Traditional Rocky Road Fudge
Rich, smooth Rocky Road Fudge combines chocolate, marshmallows, and salted peanuts for a decadent treat perfect for sharing with friends or family during special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 4-quart saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until mixture comes to a full boil (7 to 10 minutes).
- Boil, stirring constantly, until candy thermometer reaches 228° or a small amount of mixture dropped into ice water forms a 2-inch soft thread (5 to 6 minutes).
- Remove from heat, gradually stir in chocolate chips until melted.
- Stir in marshmallows and peanuts, leaving a marbled effect.
- Spread in a lightly buttered 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Cover and refrigerate until completely cooled.
- Cut into 1-inch squares and store covered in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. If you want to add a twist, try incorporating crushed cookies or dried fruits into the fudge. When boiling the mixture, ensure constant stirring to prevent burning. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the peanuts or substitute with additional marshmallows for texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fudge as a delightful dessert at gatherings or alongside a cup of coffee. It pairs beautifully with Luscious Strawberry Jello for a contrasting texture. For an extra touch, consider drizzling melted chocolate or caramel over the top before serving. This treat is also great for gifting during holidays!
Storage & Reheating
Store the leftover Rocky Road Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For best results, cut into squares before storing to make it easier to grab a piece. If you want to enjoy it warm, reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Traditional Rocky Road Fudge contains roughly 2124 calories, with 27g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 150g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (116% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), and iron (87% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1387mg per serving (60% 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 salted peanuts are traditional, you can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or pecans based on your preference. Just ensure they are coarsely chopped to maintain a good texture in the fudge.
How can I make this fudge gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses no flour. Just ensure that the chocolate chips and any additional mix-ins you choose are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
What should I do if my fudge doesn't set properly?
If your fudge remains too soft after refrigerating, it may need more cooking time. You can try reheating the mixture and boiling it a little longer to reach the correct temperature. If it's still problematic, consider using it as a topping for ice cream!
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).