Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Rocky Road No-Bake Clusters are the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat with the perfect balance of creamy chocolate, chewy marshmallows, crunchy almonds, and crispy rice. The best part? You don’t have to bake anything! Just melt, mix, and chill, and you’ll have a delicious dessert in an hour. They are customizable to suit your taste preferences, and they make great gifts or party treats.
Ingredients
- 250g milk chocolate (high-quality chocolate recommended for best flavor)
- 50g dark chocolate (for added richness)
- 150g mini marshmallows
- 100g almonds (whole, for crunch)
- 100g rice crispies (optional, for added lightness and crunch)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the clusters from sticking. This will make it easier to remove them once they’re set.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
Break the milk and dark chocolate into pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl. Melt the chocolate using one of two methods:
- Microwave: Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
- Double Boiler: Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water and stir until the chocolate is completely melted.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Remove the melted chocolate from the heat. Stir in the almonds, ensuring they are fully coated with the chocolate. Then, gently fold in the mini marshmallows and, if using, the rice crispies until everything is evenly combined.
4. Form the Clusters:
Use a spoon to scoop and drop the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping the clusters to your desired size. Before the chocolate sets, you can add extra marshmallows or almond pieces to the tops of the clusters for extra decoration.
5. Chill to Set:
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate has fully hardened and the clusters are set.
6. Serve or Store:
Once the clusters are set, remove them from the parchment paper. Serve immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 12 clusters
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Add Dried Fruits: For a fruity twist, try adding dried cherries, cranberries, or raisins to the mixture.
- Different Nuts: You can swap the almonds for other nuts like cashews, walnuts, or pecans for a unique flavor.
- No Rice Crispies: If you prefer a more decadent texture, you can leave out the rice crispies and make the clusters extra rich with just chocolate and marshmallows.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store these Rocky Road Clusters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: These are best enjoyed chilled. If you want to soften them slightly, leave them at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, if you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, feel free to use all dark chocolate or a mix of dark and milk chocolate.
2. Can I make these without marshmallows?
Yes, you can substitute marshmallows with more nuts, dried fruit, or even coconut flakes for a different texture.
3. How can I make these clusters more crunchy?
To increase the crunch factor, add more rice crispies or experiment with other crunchy ingredients like crushed pretzels or granola.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these clusters store well and can be made ahead of time. Just keep them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to serve them.
5. How can I make these clusters more festive?
For a more festive touch, you can add colorful sprinkles or drizzle melted white chocolate over the top before serving.
6. Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! You can swap almonds for other nuts like cashews, pecans, or walnuts for a personalized twist on this recipe.
7. Can I make these clusters vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply swap out the milk chocolate for dairy-free chocolate and use maple syrup or agave in place of honey.
8. Can I use larger marshmallows?
Yes, you can cut larger marshmallows into smaller pieces to incorporate into the clusters if mini marshmallows are not available.
9. How do I keep the clusters from sticking to the parchment paper?
Be sure to let the clusters cool and set in the refrigerator for the recommended time. If they are still sticky, you can refrigerate them a little longer before removing them from the paper.
10. Can I add a pinch of salt to the clusters?
Yes, adding a small pinch of sea salt on top of the clusters before chilling them will enhance the sweet and salty flavor combination.
Conclusion
Rocky Road No-Bake Clusters are a fun, easy-to-make treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With their combination of smooth chocolate, chewy marshmallows, crunchy almonds, and optional rice crispies, they’re the perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to gift them, serve them at a party, or enjoy them as a personal treat, these clusters will be a hit every time.
Rocky Road No-Bake Clusters
Rocky Road No-Bake Clusters combine smooth melted chocolate, fluffy mini marshmallows, crunchy almonds, and optional rice crispies for a sweet and savory treat that’s quick and easy to prepare. No baking required!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: undefined
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
250g milk chocolate (high-quality chocolate recommended for best flavor)
50g dark chocolate (for added richness)
150g mini marshmallows
100g almonds (whole, for crunch)
100g rice crispies (optional, for added lightness and crunch)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the clusters from sticking.
- Break the milk and dark chocolate into pieces and melt using either a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
- Remove the melted chocolate from heat and stir in the almonds, ensuring they are fully coated. Then, fold in the mini marshmallows and rice crispies (if using) until everything is evenly combined.
- Use a spoon to scoop and drop the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping the clusters as you prefer. Add extra marshmallows or almond pieces to the tops before the chocolate sets.
- Refrigerate the baking sheet for about 1 hour or until the clusters are firm and set.
- Once set, remove the clusters from the parchment paper and serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
For a fruity twist, add dried cherries or cranberries to the mixture.
If you prefer a more decadent texture, skip the rice crispies.
For a festive touch, top with colorful sprinkles or drizzle with white chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cluster
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg