Easy Rocky Road Fudge Recipe (2024)

Rocky road fudge is the perfect dessert for anyone who enjoys intense chocolate with texture. And it’s super easy to get amazing results!

This fudge is a delicious holiday snack or treat that you can share, give away, or enjoy with the family. If you like lots of texture and flavor in your fudge, this one is for you!

One of the main ingredients is sweetened condensed milk. This is what gives the fudge the creaminess you may expect.

I’ve also found that using it adds so much flavor and richness to any dessert, including some of my favorite fudge recipes.

Easy Homemade Fudge

Fudge is one of the easiest things you can make. It only takes a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time.

I like to use semi-sweet chocolate, but you can also make it with milk chocolate. Or mix it for something in between.

One of the ingredients provides the creamy rich texture you expect in any fudge. And that is the sweetened condensed milk.

There are so many different types of fudge, including my standard chocolate fudge and this delicious white fudge that you can decorate.

Another favorite type of fudge is this yummy peanut butter fudge that sends my senses into orbit with every single bite.

I also enjoy this creamy orange fudge that reminds me of the flavor of Creamsicles. It has swirls of orange throughout, but the flavor is consistent.

What I like about the rocky road fudge is the texture and how each bite is a little bit different.

You might get a bit of marshmallow in one and some nuttiness in another. Or you may get both in one bite.

Rocky Road Fudge Ingredients

The list of ingredients is short for such a powerful delivery of flavor.

You’ll need chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, butter, vanilla extract, marshmallows, and nuts.

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

I sometimes use peanuts, but I just happened to have a big bag of pecans. So that’s what I used for the nuts.

It really doesn’t matter what kind of nut you put in the fudge because they’re all good. Or you can mix several different types of nuts.

My thought about this is to use whatever you have on hand. If you have to buy something, pick the one you prefer … or the one that’s on sale.

How to Make Rocky Road Fudge

It’s always a good idea to prepare for the final step at the beginning.

That’s the reason I go ahead and line my pan with wax paper.

You can use parchment paper or foil, but I decided to use wax paper this time. It really doesn’t matter which one you use.

Now it’s time to actually start making the candy. It goes quickly, so be ready.

First, pour the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter into your microwave-safe bowl.

Heat it in the microwave for a full 2 minutes.

Remove it from the microwave and give it a good stir.

If the chocolate chips haven’t all melted, put it back in the microwave for another 30 seconds.

That should be plenty of time to melt the chips. But if not, keep putting it back in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time.

Once they’ve melted, add the vanilla extract. Stir quickly.

Next, add the nuts. Stir the mixture again.

Add the marshmallows. Stir them in carefully.

Finally, pour the mixture into the lined pan. If you’re concerned about the wax melting, you shouldn’t be. The fudge mixture should be warm but not hot enough to melt it. Spread it out evenly.

If you want to see more marshmallows on top, you can press a few more in before it sets. It’s completely up to you how “rocky” you want the top to look.

You’ve finished the “work” part of making fudge. Now all you have to do is stick the pan in the refrigerator so it can set.

That’s probably the most difficult part about making fudge. The wait can seem like forever.

Or you can do what I sometimes do and just trim away a little of the edge for a quick nibble. Yes, I know that’s cheating, but what can I say?

I’m bad like that. I have no excuse, other than the fact that it’s too good to resist.

The Reward

Once you’ve waited a couple of hours (or forever in my mind), pull the pan out of the fridge. Lift the block of fudge out by the wax paper and place it on a level surface.

Now carefully cut the fudge into squares according to how many servings you want. I like to cut small ones, but if you like huge pieces of fudge, who am I to judge?

Tips for Success in Making Rocky Road Fudge

The main thing to do is follow the instructions. Here are more tips for success:

If you want a richer flavor, add more vanilla. Just a teaspoon will add some richness that takes it to the next level.

• Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor even more.
• Before adding the nuts, toast them for a much richer and bolder flavor.
• Chop up some dried fruit and add it to the mixture for another delightful flavor surprise.
• Don’t overdo the nuts and marshmallows in the main part of the batter. If you put too many ingredients with texture, it is more difficult to cut and also more likely to fall apart.
• Let the fudge set at least as long as recommended. A bit longer is even better.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rocky Road Fudge

You may have some questions before you make this fudge. Here are some of the most common questions I’ve heard.

What Kind of Nut is in Rocky Road Fudge?

The most common nuts that people use are peanuts, pecans, and walnuts. However, you can use whatever type of nut you have on hand.

How to Store Fudge

If your house stays cool, you can store it on the counter. However, I like to keep it in the refrigerator to make sure it doesn’t melt.

But then I live in the South. And even during the winter, we have a warm day now and then.

Can I Freeze Rocky Road Fudge?

My answer to this question is a resounding yes! You absolutely can freeze fudge.

The best way to do this is to put it in an airtight container that’s labeled with the date.

How Do I Cut Fudge Without Breaking it?

Cutting fudge can be very tricky, especially when the fudge is less creamy. I’m sure there are several ways to cut it, but I’ve found one foolproof way that works for me.

I keep a glass of hot water and a paper towel beside me. I dip the knife into the hot water and then slide the knife through the fudge. After each cut, I wipe the blade of the knife and dip the knife back into the water.

More Recipes

If you like to eat a balanced diet that consists of more than candy and other sweet treats, try one of my delicious salads.

One of my favorite salads is this Mediterranean salad. It’s a complete meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.

Another salad we enjoy is this Greek olive and feta salad. You can eat it as a side or add protein to it for a complete meal.

If you’re really into trying different types of fudge, then you might like this tiger butter fudge. My friend Julie has the recipe posted on her Back to My Southern Roots blog.

See this recipe shared at Weekend Potluck, Meal Plan Monday, and Full Plate Thursday.