Main image of Christmas Rocky Road

View on phone

Christmas Rocky Road

3 hr + 25 min

Dessert

10 ingredients or less

Freezer-friendly

The origin of rocky road recipes is a subject of debate, with claims suggesting it could be a traditional British dessert, while others associate it with Australian or American cuisine. What's undeniable, though, is that anything coated in chocolate tends to be incredibly delicious! Our Christmas-inspired vegan rocky road recipe draws inspiration from all variations of rocky road, featuring a delightful blend of cookies, nuts, dried fruit, and marshmallows. It’s a festive treat that also make a lovely edible gift for loved ones.

bars

Total

3 hr + 25 min

Prep

20 min

Cook

5 min

Cool

3 hr

Swap out

Treenut symbol

tree nut

Gluten symbol

gluten

Free from

Soy symbol

soy

Peanut symbol

peanut

Sesame symbol

sesame

Ingredients

Rocky road

Toppings

  • 2 Tbsp (15 g)
    roasted salted pistachios, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp (3 g)
    freeze-dried cranberries, finely chopped

Directions

  1. Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Break the chocolate into pieces and place it into a heatproof bowl with the butter and maple syrup. Melt it over a pot filled with gently boiling water on the stove. Set aside once melted.
  3. In a large bowl, roughly crush the cookies, then add the chopped marshmallows, cranberries and salted pistachios.
  4. Pour the chocolate mixture into the bowl with the cookie mixture and mix until everything is coated in chocolate.
  5. Transfer the mixture to your lined dish and press it down very firmly.
  6. Sprinkle the finely chopped pistachios and freeze-dried cranberries on top.
  7. Refrigerate for 3 hours to set, then cut into bars or squares. Wrap them as a gift if desired, and enjoy!

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
  • Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Let us know what you think

Watch it step-by-step!

Nutrition info

Focusing on numbers can harm our relationship with food. Instead, our philosophy is to Nourish the Cells & the Soul. For specific nutrition needs due to a medical condition, consult a dietitian or physician. While we strive to provide accurate nutritional information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. See our disclaimer for details.

Show nutrition info  

More for the eyes

Process image of Christmas Rocky Road Process image of Christmas Rocky Road Process image of Christmas Rocky Road Process image of Christmas Rocky Road Process image of Christmas Rocky Road

Leave a comment

Rate this post


Amanda Davis - Nov. 8, 2024, 3:21 a.m.

This is now one of my all-time favorite dessert recipes! It's truly an incredible combination of flavors and textures. I don't usually weigh ingredients (I'm in the US), but quickly got the hang of it after purchasing a scale. My store didn't have freeze-dried cranberries, so I used strawberries and it worked great. The colors make me so happy! I took it to a get-together and everyone raved. Thanks for an enchanting treat, Pick Up Limes!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Nov. 8, 2024, 5:44 p.m.

We're smiling from ear to ear reading this, Amanda! Thank you for the glowing review and lovely idea to used strawberries 🥰 it means so much that everyone enjoyed the Rocky Road recipe 🙌

Amanda Davis - Nov. 8, 2024, 9:36 p.m.

Thank you so much! I've been watching the PUL YouTube channel for years, so was excited to finally try a recipe! Looking forward to trying more!


Rhea - Oct. 27, 2024, 4:35 a.m.

This is hands down the most addictive dessert in the history of desserts. I now have to stop making it because I cannot control myself

PUL small logo PUL Team - Oct. 28, 2024, 1:21 a.m.

Aw we're so glad that you're enjoying the rocky road recipe, Rhea 🙌✨


Carolien De Maeyer - Oct. 16, 2024, 10:29 p.m.

DELICIOUS!! It’s really hard to put them down too 🙈


Shaheela - May 13, 2024, 10:06 a.m.

OMG THIS IS DELICIOUS!


Nitya - May 11, 2024, 1:17 a.m.

Way too perfect! Cannot recommend it enough!


Ana - April 10, 2024, 3:25 p.m.

Made it for a Christmas party and we all loved it! shared the recipe with everyone to show how easy it was. It became an "all year" favorite dessert of our group.

PUL small logo PUL Team - April 10, 2024, 7:05 p.m.

Woop woop! So glad that the rocky road is being enjoyed, Ana ☺️


Julie Carpentier Boullay - Feb. 20, 2024, 6:46 p.m.

My whole family (mine and my husband's) tried it over the Christmas vacations. Everyone loved!


Sue - Feb. 2, 2024, 6:19 p.m.

This is just TOO good! Might have to freeze them to keep myself from eating them too fast. lol

Forgot to give 5 stars in my first comment

PUL small logo PUL Team - Feb. 2, 2024, 6:31 p.m.

Thanks for the glowing review, Sue!


Sue - Feb. 2, 2024, 6:17 p.m.

This is just TOO good! Might have to freeze them to keep myself from eating them too fast. lol


Meenal - Jan. 23, 2024, 2:02 a.m.

I made this over the holidays to give out as gifts! Everyone loved it so much that I made two more batches and the compliments kept coming! Thank you PUL team - this one is a keeper!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Jan. 23, 2024, 8:02 p.m.

Hey there, Meenal, aw we're so honoured the recipe was gifted over the holidays! Thank you 😊


Charlotte - Jan. 15, 2024, 7:40 p.m.

I was abroad for Christmas last year and I really missed making any festive recipes so as soon as I got back in January I got stuck in! This was one of the top of my list and it didn't disappoint. The consistency, flavour and presentation were on point and I'll definitely be saving for future festive celebrations/gifts. 🙌🏻

PUL small logo PUL Team - Jan. 15, 2024, 11:44 p.m.

Yayy belated holidays, Charlotte - we're so glad that the Christmas Rocky Road was enjoyed 🥰


Magalie Harnois - Jan. 15, 2024, 9:31 a.m.

Lovely presents to give and receive.
Very delicious my niece adores tthis dessert


Jennifer Branson - Jan. 10, 2024, 8:06 p.m.

Turned out beautiful on the first try!


Stine Laybourn - Jan. 8, 2024, 9:54 p.m.

These were insanely good! Such a nice gift -everybody loved them


priscilla - Jan. 4, 2024, 1:48 p.m.

Zo Nice, store for up to 2 weeks. It didn’t last for 3 days!!! Way to good 😊


Elaina V. Kiebert - Jan. 4, 2024, 1:32 a.m.

these were a hit with family and friends, was told i have to make them every year for christmas now !!!


Chelsea Thommes - Jan. 3, 2024, 1:50 a.m.

Nom, nom! My whole family loved this delicious treat!


Mae Strang - Jan. 2, 2024, 10:30 p.m.

This recipe is INCREDIBLE!! Super delicious & easy to make! All of my family & friends absolutely loved these unique holiday treats 😍✨😋

PUL small logo PUL Team - Jan. 3, 2024, 11:52 p.m.

Woohoo! We're so happy that the recipe was enjoyed, Mae, thank you 😃


Lisa - Dec. 31, 2023, 2:29 p.m.

Amazing and easy recipe!!


Diana Mills - Dec. 30, 2023, 5:26 p.m.

This was so good! A big hit with everyone!


Clémence Pnt - Dec. 30, 2023, 9:38 a.m.

I doubled the recipe, but I wished I did even more so that there would be more left for me ! Everybody loved it

PUL small logo PUL Team - Jan. 2, 2024, 11:38 p.m.

Aw so happy to hear it was enjoyed, Clémence, thank you ☺️


Sabina Padilla - Dec. 27, 2023, 5:23 p.m.

I’ve been loving this simple and delicious recipe! I made it 2x for my family and another batch as gifts for my neighbors. It’s a hit! Everyone loves them. I’ve even been experimenting with the recipe as well, and it’s fun to play around with different variations. Thank you PUL! 🙌

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 29, 2023, 7:43 a.m.

Aw thank YOU Sabina! So glad it was such a hit! 🙌


Luci - Dec. 27, 2023, 2:51 p.m.

Love them! And made them two times already 😋
I think the marshmallows and cookies make it sweet enough, I didn't added any sweetener and works perfect!
Thank you PUL team

Sabina Padilla - Dec. 27, 2023, 5:24 p.m.

Same! I did the same thing for batch 2 and 3.


heather - Dec. 27, 2023, 12:43 p.m.

Very good. I made several batches and passed out as Christmas gifts. I just have one question… Where in the Netherlands did you find freeze dried cranberries????? I looked at every grocery and health food store in my city including the Albert Heijn XL

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 29, 2023, 7:41 a.m.

Hey Heather, they indeed carry it Albert Heijn, you can find it where the raisins are. Sometimes it's by the baking products, and sometimes in the gluten-free section. Alternatively, it can also be purchased online from de Notenshop. I hope this helps!


Sheena - Dec. 27, 2023, 2:36 a.m.

Delicious! Made with almonds I had on hand and came out amazing!


Em - Dec. 27, 2023, 2:35 a.m.

Such a winner of a recipe! So delicious that I intended to give as gifts but had to make extra for myself. They look like you bought them from an expensive candy store. The only note I have is to be sure to break the cookies up enough. The first time I just used my hands and the large chunks made the bark break apart a bit at the end versus staying in nice rectangles.


Jennifer Altadonna - Dec. 26, 2023, 2:33 a.m.

Made this for our Christmas dinner and making again for my coworkers. It’s fantastic and so decadent and beautiful that people thought I bought it. It’s extremely simple and well thought out with the crunchy and chewy aspects. I couldn’t fine freeze dried cranberries so just put some chopped cranberries on top with the pistachios! 👏🎄


Natacha - Dec. 26, 2023, 1:52 a.m.

Thank you so much! I can't believe the amount of positive response from gifting it to friends, coworkers and family with a recipe that was easy for me as a beginner. One time I substituted pistachio with cashews for a non-lover and since the cashews at hand were unsalted I added more salt to the choco-butter. It unexpectedly worked great! For the last batch I didn't have enough butter anymore so it crumbled when cutting the "road". Those were gifted as "rocky pieces" in glass jars and looked equally striking. What a hit!


T - Dec. 25, 2023, 9:26 p.m.

Super easy to make (even the melting chocolate part) and easy to customize with variations of cookies or nuts and such - I brought them to my Christmas Eve family event and everyone absolutely loved them! I will definitely make this recipe again. I would recommend using mini marshmallows instead of cutting up big ones, though. It was very sticky, and they kept clumping together hahaha.


Marianne - Dec. 25, 2023, 7:22 p.m.

I really like this recipe! I made it with just the marshmallows and cookies because of allergies in the family but it was still delicious! It is so so simple to make and very easy to eat the entire thing!
I make your recipes regularly and was never disappointed, they are always delicious!!!


Yvette - Dec. 25, 2023, 5:32 p.m.

I've made three batches of this now and they all went very quickly!


Ioana - Dec. 25, 2023, 12:50 p.m.

So good and so easy to make. And looks amazing as a gift. Thank you!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 26, 2023, 3:32 p.m.

Thank YOU for gifting it Loana 🎁


Nina - Dec. 25, 2023, 11:13 a.m.

Perfect Christmas presents for family and friends! Everyone lived it! And it is resly essy to make!


Lisa Schaber - Dec. 25, 2023, 9:36 a.m.

Love these so much and such a sweet present :)


Alaura Ortiz - Dec. 24, 2023, 10:32 p.m.

Absolutely incredible and highly addicting! Thank you for such a wonderful recipe

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 26, 2023, 9:39 a.m.

Thank you, Alaura!


Rosanna - Dec. 24, 2023, 6:02 p.m.

Delightful! Great guilty pleasure dessert! I skipped the maple syrup and was still sweet enough for us.


Jasmin - Dec. 24, 2023, 8:24 a.m.

This is quite quick to make and absolutely delicious. Perfect to make a few gifts in a batch.


Emily - Dec. 24, 2023, 3:15 a.m.

Seriously delicious! I never would have thought to combine these ingredients and admit to being a bit skeptical, but I think I may be whipping up another batch so I can gift this to more people since it turned out SO well. Thank you for such a fun unique idea!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 26, 2023, 9:26 a.m.

Thank YOU for gifting it, Emily! 🥰


Priyanka Rajput - Dec. 23, 2023, 10:49 p.m.

It tastes amazing. I'm giving it as Xmas gifts to my friends and they all love it.
I could not mind vegan marshmallows at any store so skipped those and it's still perfect.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 25, 2023, 11:46 a.m.

So glad it was a hit! Thanks so much for making and gifting one of our recipes Priyanka 💝


meenakshi pardasani - Dec. 23, 2023, 6:48 a.m.

It was a hit at a Christmas Party! Loved the yummy dessert!


Ron - Dec. 23, 2023, 1:09 a.m.

Love it!


kortney - Dec. 22, 2023, 5:34 p.m.

So luxurious and nobody knew it was plant based. 🥳


Hanna - Dec. 22, 2023, 12:25 a.m.

I love it!!! Thank you, Sadia! The idea and combination of flavors is outstanding!


Ari - Dec. 20, 2023, 6:45 p.m.

Hi Sadia and PUL team! I was thinking about making this rocky road as a Christmas gift and I had a question for you: why do we add butter to the chocolate? And secondly, can it be replaced with coconut oil?
Many thanks in advance!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 21, 2023, 6:57 p.m.

Hey there, Ari, how exciting that you're thinking of gifting the Christmas Rocky Road! The vegan butter helps smooth out the chocolate and also helps the bars stay firm. It also adds a nice mild buttery taste. You could try substituting with coconut oil but the bars may become more crumbly. If you'll be using coconut oil, consider also adding less. Let us know if you experiment with any substitutions 🤗


Danielle - Dec. 20, 2023, 3:40 p.m.

Delicious recipe & so easy to make!! Indeed the perfect little christmas treat

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 21, 2023, 6:48 p.m.

Woohoo! Thanks for including the Christmas Rocky Road in your festivities, Danielle 🙌


Rose Pavia - Dec. 20, 2023, 1:22 p.m.

A little messy, but extremely delicious and easy to whip up!


Rachel - Dec. 19, 2023, 2:57 p.m.

Tastes delicious and looks so fun! Made this with my two year old who loved breaking apart (and eating…) the marshmallows. Lots of potential alternatives with the nuts, cookies, etc. Great recipe!


Mia - Dec. 18, 2023, 11:01 a.m.

Made this for the second time, the first batch was gone so fast! 😊 The green and red make it look so festive!


takecare A - Dec. 18, 2023, 3:01 a.m.

Since first making this, I've now made three versions. The first, I used Mylk chocolate - the kids and husband loved it, me a little less so. The second I used Lindt 90% dark chocolate, which we all loved. The third, I'd run out of pistachios so used a mixture of walnuts and hazelnuts - also amazing. In my opinion, never alternate the Biscoff biscuits, they taste like honeycomb, and never alternate the butter, maple syrup or chocolate ratios, but do find the chocolate which you prefer. As far as the nuts go, if you don't have pistachios on hand, I think you could pretty much use whatever you do.
Thank you so much Sadia, I couldn't have made any of this without you c

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 18, 2023, 5:33 a.m.

So glad you've been experimenting and enjoying the variations, friend! Your insights are so appreciated. Thank YOU☺️✨


Nitya - Dec. 18, 2023, 2:09 a.m.

I’m in love with this! No joke. I ate too much and there’s no way in heavens this isn’t a staple in my home from today. I love this with any biscuits that are available. Reminds me of UK’s digestive biscuits but, better.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 19, 2023, 3:51 a.m.

Such a big compliment, Nitya, thank you! Happy cooking 🤗


erica bulow - Dec. 17, 2023, 7:06 p.m.

Easy and tasty, my kids enjoyed crushing the cookies with the potatoes masher.


Johanna - Dec. 17, 2023, 6:56 p.m.

I swapped the dried cranberries for dried abricots and the roasted salted pistachios for roasted salted almonds, it's really simple (even the cutting-in-bars-part) and the rocky road is incredibly delicious!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 18, 2023, 5:36 a.m.

Mmm sounds lovely, Johanna, thank you! It means a lot that the Christmas Rocky Road is being enjoyed 😊


Emily - Dec. 17, 2023, 11:10 a.m.

I made these to the recipe and they are super simple to make and taste delicious. Will definitely be making these again.


Angela - Dec. 17, 2023, 2:25 a.m.

I am very excited to make these to put in my family member's stockings. Some of my family members are more strict on their plant-based guidelines. That being said, do you think I could cut the vegan butter out or 1/2 it and it still have any okay texture?

Thanks so much :)

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 18, 2023, 4:37 a.m.

Hey Angela, we're honoured to hear the recipe is being considered for a stocking stuffer! You can try reducing the vegan butter, but we wouldn't recommend leaving it out. We hope you find the adjusted texture enjoyable if you try it out 😊


Sydney Yi - Dec. 16, 2023, 6:58 p.m.

These were so good and were a big hit with everyone I shared them with! They are a very easy, beautiful gift for friends and family. I used freeze dried strawberries instead of cranberries, and it turned out great. They are on the very sweet side, so I think they pair best with black coffee, strong unsweetened tea, or green apples!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 18, 2023, 4:16 a.m.

Thanks a bunch for taking the time to share the kind words and insight, Sydney! Freeze-dried strawberries instead of cranberries are a lovely idea 😊


Nhu Le - Dec. 16, 2023, 2:49 a.m.

These were DELICIOUS! I gave them as gifts and everyone adored them. Very easy to swap toppings also, though of course the pistachio + frozen berries are very seasonal.


Sarah - Dec. 14, 2023, 6 a.m.

So delicious and fun and easy to make!!!

Sandra Kisses - Jan. 16, 2024, 4:39 p.m.

Best recipe I have tried! Woop Woop!


Mirjam - Dec. 13, 2023, 8:51 p.m.

This recipe is amazing and so delicious! I brought it to a team meeting at work and everyone loved it! Thanks so much!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 15, 2023, 1:57 a.m.

Our kind of team meeting! So happy to hear, Mirjam 🤗


Nick D - Dec. 13, 2023, 8:19 p.m.

Have sub’d cranberries for dark cherries and it’s a winner


Becca - Dec. 13, 2023, 10:19 a.m.

Delicious! So easy to make. I used gluten free digestives. Everyone loved them! Thank you ♡

Nick - Dec. 13, 2023, 8:20 p.m.

I did the same. My partner is coeliac and it’s easily adaptable. She loves chocolate and cherries (see my comment re sub’ing cranberries)

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 15, 2023, 1:33 a.m.

Woohoo! Thanks so much for sharing the modifications, Becca and Nick 🫶


Lizzy - Dec. 13, 2023, 6:10 a.m.

I gifted these to a friend and she couldn’t wait to tell me how delicious it was! I’m glad I saved some for myself 😊

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 15, 2023, 1:26 a.m.

Aww we're so happy to hear, Lizzy! A gift for you both you and your friend 😜


Raed Gapré - Dec. 13, 2023, 4:11 a.m.

What a nice discovery! A fun recipe that I made with my daughter and will surely gift some to friends. We sprinkled sea salt on top for a fun balanced punch.


Kelly - Dec. 12, 2023, 11:43 p.m.

Hi there! I plan on offering these for Christmas but can they stay at room temperature for a few days (they’d be wrapped in a gift for 4-5 days) or do they really need to be stored in the fridge? Thank you so much!! I love making your recipes ☺️

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 14, 2023, 8:46 a.m.

Hey there, Kelly, aw how nice of you to think of gifting the Christmas Rocky Road! We had stored ours at room temp after making it in that video for about a week before they all got eaten up, and they kept just fine at room temperature. Enjoy! 😊


AnnMarie - Dec. 12, 2023, 10:51 p.m.

Ignore my last comment - never knew Biscoff were vegan!

Becca - Dec. 13, 2023, 10:22 a.m.

Me neither! Haha A handy discovery

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 14, 2023, 8:38 a.m.

Hehe indeed Lotus Biscoff cookies are vegan friendly 🤗 Enjoy, AnnMarie and Becca!

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 14, 2023, 8:39 a.m.

Hehe indeed Lotus Biscoff cookies are vegan friendly 🤗 Enjoy, AnnMarie and Becca!


AnnMarie - Dec. 12, 2023, 10:49 p.m.

These sound delicious! Any recommendations for a vegan substitute of the Biscoff?


Nina - Dec. 12, 2023, 6:56 a.m.

Amazing! Absolutely best rocky road I've tried. I didn't have dried rasberrys so I just left them out but it didn't matter. I'd be interested to try gingerbread cookies next instead of biscoff to make it even more christmassy. If anyone tries it, let me know!
PS. These might have been half of my breakfast today - just couldn't resist... :D

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 12, 2023, 8:18 p.m.

Gingerbread cookies are a lovely idea, Nina! Do let us know if you test it out. Enjoy 🤗

Anette Andersson - Dec. 17, 2023, 7:45 a.m.

Hi Nina. I just made some using gingerbread biscuits and they turned out great. Can highly recommend you give it a try👌😁

Nina - Dec. 17, 2023, 8:35 a.m.

Great! Thanks!


Michey - Dec. 12, 2023, 4:37 a.m.

Made exactly the recipe tonight- omg so good! I will be giving as gifts if there is any left!
Next time I might experiment a little bit but why mess w a good thing

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 12, 2023, 8:13 p.m.

Thanks for taking the time to share the lovely review, Michey! You can always gift it to yourself 😅✨


takecare A - Dec. 12, 2023, 3:21 a.m.

Just made this. I promised the kids that it wasn't going to be "healthy." However, I couldn't find freeze fried cranberries, so whizzed up some goji berries & I ran out of pistachios, so used pepitas on top, and sprinkled some coconut. It was still amazing - except now you've got me crumbling a Biscoff biscuit over my coconut yoghurt in the morning 😉

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 12, 2023, 7:44 p.m.

Hehe this sounds like a lovely start to the morning, friend 😜 so happy the Christmas Rocky Road is being enjoyed with the modifications as well!


Tatiana - Dec. 11, 2023, 11:25 p.m.

Stop everything. Just made the Xmas rocky road... I forgot the maple syrup and switched the speculoos to French Petit Beurre style biscuits (because of the person's tastes I made it for). I used dried fruits I had on hand (here dried apricots), a mix of pistachios, almonds and hazelnuts... and it's... D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S. I do not like marshmallows, and I'm not super fan of sweet things... but this bar is incredible. I'm sure it's going to be a hit in my Xmas gifts basket. Thanks for the recipe.

P.S. the link in the description box is not the good one for this rocky bar recipe.

PUL small logo PUL Team - Dec. 12, 2023, 8:26 a.m.

We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the Christmas Rocky Road - even with the creative twists, Tatiana! So kind of you to gift it as well. We're having trouble finding the incorrect link. Could you kindly let us know where the link appears to be inaccurate? 😊