If you adore rich chocolatey delights with a twist of gooey marshmallows and crunchy nuts, then this Rocky Road Brownies Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Combining classic fudgy brownies with the nostalgic charm of rocky road toppings, this dessert offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will impress everyone around your table. Whether you’re baking for a casual family night or a festive occasion, these indulgent squares are sure to bring smiles and seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a glass dish filled with a mix of small white round marshmallows, dark brown shiny chocolate chips, and light brown curved cashew nuts. The ingredients are spread together evenly, showing a mix of smooth and slightly textured surfaces with a balance of white, dark brown, and light tan colors. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Rocky Road Brownies Recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a taste sensation. Each component plays a unique role, from giving structure and fudginess to adding bursts of sweetness and crunch that elevate the texture.

Butter (½ cup / 113g, melted then cooled): Provides rich moisture and a luscious fudgy base that melts in your mouth.
Eggs (2 large, room temperature): Bind the ingredients while lending a tender crumb to the brownies.
Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate flavor with warm, comforting notes.
Granulated sugar (1 cup / 200g): Sweetens the batter and helps create a slight crust on top.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (⅓ cup / 40g, sifted): Brings deep chocolate richness with a delicate bitterness to balance sweetness.
All-purpose flour (½ cup / 64g): Offers the structure needed for a tender yet sturdy bite.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Intensifies the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
Baking powder (¼ teaspoon): Gives a subtle lift keeping the brownies from being too dense.
Mini marshmallows (1 cup): Melt into gooey pockets that define the classic rocky road experience.
Chopped cashews (½ cup): Add a delightful crunch and buttery flavor for contrast.
Chocolate chips (1 cup, semi-sweet or milk): Top off the brownies with melty chocolate goodness that shines in the oven.

How to Make Rocky Road Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Butter

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Melt the butter in a microwave or on the stovetop, then set it aside to cool slightly. This step ensures your batter won’t cook the eggs prematurely, keeping the texture smooth and lush.

Step 2: Mix Eggs and Vanilla

In a medium-sized bowl, beat the two large eggs together with the vanilla extract until combined and slightly frothy. This mixture acts as the flavor and structure foundation of your brownies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Sugar

Gently stir in the granulated sugar, sifted unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder into the egg mixture. Mix just enough to blend, ensuring you don’t overwork the batter, which could make brownies tough.

Step 4: Incorporate Melted Butter

Pour the cooled melted butter into the brownie mixture. Fold it in slowly until fully incorporated. This helps achieve that fudge-like richness everyone loves in brownies.

Step 5: Bake the Brownie Base

Spread the batter evenly in a prepared 8-inch square pan. Bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 22 minutes. Since you’ll be baking it again with toppings, it’s important the brownies are slightly underbaked here to avoid dryness.

Step 6: Add Rocky Road Toppings and Finish Baking

Remove the pan from the oven and generously sprinkle with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and chopped cashews. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the chocolate chips look shiny and the marshmallows puff up beautifully.

How to Serve Rocky Road Brownies Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a dark brown chocolate brownie square on a white plate with a silver fork beside it. The brownie has three visible layers: the bottom layer is dense and crumbly chocolate cake, the middle layer is a melted glossy chocolate topping mixed with chopped light brown nuts, and the top layer includes small white marshmallows and more nuts scattered on top. In the background, part of a clear glass dish with the same dessert is seen on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate to add a pretty contrast on top. For an extra touch, add a few whole nuts or marshmallows on each brownie square before serving to showcase the rocky road elements.

Side Dishes

These Rocky Road Brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the intense chocolate. Fresh berries can add a refreshing tartness for those looking to brighten the dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut these brownies into bite-sized squares for party platters or stack them layered with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an irresistible brownie trifle. Wrapping individual pieces in parchment paper tied with twine also makes for beautiful edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Rocky Road Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to retain their fudgy texture and chewy marshmallows. Avoid refrigeration if possible, as it can dry them out.

Freezing

Wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy, and the texture will remain remarkably fresh.

Reheating

Warm brownies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to soften the chocolate and marshmallows before serving. This little step brings back that just-out-of-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cashews with other nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or almonds all make great alternatives. Just chop them roughly for that essential crunchy texture.

What kind of chocolate chips work best for this recipe?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, but you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste or even dark chocolate if you like a more intense flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, you can enjoy these brownies without gluten. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Is it necessary to underbake the brownies the first time?

For the best texture and to prevent drying after the second bake with toppings, it’s important the brownies are slightly underbaked initially. This ensures gooey softness throughout.

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini ones?

You can, but large marshmallows may melt unevenly. If using large ones, chop them into small pieces to distribute them better and keep that classic rocky road feel.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Rocky Road Brownies Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of fudgy, crunchy, and gooey, bringing together classic brownie charm with playful rocky road textures that everyone loves. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to rocky road desserts, these brownies will quickly become a go-to for celebrations or whenever you need a sweet escape. Give them a try and watch the smiles roll in!