Decadent Rocky Road Bars Recipe

Irresistible No-Bake Rocky Road Bars Recipe for Sweet Treats

Indulgent chocolate lovers unite over these decadent no bake rocky road bars that promise pure bliss in every bite.

Layers of marshmallows, crunchy nuts, and smooth chocolate create a tempting dessert that requires zero oven time.

Crafted with simple ingredients, this treat melts hearts faster than it melts in your mouth.

Each square delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that makes dessert time irresistible.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute gatherings.

Minimal effort, maximum satisfaction defines these delightful bars that will become your new go-to dessert.

Grab a plate and get ready to savor every decadent morsel of chocolatey goodness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 221 kcal

Servings: 17

Ingredients for Rocky Road Bars, No Oven Needed

For Base and Binding:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy and rich, adds smooth texture and nutty depth to hold ingredients together.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides silky consistency and helps melt chocolate seamlessly.
For Chocolatey Layers:
  • Chocolate Chips: Melts into luxurious, glossy coating that creates indulgent rocky road experience. Choose high-quality chips for better flavor and smoother melting.
For Crunchy and Fluffy Texture:
  • Rice Krispies: Delivers delightful crispy crunch that contrasts with soft marshmallows. Look for fresh, crisp cereal to maintain maximum crunchiness.
  • Mini Marshmallows: Brings pillowy softness and classic rocky road signature. Select fresh, soft marshmallows that melt beautifully and provide gooey texture.

Equipment for Making No-Bake Rocky Road Bars

Equipment & Tools:
  • 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan: Essential for shaping and setting your bars perfectly.
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil: Crucial for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
  • Microwave-safe bowl: Needed for melting chocolate mixture smoothly.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
  • Cutting board: Perfect for slicing bars into neat squares after chilling.
  • Measuring cups: Helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Sharp knife: Allows clean, precise cuts when serving the bars.

Directions for Building Rocky Road Goodness

  • Sweet Treat Preparation

Create a cozy workspace in your kitchen with a square baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper, making sure some edges hang over the sides so you can easily lift out your delicious creation later.

  • Chocolate Melting Magic

Grab a microwave-safe bowl and combine creamy peanut butter, soft butter, and decadent chocolate chips. Gently warm the mixture in short bursts, stirring between each interval until everything transforms into a smooth, glossy blend. Let the chocolate cool down for a few minutes to prevent burning your marshmallows.

  • Mixing Adventure

Fold crispy rice cereal and fluffy marshmallows into your chocolate mixture. Stir with love until every morsel is perfectly coated in chocolatey goodness.

  • Chilling and Setting

Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Slide the pan into the refrigerator and let it chill for a few hours until the bars become firm and delightful.

  • Serving Happiness

Once the bars are set, lift them out using the parchment paper edges. Place on a cutting board and slice into squares. Share with friends or keep as a secret indulgence – no judgment here!

Sweet Add-Ins & Variations for Rocky Bars

  • Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Chocolate Swap Magic: Experiment with different chocolate chips like milk, dark, or white chocolate to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
  • Nut Lover's Twist: Toss in chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for extra crunch and nutty depth that complements the chocolate and marshmallow base.
  • Texture Play: Try different cereals like Cocoa Krispies or Corn Flakes to add unexpected crispiness and subtle flavor variations to your rocky road bars.
  • Sweet Mix-Ins: Sprinkle in mini chocolate chips, crushed candy pieces, or drizzle caramel sauce on top for an extra layer of indulgence and visual appeal.
  • Storage Savvy: Keep these bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy weeks.

Serving No-Bake Rocky Bars Creatively

  • Sweet Picnic Delight: Pack these rocky road bars in cute containers for outdoor gatherings, perfect for summer picnics and family reunions.
  • Party Dessert Platter: Arrange bars on a decorative platter with fresh strawberries and mint leaves, creating an elegant dessert presentation that impresses guests.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve alongside hot coffee or tea for a delightful midday treat that complements warm beverages beautifully.
  • Gift-Worthy Treat: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper with a ribbon, making them charming homemade gifts for friends and neighbors.

Best Ways to Store Rocky Road Bars

  • Quick Refrigerator Stashing: Store these delectable bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Stack them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their perfect texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months, ready for spontaneous chocolate cravings.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the bars up to 5 days before your event or gathering. Keep them chilled until serving time, ensuring maximum flavor and freshness for your guests.
  • Smart Portioning Trick: Cut the entire batch into squares before storing. This allows easy grab-and-go treats whenever you need a quick sweet pick-me-up during busy weeks.
Print
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Decadent Rocky Road Bars Recipe

Decadent Rocky Road Bars Recipe


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4.5 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

Rocky road bars combine rich chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts in a delightful no-bake dessert. Chilled and sliced, these treats offer a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch for quick indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 ½ cups Rice Krispies
  • 2 cups (340 g) chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or a combination of both)
  • ¾ cup (190 g) peanut butter
  • ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Line an 8×9 inch square baking dish with parchment paper, creating generous overhangs and lightly coating with non-stick spray for effortless removal.
  2. Chocolate Base: Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl using short heating intervals, stirring between each burst until achieving a smooth, glossy liquid.
  3. Tempering: Allow the chocolate mixture to cool momentarily, preventing marshmallow disintegration and ensuring optimal textural harmony.
  4. Incorporation: Fold Rice Krispies and marshmallows into the cooled chocolate, gently stirring to guarantee complete coverage and even distribution of each ingredient.
  5. Molding and Chilling: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula and smoothing the surface. Refrigerate for 3 hours until the bars solidify into a firm, sliceable confection.
  6. Serving: Extract the bars using parchment paper overhangs, place on a cutting board, and slice into precise, delectable squares ready for immediate indulgence.

Notes

  • Prep Pan Perfectly: Use parchment paper with generous overhangs and non-stick spray to ensure effortless bar removal without crumbling or sticking.
  • Melt Chocolate Carefully: Use short microwave bursts and consistent stirring to create a smooth, uniform chocolate base without burning or separating ingredients.
  • Cool Before Mixing: Let chocolate mixture slightly cool to prevent marshmallow melting and maintain distinct textures of crispy and fluffy elements.
  • Chill for Optimal Texture: Refrigerate for minimum 3 hours to transform mixture into firm, sliceable bars with professional-quality consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 221
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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