Indulge in Nostalgia: The Ultimate Rocky Road Brownies Recipe

Rich, chocolate brownies are topped with chewy marshmallows, crunchy nuts, and a thick, luscious chocolate frosting in these irresistible Rocky Road Brownies. A classic dessert that brings joy with every bite!

While my heart often flutters for the bright zest of lemon or the fresh tang of a fruity dessert, there’s an undeniable, comforting pull towards chocolate that I can never truly resist. It’s a deep, rich love, even if sometimes I flirt with other flavors. And when it comes to chocolate, few things evoke the same warmth and nostalgia as a perfectly baked brownie.

For too long, my recipe collection suffered from a curious oversight: a severe lack of brownie recipes! After more than six and a half years of sharing countless sweet creations, I realized this culinary gap was a true travesty. It was a mission I had to rectify, and what better way to do so than by resurrecting a beloved classic from my own childhood? Today, I proudly present a recipe that isn’t just any brownie, but THE Rocky Road Brownies.

These aren’t just brownies; they’re a journey back in time, straight to my mom’s kitchen. Growing up, these were one of her signature specialties, and they remain one of my absolute favorites. There’s an undeniable magic about the foods from your childhood; they carry memories, comfort, and an unmatched taste that modern creations often struggle to replicate. These Rocky Road Brownies embody that magic perfectly.

The foundation of this masterpiece is a profoundly rich, deeply chocolatey brownie that is, honestly, quite perfect on its own. Fudgy and dense, it could easily stand as a solo star. But why stop at perfection when you can elevate it to pure bliss? We then layer these exquisite brownies with fluffy marshmallows and crunchy nuts, before generously drenching them in a warm, luscious chocolate frosting. This frosting, once poured, sets beautifully if you allow it the time it deserves. As you might gather from the photograph, my patience often wears thin when these brownies are around. But rest assured, even if you can’t wait for the frosting to fully set, the flavor remains phenomenal – just a little wonderfully messy!

Rocky Road Brownies

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Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 30 minutes

Servings:

24 servings

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Rich, chocolate brownies are topped with marshmallows, nuts and a thick chocolate frosting in these Rocky Road Brownies.

Ingredients

Brownies

• 1/2 cup butter
• 3 oz unsweetened chocolate
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans optional

Frosting

• 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 1/2 cup butter
• 6 tablespoons evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup nuts coarsely chopped
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions

For the brownies:

• Preheat oven to 350F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
• In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the unsweetened chocolate and stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
• In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs until they are light, pale, and foamy. Gradually add the salt, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract to the beaten eggs, mixing until well combined. Gently fold in the cooled chocolate mixture until just incorporated. Sift in the all-purpose flour and carefully fold it in, along with the chopped pecans (if using), being careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to dry, tough brownies.
• Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. The brownies should still be slightly fudgy. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before proceeding to the frosting. This step is crucial for achieving a clean cut and preventing the frosting from melting too quickly.

For the frosting:

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cocoa powder, vegetable shortening, and butter. Melt these ingredients together, stirring frequently until smooth and fully combined. Add the evaporated milk and vanilla extract, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then remove from heat.
• In a large mixing bowl, place the powdered sugar. Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the powdered sugar and mix vigorously with a whisk or electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Stir in the coarsely chopped nuts.
• Once the brownies are completely cooled, evenly sprinkle the mini marshmallows over their surface. Immediately and quickly pour the warm chocolate frosting over the marshmallows and spread it gently to cover the entire brownie layer. Work swiftly, as the frosting will begin to thicken as it cools. Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature or chill them in the refrigerator until the frosting is firm before cutting into squares. This ensures neat slices and prevents the frosting from being too gooey.

What Makes These Rocky Road Brownies Irresistible?

These Rocky Road Brownies are not just a dessert; they are an experience in texture and flavor. Each bite offers a delightful journey, starting with the deep, rich intensity of the fudgy chocolate brownie base. This foundation is perfectly dense and chewy, delivering that quintessential brownie satisfaction. Layered on top are soft, slightly melted mini marshmallows that create pockets of gooey sweetness, contrasting beautifully with the satisfying crunch of roasted nuts, typically pecans or walnuts. Finally, the entire ensemble is crowned with a thick, smooth, and utterly decadent chocolate frosting that melts in your mouth. The combination of fudgy, gooey, crunchy, and creamy creates a symphony of sensations that makes these brownies truly irresistible and a standout among chocolate treats.

A Nod to History: The Rocky Road Legacy

The concept of “Rocky Road” itself dates back to the late 19th century, with its origins often attributed to Australia as a way to sell confectionery that had been damaged during travel. The idea of combining chocolate with nuts and marshmallows wasn’t just practical; it was revolutionary! This flavor profile truly soared in popularity with the invention of Rocky Road ice cream in the United States in the 1920s, during the Great Depression. It was a dessert meant to bring a smile to people’s faces with its rich, indulgent ingredients. Translating this beloved combination into a brownie format was a stroke of genius, marrying the classic fudginess of a brownie with the iconic textural contrast of Rocky Road candy or ice cream. These brownies pay homage to that delicious legacy, offering a comforting and joyous treat that has stood the test of time.

Expert Tips for Flawless Rocky Road Brownies

• Don’t Overbake the Brownies: The key to a fudgy brownie is to remove it from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the center still has moist crumbs attached. An overbaked brownie will be dry and cakey, losing that desirable dense texture.
• Quality Chocolate Matters: For the brownie base, using high-quality unsweetened chocolate will make a noticeable difference in the depth of flavor.
• Cool Completely: Resist the urge to frost warm brownies! The brownie layer must be completely cool before adding the marshmallows and warm frosting. This prevents the marshmallows from dissolving entirely and ensures the frosting sets properly.
• Toast Your Nuts (Optional but Recommended): Lightly toasting the pecans (or any nuts you choose) before adding them to the brownie batter or frosting can enhance their flavor and crunch. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Work Quickly with Frosting: The warm chocolate frosting will begin to set as it cools. Have your marshmallows already sprinkled over the brownies and be ready to pour and spread the frosting immediately after preparing it.
• Patient Setting: For the cleanest cuts, allow the frosted brownies to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. If you’re as impatient as I am, a slightly gooey frosting is still delicious, but a firm set makes for a neater presentation.

Get Creative: Delicious Variations and Substitutions

While the classic Rocky Road combination is a winner, there’s always room to personalize your brownies. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

• Nutty Affairs: Not a fan of pecans? Walnuts offer a similar crunch and earthy flavor. Almonds, cashews, or even a mix of your favorite nuts can be used. For an extra treat, try candied pecans!
• Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of chocolate. Add a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chunks to the brownie batter for an extra layer of gooey chocolate goodness. You could also use a mix of unsweetened and bittersweet chocolate in the brownie base for a more complex flavor.
• Marshmallow Magic: While mini marshmallows are traditional, you can play with different sizes or even flavored marshmallows (like peppermint or caramel, depending on the season). For a slightly different texture, lightly toast the marshmallows under the broiler for a minute or two before pouring over the frosting, but watch them *very* carefully to prevent burning.
• Extra Mix-ins: Consider adding other ingredients to your brownie batter or sprinkling on top of the marshmallows before the frosting. Think toffee bits, shredded coconut, pretzel pieces for a salty-sweet twist, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on the finished frosting to cut through the sweetness.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of cayenne pepper in the brownie batter or frosting can add an unexpected depth and warmth to the chocolate flavor.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These Rocky Road Brownies are truly a versatile treat. They are wonderful served at room temperature, allowing the fudgy brownie and creamy frosting to shine. For an extra decadent experience, warm a square slightly in the microwave and serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm brownie and cold ice cream is simply divine. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream wouldn’t hurt either!

To store your brownies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If your kitchen runs warm, or if you prefer a firmer texture, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. For longer storage, individual squares can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Explore More Decadent Brownie Recipes

Discover other delightful brownie creations to satisfy your sweet tooth:

Cookies and Cream Cheese Brownies

Almond Macaroon Brownie Bars

Nutella Fudge Brownies

Around the Web:
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Peanut Butter Butterfinger Brownies from Picky Palate
Fudgy Milky Way Brownies from A Pumpkin and a Princess