweet chocolate depending on your preference. The addition of coarse salt at the end elevates the flavor by balancing out the sweetness with a savory crunch, creating the perfect bite every time. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a casual snack, this candy recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet/dark chocolate chips)
• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (optional)
• 2 ½ cups lightly salted peanuts (or nuts of choice: walnuts, almonds, pecans, macadamia nuts)
• 2 ½ cups mini marshmallows
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt

Instructions

1. Prepare Baking Sheets:

• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. This ensures that the candy won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.

2. Melt the Chocolate:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth and velvety. You can also add peanut butter to the chocolate to make it creamier and add extra flavor.

3. Mix the Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, add the peanuts and mini marshmallows. Once the chocolate is melted, pour it over the peanuts and marshmallows. Stir gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the melted chocolate.

4. Form the Clusters:

• Using a cookie scoop or two large spoons, drop heaping tablespoons of the candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the clusters apart slightly to allow for even setting.

5. Add the Salt:

• Immediately sprinkle coarse salt over the clusters, before the chocolate begins to set. This enhances the flavor and adds a savory contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate.

6. Set the Candy:

• Allow the candy to set at room temperature for about 60 minutes. Alternatively, place the baking sheets in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to speed up the process.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once the chocolate has hardened, transfer the clusters to an airtight container for storage, or serve immediately to enjoy fresh.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1 candy cluster)

• Serving Size: 1 cluster (about 1.5 tablespoons)
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Set Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 30 clusters

How to Serve

• At Parties: These candy clusters are perfect for parties or holiday gatherings. Serve them in a decorative bowl for an easy and festive treat.
• As a Snack: Keep a batch of these candy clusters in an airtight container for a quick snack. They’re the perfect bite-sized indulgence.
• For Gifting: Package the candy clusters in a jar or treat box as a homemade gift. Add a ribbon and a personalized tag for an extra touch.
• With Ice Cream: These candies make a great topping for vanilla or chocolate ice cream, adding crunch and sweetness.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair these clusters with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful dessert or afternoon treat.

Additional Tips

1. Use Different Nuts: Feel free to swap the salted peanuts for your favorite nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts, to suit your taste.
2. Make It Creamy: Add creamy peanut butter to the melted chocolate for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
3. Choose Your Chocolate: You can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips if you prefer less sweetness in the candy.
4. Use Large Marshmallows: You can also chop up large marshmallows instead of using mini marshmallows for a more substantial texture.
5. Check the Salt: Be sure to use coarse salt, as it enhances the flavor and provides a nice balance to the sweetness of the chocolate.

FAQ

1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate? Yes, you can use dark chocolate for a less sweet version of this candy, or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a middle ground.
2. What other nuts can I use in this recipe? You can swap peanuts for walnuts, almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts, depending on your preference. Each will bring a unique flavor and texture.
3. How should I store these candy clusters? Store the candy clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also refrigerate them if you want to extend the shelf life.
4. Can I freeze these candy clusters? Yes, you can freeze the candy clusters. Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
5. Can I add more marshmallows? Absolutely! If you prefer a more marshmallow-heavy candy, feel free to increase the amount of mini marshmallows in the mixture.
6. Can I add flavoring to the chocolate? You can add a splash of vanilla extract, almond extract, or a pinch of cinnamon to the chocolate for extra flavor.
7. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy? Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of texture to the candy, but the candy will still hold together well.
8. What if I don’t have a cookie scoop? If you don’t have a cookie scoop, you can use two large spoons to drop the candy mixture onto the baking sheet.
9. Can I make these candy clusters smaller? Yes, you can make smaller clusters if you prefer, but make sure to adjust the serving size and calorie count accordingly.
10. Can I top the candies with something else instead of salt? Yes, you can top the candies with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate for a different twist.

Conclusion

These Rocky Road Candy clusters are the perfect sweet and salty treat. With the creamy chocolate coating, crunchy peanuts, and gooey marshmallows, they are an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. The simplicity of this recipe makes it an ideal choice for last-minute parties, holiday gatherings, or just a quick indulgence when you need something sweet. Customize the recipe to suit your taste, and enjoy these easy-to-make candy clusters that will have everyone asking for more.

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