There’s something about Christmas that calls for a little extra decadence, and this holiday Rocky Road captures the spirit perfectly.
It’s everything you’d want in a festive treat: rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, chewy marshmallows, crunchy roasted almonds, and vibrant pops of dried cranberries.
Each bite brings that satisfying blend of textures and flavors, while the cranberries add a pop of tartness to balance the sweetness. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, yet looks like a showstopper on the dessert table.
Plus, with no need to turn on the oven, this recipe is a win for anyone looking to whip up a last-minute holiday dessert that’s big on flavor and minimal on effort.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- It’s Quick and Easy: You only need a few ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Festive Flavors: The combination of chocolate, cranberries, and almonds just feels like Christmas in every bite.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a Rocky Road, and this holiday twist makes it a sure favorite for all ages.
- Great for Gifting: Pack it up in little boxes or bags, and it’s a homemade gift that looks (and tastes) like it took hours to make.
Christmas Rocky Road Recipe
Equipment
- Microwave-Safe Bowl
- Spatula
- 8×8-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 10 ounces dark chocolate 60-70% cocoa solids, 275g
- ½ cup salted butter 113g
- 3 tablespoons golden syrup
- 7 ounces ginger nuts/ginger snaps 200g
- 2 cups mini marshmallows 100g
- ½ cup dried cranberries 60g, plus a few more for the top
- ⅓ cup chopped pistachios 50g, plus a few more for the top
- zest of 1 orange
- To finish
- 7 ounces white chocolate 200g
- 1 ounce dark chocolate 30g
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt dark chocolate, butter, and golden syrup over low heat, stirring often. Remove from heat once nearly melted and let residual heat finish the job.
- Place ginger cookies in a freezer bag and crush them with a rolling pin, leaving some large chunks.
- Stir the crushed cookies into the warm chocolate mixture, then add mini marshmallows, dried cranberries, chopped pistachios, and orange zest. Mix everything well.
- Pour the mixture into the lined pan, then chill in the fridge.
- Melt white chocolate in a small heatproof bowl over simmering water, then melt the dark chocolate the same way.
- Spread the melted white chocolate over the chilled rocky road, drizzle with dark chocolate, and use a toothpick to swirl for a marbled effect.
- Sprinkle extra cranberries and pistachios on top, chill for at least 4 hours, then cut into squares and enjoy!