White Chocolate Rocky Road Dessert Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a festive, indulgent treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, then you’re going to love this White Chocolate Rocky Road Dessert Recipe. It’s packed with gooey marshmallows, crunchy pistachios, sweet glacé cherries, and coconut, all wrapped up in luscious white chocolate. Trust me, once you try this, it becomes your go-to for holiday parties, gifts, or just a special cozy night in.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together for a balance of creamy sweetness, chewy texture, and nutty crunch. Keep an eye out for good quality white chocolate melts or discs – they make melting and mixing so much easier.

• White chocolate melts (or chips/block): I use melts because they’re designed to melt evenly, but a high-quality block chopped up also works great.
• Neutral oil (like grapeseed): Adding oil helps the chocolate melt silky smooth and keeps your dessert soft and easy to cut.
• Marshmallows: Regular-sized marshmallows cut in half blend perfectly without overpowering the chocolate.
• Pistachios: I prefer unsalted and toasted for that toasty crunch and beautiful green pop.
• Glacé cherries: Their bright red color and sweet flavor give a festive touch, plus they’re fun little bites.
• Desiccated coconut: Unsweetened works best to add a subtle tropical note without extra sweetness.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this White Chocolate Rocky Road Dessert Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often switch up add-ins depending on the season or what I have on hand – feel free to make this your signature version!

• Swap Nuts: I’ve tried almonds, hazelnuts, and even walnuts instead of pistachios with great results—each adds its own crunch and flavor.
• Fruit Twists: Dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots are delicious substitutes or additions to glacé cherries.
• Chocolate Mix: Sometimes I stir in a handful of milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for more chocolatey goodness.
• Dietary Mods: For a dairy-free treat, use dairy-free white chocolate melts and check the marshmallows’ ingredients.

How to Make White Chocolate Rocky Road Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan Like a Pro

I always grease my 20cm (8-inch) square pan lightly with butter, then line it with baking paper with a nice overhang. This little trick means you can lift the whole slab out easily once set without any mess or breakage—even before it’s time to cut.

Step 2: Reserve Your Best Bits

Before you start melting chocolate, set aside about 8 of the nicest glacé cherries and finely chop a tablespoon of pistachios to use as a pretty topping. It makes the dessert look extra special—especially if you’re gifting it or serving at a party.

Step 3: Melt Chocolate with Care

Put your white chocolate and oil into a heatproof bowl, then microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each. It’ll smooth out beautifully. Take your time here—rushing or overheating can cause the chocolate to seize or burn.

Step 4: Fold in All the Goodies

Now, stir in the marshmallows (cut in half), toasted pistachios, cherries, and desiccated coconut. Make sure everything’s evenly coated in that glossy white chocolate goodness. This is the kind of mixing where you get a little happy dance going—trust me!

Step 5: Pour, Shake, and Chill

Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Don’t be shy to bang and shake the pan a bit on the counter—it’s ridiculously satisfying and helps level things nicely. Then scatter your reserved cherries and chopped pistachios on top for that festive flair. Pop it in the fridge for at least 3 hours until it’s set and firm.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy!

Use the paper overhang to lift the whole slab out of the pan, then cut into your desired size. I usually make 5 cuts down and then slice into chunks, creating perfect little bites for sharing—or not! Honestly, I’ve been known to hoard this and indulge all by myself.

How to Serve White Chocolate Rocky Road Dessert Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with the reserved glacé cherries and chopped pistachios. Not only do they make it look stunning, but they add an extra fresh pop of flavor and crunch right on top—plus they’re so Instagram-worthy!

Side Dishes

This dessert shines on its own, but if you’re entertaining, try pairing it with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of sparkling wine. I’ve also served it alongside fresh berries for a bright contrast to all that sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve put chunks of this rocky road in clear glass jars wrapped with festive ribbons as gifts. Or you can layer it in small mason jars with whipped cream and berry compote for a fancy no-bake parfait dessert that wows your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover rocky road in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will last well for up to a week. I always separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking because nobody wants a rocky road chunk mess.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this dessert freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in cling film and pop it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

No reheating needed here—this is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Just take it out of the fridge or freezer a bit ahead of time so it softens slightly for the perfect bite.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this White Chocolate Rocky Road Dessert Recipe turns out every single time. It’s the perfect mix of textures and festive flavors, and I always end up sneaking more than a few pieces when no one’s watching. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast, a thoughtful homemade gift, or just because you deserve a little sweetness, I promise it won’t disappoint. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears—you might even want to double the batch!

Print