Easy Rocky Road Bars
If you’re searching for a quick and delightful treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than these Easy Rocky Road Bars. This recipe combines rich chocolate, crunchy nuts, and fluffy marshmallows for a dessert that is both indulgent and simple to whip up. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a cozy evening at home, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying these delicious treats in no time.
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This Easy Rocky Road Bars recipe is not only straightforward but also foolproof. It calls for readily available ingredients and requires no advanced baking skills. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk creates a luscious base that holds everything together perfectly. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, you can confidently make these bars without any fuss. Plus, they are perfect for customizing based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
What Goes Into Easy Rocky Road Bars
To make these delightful bars, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient that provides rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and helps with melting the chocolate.
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (regular, not fat-free): This creamy base binds all the ingredients together.
- 2 cups coarsely chopped pecans: For a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 (10 ounce) bag mini marshmallows: Adds sweetness and a chewy texture.
Essential Tools for Success
To ensure your Easy Rocky Road Bars come out perfectly, consider having the following tools on hand:
- Mixing bowl: For combining your ingredients.
- Spatula: To stir and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- 9×13 inch baking pan: The perfect size for these bars.
- Parchment paper: To line the baking pan for easy removal.
- Microwave-safe bowl: For melting the chocolate and butter.
Stepwise Method: Easy Rocky Road Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk
Once the chocolate and butter mixture is smooth, stir in the sweetened condensed milk. Mix well until fully incorporated and creamy.
Step 4: Fold in Nuts and Marshmallows
Gently fold in the coarsely chopped pecans and mini marshmallows, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the chocolate mixture.
Step 5: Spread into the Baking Pan
Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Make sure the mixture is evenly distributed in the pan.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are set and slightly firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and cut them into squares.
Year-Round Variations
These Easy Rocky Road Bars are versatile, and you can modify them to suit different seasons or occasions:
- Chocolate Variations: Use dark or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Nut Substitutions: Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even peanuts for a unique twist.
- Seasonal Additions: Add dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a festive touch during the holidays.
- Flavored Extracts: Incorporate a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Author’s Commentary
These Easy Rocky Road Bars are an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to share. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible. I love how flexible the recipe is; you can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences or what you have in your pantry. They work wonderfully for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or a simple weeknight dessert to enjoy with family. Once you make these, I can guarantee they’ll be a staple in your dessert repertoire!
Best Ways to Store
To keep your Easy Rocky Road Bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
Popular Questions
Can I use other types of chocolate for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary based on the type of chocolate you choose.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes! Simply omit the pecans or replace them with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds. You can also add extra marshmallows for added texture.
What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
If you need a substitute, you can make your own by simmering 2 cups of milk with 2/3 cup of sugar until thickened, or use a non-dairy version available at stores.
How can I enhance the flavor of these bars?
Consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking, or a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the chocolate mixture for an extra flavor boost.
See You at the Table
These Easy Rocky Road Bars are not just a dessert; they’re an experience. Rich, chewy, and packed with flavor, they are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying all on your own. With their simple preparation and delightful taste, these bars are sure to become a beloved addition to your dessert lineup. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to indulge in a treat that is as easy to make as it is delicious!
Easy Rocky Road Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter - In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
- Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk - Once the chocolate and butter mixture is smooth, stir in the sweetened condensed milk. Mix well until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Step 4: Fold in Nuts and Marshmallows - Gently fold in the coarsely chopped pecans and mini marshmallows, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the chocolate mixture.
- Step 5: Spread into the Baking Pan - Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Make sure the mixture is evenly distributed in the pan.
- Step 6: Bake - Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are set and slightly firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
- Step 7: Cool and Cut - Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and cut them into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months.
- Adjust nuts based on personal preference; walnuts or almonds also work well.
