Indulging in a sweet treat that’s both decadent and cruelty-free has never been easier with this best vegan rocky road recipe. Rocky road is traditionally a rich, chocolatey dessert loaded with marshmallows, nuts, and other delightful mix-ins.
But this vegan version takes that classic comfort to a whole new level by using plant-based ingredients that don’t compromise on flavor or texture. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or simply looking for a healthier alternative, this recipe delivers a luscious, fudgy, and crunchy experience that everyone will love.
Perfect for holidays, parties, or simply a guilt-free snack, this vegan rocky road is quick to prepare and requires no baking. It’s a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth with wholesome ingredients like dark chocolate, coconut oil, and vegan marshmallows.
Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that will wow friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan rocky road recipe stands out because it combines rich, dark chocolate with crunchy nuts and chewy vegan marshmallows for the ultimate texture contrast. It’s totally dairy-free, egg-free, and refined sugar-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
The best part? It requires no baking, meaning you can whip it up in under 30 minutes and have it ready to chill while you relax.
Plus, the ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores or health food shops.
Whether you’re serving it as a dessert, gifting it to a friend, or just craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 200g vegan dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (helps the chocolate set smoothly)
- 1 cup vegan mini marshmallows (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup raw cashews, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for extra crunch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional: 2 tbsp shredded coconut for topping
Equipment
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler for melting chocolate
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- 8×8 inch square baking pan or similar size dish
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Knife and chopping board
Instructions
- Prepare your pan: Line your baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy removal of the rocky road once set.
- Chop the nuts: Roughly chop the almonds and cashews on a cutting board. This creates wonderful texture and ensures the nuts are evenly distributed.
- Melt the chocolate: Place the vegan dark chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well each time, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, use a double boiler on low heat.
- Add flavor: Stir the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt into the melted chocolate mixture for enhanced depth.
- Mix the inclusions: In a large bowl, combine the chopped nuts, vegan marshmallows, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds. Pour the melted chocolate over the mix and fold gently using a spatula until everything is well coated.
- Transfer and set: Pour the rocky road mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with your spatula. Sprinkle the shredded coconut on top if using.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate is firm and set.
- Cut and serve: Once set, remove the rocky road from the pan by lifting the parchment paper. Cut into squares or bars with a sharp knife and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
“Use a chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a rich, intense flavor that balances the sweetness of the marshmallows and fruit.”
Feel free to swap out the nuts and dried fruits based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Walnuts, pecans, or pistachios work beautifully.
For dried fruit, chopped dried apricots or raisins are delicious alternatives.
If you want to add a little crunch, try mixing in some crushed vegan cookies or rice cereal. To make this recipe nut-free, simply replace nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds and add extra dried fruit.
For a festive touch, drizzle some melted white vegan chocolate over the top or sprinkle edible gold dust before chilling. This rocky road also freezes well—store in an airtight container in the freezer and thaw slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 bar) |
---|---|
Calories | 210 kcal |
Fat | 15g |
Saturated Fat | 7g |
Carbohydrates | 18g |
Fiber | 4g |
Sugar | 10g |
Protein | 4g |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan rocky road is perfect served chilled alongside a hot cup of coffee or your favorite plant-based milk latte. It also pairs wonderfully with vegan ice cream—try scooping a bit of this rocky road on top of a rich Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for an indulgent dessert experience.
For parties or gifting, simply wrap the bars in parchment paper tied with a colorful ribbon. They make lovely homemade gifts that will impress even non-vegans.
Looking for more sweet vegan treats? Check out the Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe or try your hand at the delightful Christmas Cookie Shots Recipe for festive fun.
Conclusion
This best vegan rocky road recipe is a stunning blend of rich chocolate, crunchy nuts, chewy marshmallows, and vibrant dried fruit that’s sure to satisfy any dessert craving. Easy to make and incredibly versatile, it’s an ideal treat for any occasion whether you’re vegan or just looking to enjoy a healthier, plant-based dessert.
With simple ingredients and no baking required, this rocky road is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to share something sweet with friends and family while keeping things dairy-free and cruelty-free.
Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of homemade vegan indulgence today!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Rocky Road
Description: A delicious and easy-to-make vegan rocky road with rich chocolate, nuts, and marshmallows. Perfect for a sweet treat or gift.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 200g vegan dark chocolate
- 50g vegan butter
- 100g vegan marshmallows
- 100g digestive biscuits, roughly chopped
- 75g roasted almonds, chopped
- 50g dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Line a square baking tin with parchment paper.
- Melt vegan dark chocolate and butter together until smooth.
- Stir in maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Add crushed biscuits, chopped almonds, dried cranberries, and vegan marshmallows to the chocolate mixture.
- Mix everything gently until well combined.
- Pour mixture into the lined tin and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 25 g
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