Blonde Rocky Road: Butterscotch, peanut butter, marshmallows, and peanuts—these treats are truly little bites of heaven!
Photo Updated December 2013
Blonde Rocky Road: The Irresistible No-Bake Butterscotch Peanut Butter Treat
Originally shared on May 11, 2011, this delightful candy has long been a cherished favorite, especially during the festive holiday season. While we all adore chocolate, sometimes a change of pace is exactly what’s needed to keep things exciting. This Blonde Rocky Road offers a unique and utterly addictive alternative that’s guaranteed to be a hit. Consider yourself warned – once you start, it’s hard to stop! I attempted to send the leftovers to my husband’s workplace, but he forgot the container, and let’s just say I enjoyed more than my fair share of these delightful squares that weekend.
I first discovered this recipe online many years ago, and it has since become a staple in my kitchen. It truly doesn’t get much simpler than this: absolutely no candy thermometer is required, you won’t need any obscure or fancy ingredients, and the entire process can be completed in as little as half an hour. Keep this recipe in mind as the holiday season approaches, particularly when you’re scrambling for a quick dessert for an impromptu Christmas party or unexpected guests. You’ll be incredibly thankful to have this fantastic recipe readily available!
Why You’ll Love This “Blonde” Twist on a Classic
Blonde Rocky Road stands out as a brilliant no-bake dessert that offers a refreshing departure from traditional chocolate-based treats. Its golden hue and rich, buttery flavor profile are uniquely appealing, making it a showstopper on any dessert platter. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your collection:
A Delicious Alternative to Chocolate
For those who love the classic Rocky Road but are seeking something different, the “blonde” version, powered by butterscotch and peanut butter, is a revelation. The sweet, caramel-like notes of butterscotch chips meld perfectly with the nutty richness of peanut butter, creating a depth of flavor that is both comforting and exciting. It’s a wonderful option for gatherings where you want to offer variety beyond the usual chocolate confections, catering to different palates without sacrificing indulgence.
Effortless Preparation for Any Occasion
The beauty of this Blonde Rocky Road lies in its sheer simplicity. It’s a true no-bake wonder, meaning you won’t need to turn on your oven, making it ideal for warmer months or when oven space is at a premium. The absence of a candy thermometer eliminates one of the most intimidating aspects of candy making, making it approachable for even the most novice bakers. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a quick chill, you can whip up a batch of these delectable squares in under an hour. This makes it a perfect last-minute dessert for holiday parties, potlucks, or simply when a sudden craving for something sweet strikes.
Versatility and Pure Addiction
Beyond its ease, this candy is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for gifting, sharing with friends and family, or simply enjoying as a personal treat. Its addictive combination of chewy marshmallows, crunchy peanuts, and smooth butterscotch-peanut butter base creates a textural symphony that keeps you coming back for more. The convenience and irresistible taste ensure that once you try it, this Blonde Rocky Road will quickly become a beloved favorite in your home, just as it has in ours.
The Magic Behind Blonde Rocky Road: Key Ingredients
The secret to Blonde Rocky Road’s undeniable charm lies in its harmonious blend of simple yet powerful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the unique flavor and texture that makes this candy so special.
Butterscotch Chips: The Golden Foundation
Butterscotch chips are the star of this “blonde” creation, providing its signature golden color and sweet, caramelized flavor. Unlike chocolate, butterscotch offers a distinct buttery, brown sugar profile that is incredibly comforting and rich. When melted with peanut butter and butter, it forms a smooth, luxurious base that coats every marshmallow and peanut, delivering a consistent burst of flavor in every bite. Choose high-quality butterscotch chips for the best results, as their flavor will truly shine through.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Richness and Balance
Creamy peanut butter is indispensable, adding a delightful nutty depth and a creamy texture that perfectly complements the sweetness of the butterscotch. It helps bind the mixture together, creating a smooth, cohesive base. The slight saltiness inherent in most peanut butters also plays a vital role in balancing the overall sweetness of the candy, preventing it from becoming overly cloying. For this recipe, creamy peanut butter works best to achieve the desired smooth consistency, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Unsalted Butter: Smoothness and Decadence
A touch of unsalted butter is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency. When melted with the butterscotch chips and peanut butter, it contributes to the candy’s smooth, velvety texture. Butter adds a richness that enhances the overall mouthfeel and helps the mixture set beautifully once chilled. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in the recipe, ensuring a balanced flavor.
Vanilla Extract and Salt: Flavor Enhancers
These two humble ingredients are mighty flavor enhancers. Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note that elevates the butterscotch and peanut butter flavors, bringing out their best qualities. A pinch of salt, often overlooked, is essential for balancing the sweetness and deepening the complexity of the candy. It highlights the individual flavors of the ingredients, making the overall taste more vibrant and memorable.
Miniature Marshmallows: The Classic Chewy Element
What would Rocky Road be without marshmallows? Miniature marshmallows provide that classic chewy, soft texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of peanuts. They create pockets of airy sweetness throughout the candy, making each bite an interesting combination of textures. Using miniature marshmallows ensures they are evenly distributed and easy to incorporate into the mixture without being overly dominant.
Salted Peanuts: The Perfect Crunch and Savory Contrast
Salted peanuts are the final, essential component, offering a satisfying crunch and another layer of savory contrast. Their roasted flavor and saltiness cut through the richness of the butterscotch and peanut butter, preventing the candy from being one-dimensional. The textural difference between the soft marshmallows and the crisp peanuts is a hallmark of Rocky Road, making every bite an exciting experience. Dividing the peanuts allows for some to be mixed in and some to be sprinkled on top for visual appeal and an extra crunch.
Crafting Your Perfect Blonde Rocky Road: Tips for Success
Making Blonde Rocky Road is incredibly straightforward, but a few simple tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely fantastic. Follow these guidelines for a flawless, delicious batch every time:
Preparation is Key: Line Your Dish
Before you even begin melting your ingredients, ensure your 8×8-inch baking dish is properly lined with foil. This seemingly small step is critical for effortless removal of the set candy. Leave a little overhang on the sides – these “handles” will allow you to easily lift the entire slab of Rocky Road out of the dish once it’s firm. A well-lined pan also ensures easy cleanup, which is always a bonus!
Microwave Melting Mastery: Low and Slow
When melting the butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and butter, patience is a virtue. Microwave these ingredients on 50% power in short, 30-second intervals. After each interval, stir the mixture thoroughly, even if it doesn’t look fully melted yet. This gentle approach prevents the butterscotch from scorching or seizing, ensuring a smooth, silky base. Overheating butterscotch can cause it to become grainy or hard, so trust the process of gradual melting and constant stirring until it’s perfectly smooth and glossy.
Mixing Gently: Incorporating Add-ins
Once your butterscotch base is smooth, it’s time to fold in the vanilla, salt, and most of your marshmallows and peanuts. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring all the marshmallows and peanuts are well coated. Be careful not to overmix aggressively, as this can break down the marshmallows too much. The goal is to distribute them evenly while maintaining their distinct pillowy texture and the peanuts’ crunch. The remaining marshmallows and peanuts are reserved for sprinkling on top, adding a beautiful finish and an extra textural pop.
Chilling for Perfection: The Wait is Worth It
After pouring the mixture into your prepared pan and lightly pressing the toppings, the chilling step is crucial for the candy to set properly. While 15 minutes in the freezer offers a quicker set, an hour in the refrigerator yields a slightly firmer, more evenly chilled consistency. Resist the urge to cut into it too soon; proper chilling ensures clean, neat squares and prevents the candy from being too sticky. A well-set slab will be much easier to slice and handle.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Once cut into squares, store your Blonde Rocky Road in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for several days, especially in a cool environment. If your kitchen is warm or humid, storing it in the refrigerator can help maintain its firmness and prevent stickiness. Just be sure to allow it to come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor, as chilling can make the candy quite firm.
Blonde Rocky Road: More Than Just a Recipe
Blonde Rocky Road is more than just a quick and easy dessert; it’s a versatile confection that can adapt to many occasions and preferences. Its delightful flavor and straightforward preparation make it a fantastic choice for both casual enjoyment and special events.
A Timeless Treat for Sharing and Gifting
This candy embodies the spirit of homemade treats – simple, comforting, and always appreciated. It’s an excellent choice for holiday cookie exchanges, bake sales, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Package a few squares in a decorative box or bag, and you have a charming present that shows you care. Its unique flavor profile ensures it will stand out among more common holiday sweets.
Customization and Creative Variations
One of the best things about Blonde Rocky Road is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different additions:
- Nuts: Swap out salted peanuts for other crunchy nuts like roasted almonds, pecans, or cashews for a different flavor dimension.
- Salty Crunch: For an extra layer of salty goodness, crush some pretzels and mix them in, or sprinkle them on top with the marshmallows and peanuts.
- Chocolate Drizzle: If you miss a hint of chocolate, a drizzle of melted white chocolate or milk chocolate over the top once the candy has set can add an elegant touch.
- Dried Fruits: For a chewy, fruity note, consider adding chopped dried cranberries or cherries.
- Sprinkles: To make it even more festive, especially for birthdays or specific holidays, add colorful sprinkles to the top before chilling.
- Extracts: A tiny dash of almond extract or peppermint extract could introduce an interesting new twist to the butterscotch base.
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
While delicious on its own, Blonde Rocky Road can be served in various ways. Enjoy it as a delightful after-dinner treat, a satisfying afternoon snack with a cup of coffee, or as part of a larger dessert platter. You can also crumble it over vanilla ice cream for an instant sundae, or use smaller pieces as a topping for cheesecakes or brownies. Its robust texture holds up well, making it a reliable addition to any dessert spread.
Blonde Rocky Road
10
3
30
25 squares
Pin
Ingredients
- 2 cups butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cut into cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows divided
- 3/4 cup salted peanuts divided
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butterscotch chips, creamy peanut butter, and cubed unsalted butter. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals until melted, stirring thoroughly after each interval. Continue stirring until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, salt, 2 cups of the miniature marshmallows, and 1/2 cup of the salted peanuts. Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined. Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining marshmallows and peanuts on top, gently pressing them into the surface with your hands to ensure they adhere. Chill until set, which typically takes about 15 minutes in the freezer or an hour in the refrigerator.
- Once fully set, lift the candy out of the dish using the foil overhangs. Place it on a cutting board and cut into 25 equal squares. Serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.
Recipe Notes:
Ready to Indulge?
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete novice, this Blonde Rocky Road recipe is a stress-free way to create a truly delicious treat. Its simplicity, combined with its irresistible butterscotch and peanut butter flavors, makes it an instant crowd-pleaser. Perfect for holiday gatherings, a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply a sweet escape, this no-bake wonder is destined to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So, go ahead, give it a try – you’ll be glad you did!