Sharon'S Rocky Road Bars
Rich, chocolatey Rocky Road Bars combine chewy marshmallows and crunchy nuts for a delightful treat perfect for sharing at parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Microwave 1 cup of chocolate morsels in a medium microwave-safe bowl on High for 1 minute. Stir and microwave in 10-second intervals until smooth. Cool to room temperature.
- Combine flour and baking powder in a small bowl.
- Beat sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until crumbly.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Add melted chocolate and beat until smooth.
- Gradually beat in the flour mixture.
- Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 16 to 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out slightly sticky.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, and remaining chocolate morsels.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute with sunflower seeds or omit the nuts entirely. Ensure you beat the batter just until combined to keep the bars soft and chewy. For an added twist, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Rocky Road Bars as a delightful dessert after dinner or at a potluck. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, drizzle with chocolate sauce or serve alongside a fresh fruit salad like Lemon Lime Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Rocky Road Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them, where they can last up to 2 weeks. To reheat, simply warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy the gooey chocolate again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sharon'S Rocky Road Bars contains roughly 238 calories, with 2g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of iron (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans and walnuts are traditional choices, feel free to use any nuts you prefer or have on hand, such as almonds or hazelnuts. Just remember to chop them coarsely for the best texture.
What can I do if I don't have a 13 x 9-inch pan?
If you don't have a 13 x 9-inch pan, you can use two 8-inch square baking pans instead. Just divide the batter evenly between the pans and adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness a few minutes earlier.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like chocolate chips and marshmallows, are gluten-free to ensure the entire recipe is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).