• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Spring Recipes
  • Recipe Index
  • Resources
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
Vibrantly G-Free
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Spring Recipes
  • Recipe Index
  • Resources
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Spring Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • Resources
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Dessert

    Unforgettable Christmas Rocky Road

    Published: Dec 16, 2021 · Modified: Mar 21, 2023 by Jamie · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
    Several pieces of Christmas Rocky Road arranged on a white background to show the top and sides of the candy pieces.
    Side view of three squares of Christmas Rocky Road on a plate to show layers of chocolate, almonds, marshmallows, and pomegranate seeds.
    Side and overhead view of Christmas Rocky Road to show the marshmallows, almonds, and pomegranate seeds nestled in a smooth chocolate base.

    This Christmas Rocky Road is the ultimate holiday treat with chocolate, dried cranberries, roasted almonds, and marshmallows! And if that's not enough "Christmas-in-a-bite", I also added subtle gingerbread spicing and pomegranate seeds for an extra punch of festivity!

    This recipe is no-bake and made on the stove, comes together in 25 minutes, and is gluten-free and dairy-free! It's the perfect complement to a plate full of Christmas cookies and a special treat for adults and children. Look out Santa, we have something extra special for you this year!

    Side view of three squares of Christmas Rocky Road on a plate to show layers of chocolate, almonds, marshmallows, and pomegranate seeds.
    Pin
    Share
    Pocket
    Tweet

    While the origin of Rocky Road is heavily debated, one thing never changes: it's a fun and tasty dessert recipe to add cheer to any event! Chocolate, nuts, marshmallows, and other fun add-ins stirred together and cooled into a chocolate candy cannot go wrong.

    In this version, I mixed gingerbread spices, marshmallows, chocolate, almonds, and cranberries. Then I generously topped it with pomegranate seeds, the crown jewels of winter, and let it cool in the refrigerator.

    And let me tell you, this is one perfect candy. I mean it is the candy above all candies. At first bite you get all the chocolate-y goodness, then watch your taste testers as their eyes light up when juicy pomegranate seeds burst and add their rich juices to the mix.

    As a finale, the supremely subtle but oh-so-important aftertaste of gingerbread spices with chocolate is absolutely the experience of the entire Christmas Holiday in one bite!

    Don't believe me? Read on and make this easy 25-minute recipe yourself -- it's nearly impossible to mess up and 100% delicious!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Tips before you start
    • Unforgettable Christmas Rocky Road

    For more delicious holiday treats, check out our BEST Gluten-Free Gingerbread Loaf Cake, Dairy-Free Tiramisu, Cozy Paleo Spiced Molasses Cookies (with almond flour), and the best Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies!

    Overhead view of several pieces of rocky road arranged on a white background to show all the layers and textures of the candy from side and overhead orientations.

    Why you'll love this recipe:

    • so easy
    • supremely festive
    • amazing texture from a variety of ingredients
    • easy to make gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan
    • a fun take on classic rocky road
    • it's all the warm fuzzy Christmas feelings in a single bite!
    Side view of a Christmas Rocky Road loaf with one half cut into squares for serving.

    Ingredients

    This easy rocky road recipe uses 8 main ingredients plus a few common holiday spices and flavorings.

    The 8 main ingredients plus spices you need to make this amazing Christmas Rocky Road!

    Main Ingredients

    • semi-sweet mini chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life)
    • unsweetened almond butter
    • vegan butter
    • roasted almonds
    • dried cranberries
    • mini marshmallows
    • pomegranate seeds

    Spices and Flavorings

    • vanilla extract
    • salt
    • ground ginger
    • ground allspice
    • ground cinnamon

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    Line the pan: Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. For a double batch, use a 9x9 or 8x8 inch square pan.

    Overhead view of a standard loaf pan lined with parchment paper.

    Melt the base: In a medium pot on low heat, melt together the chocolate chips, almond butter, vegan butter, and all the spices and flavorings. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

    Overhead view of a medium pot with melted chocolate mixture for rocky road.

    Almonds and cranberries: Stir in the almonds and cranberries and remove from heat. Allow to cool for 3-5 minutes so you don't melt the marshmallows.

    Overhead view of a pot of melted chocolate with pieces of chopped almonds and dried cranberries.

    Marshmallows: Add the marshmallows and stir gently to coat.

    Overhead view of a hand with a spatula stirring mini marshmallows into a chocolate mixture.

    Spread in the pan: Spread the mixture in the lined pan by gently pressing it into the corners with a spatula.

    Overhead view of a hand with a spatula gently pressing a rocky road mixture into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper.

    Pomegranate seeds: Sprinkle generously with pomegranate seeds and refrigerate until firm (about 2 hours).

    Overhead view of the finished Christmas Rocky Road topped with pomegranate seeds and then left in the refrigerator to cool until firm.

    Voila -- This supremely tasty dessert is really that easy!

    Substitutions

    • Coconut Oil - instead of vegan butter, you can use coconut oil in equal amount
    • Real Butter - you can use real dairy butter in place of vegan butter
    • Vegan - use vegan butter and vegan marshmallows like Dandies (they're also gluten-free).
    • Gluten-Free - use a gluten-free marshmallow brand like Jet Puffed or Campfire brand. This Verywell Fit article has more info about those two brands, and I consider them safe for gluten-free and people with Celiac.

    I used all gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients to make this recipe and none of my taste testers could tell!

    Variations

    This recipe is super versatile and there are so many ways to customize it! Here are some ideas:

    • Nuts - instead of almonds, use pistachios or hazelnuts
    • Dried Fruit - chopped dried figs or other seasonal fruits can be used in place of cranberries

    Or go for the non-seasonal Peanut Butter Rocky Road that inspired this recipe!

    Equipment

    • medium pot
    • silicone spatula
    • loaf pan (or an 8x8 or 9x9 inch square pan for a double batch)
    • parchment paper

    Storage

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Or store at a cool room temperature (so it doesn't melt) for 2-3 days.

    The candy will last much longer, but it's the pomegranate seeds that will spoil after the above durations.

    Side view of a hand taking a piece of Christmas Rocky Road candy from a serving plate!

    Tips before you start

    Stir the chocolate mixture to prevent burning.

    The sugar in the chocolate can burn. Keep an eye on the mixture as it melts and stir frequently.

    Let the chocolate cool before adding marshmallows.

    If you add the marshmallows too soon, they will melt into the mixture. Christmas Rocky Road is much more fun with big pieces of marshmallow!

    Gently press the rocky road mixture into the pan.

    The texture will be thick and not super spreadable. I find it's best to gently push the mixture towards the edges of the pan with a spatula in short strokes.

    Load up on the pomegranate seeds.

    Having the pomegranate seeds burst in your mouth as you bite into this Christmas candy really makes the experience special!


    Other holiday dessert recipes you'll love:

    • Impossibly Authentic Dairy Free Tiramisu
    • Cozy Spiced Paleo Molasses Cookies
    • The BEST Soft Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
    Print

    Unforgettable Christmas Rocky Road

    Side view of three squares of Christmas Rocky Road on a plate to show layers of chocolate, almonds, marshmallows, and pomegranate seeds.
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    ★★★★★

    5 from 2 reviews

    This easy and unforgettable Christmas Rocky Road uses 8 main ingredients to surprise and delight your guests! Gluten-free, dairy-free.

    • Author: Jamie Monkkonen
    • Prep Time: 10
    • Cook Time: 15
    • Total Time: 25 minutes
    • Yield: 27 pieces 1x
    • Category: Dessert, Holiday
    • Method: Stove
    • Cuisine: American, Holiday
    • Diet: Gluten Free

    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    Main Ingredients

    • 1 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
    • ¼ cup unsweetened almond butter
    • 2 tablespoons vegan butter
    • ⅓ cup roughly chopped roasted almonds
    • ¼ cup dried cranberries
    • 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
    • seeds from ½ of a large pomegranate

    Spices and Flavorings

    • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • 1/16 teaspoon ground ginger*
    • 1/16 teaspoon ground allspice*
    • 1/16 teaspoon ground cinnamon*

    Instructions

    1. Line the pan: Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. For a double batch, use a 9x9 or 8x8 inch square pan.
      Overhead view of a standard loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
    2. Melt the base: In a medium pot on low heat, melt together the chocolate chips, almond butter, vegan butter, and all the spices and flavorings. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
      Overhead view of a medium pot with melted chocolate mixture for rocky road.
    3. Almonds and cranberries: Stir in the almonds and cranberries and remove from heat. Allow to cool for 3-5 minutes so you don't melt the marshmallows.
      Overhead view of a pot of melted chocolate with pieces of chopped almonds and dried cranberries.
    4. Marshmallows: Add the marshmallows and stir gently to coat.
      Overhead view of a hand with a spatula stirring mini marshmallows into a chocolate mixture.
    5. Spread in the pan: Spread the mixture in the lined pan by gently pressing it into the corners with a spatula.
      Overhead view of a hand with a spatula gently pressing a rocky road mixture into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
    6. Pomegranate seeds: Sprinkle generously with pomegranate seeds and refrigerate until firm (about 2 hours).

    Notes

    *1/16 teaspoon is half of a ⅛ teaspoon measure. You want an equal 'pinch' of each holiday spice, and I know some of you prefer the exact amounts.

    Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Or store at a cool room temperature (so it doesn't melt) for 2-3 days.

    Substitutions

    • Coconut Oil - instead of vegan butter, you can use coconut oil in equal amount
    • Real Butter - you can use real dairy butter in place of vegan butter
    • Vegan - use vegan butter and vegan marshmallows like Dandies (they're also gluten-free).
    • Gluten-Free - use a gluten-free marshmallow brand like Jet Puffed or Campfire brand. This Verywell Fit article has more info about those two brands, and I consider them safe for gluten-free and people with Celiac.

    Keywords: Easy Rocky Road, Christmas Rocky Road

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in comment field further down. Thank you!

    This is a holiday favorite in my house. I hope your family loves it too!

    xo, Jamie

    Pin
    Share
    Pocket
    Tweet
    « Tasty Vegan Swedish Meatballs
    Gluten-Free Strawberry Muffins with Chocolate (dairy-free) »

    Subscribe

    for email updates!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dawn

      December 11, 2022 at 9:35 am

      Looking forward to making this. Just want to know if it can be frozen? I would like to make it now and take it out for guests over Christmas.

      Reply
      • Jamie

        December 15, 2022 at 8:56 pm

        Hi Dawn! Yes, this recipe can be frozen and tastes just as good as fresh when thawed. Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Parker

      December 16, 2021 at 10:17 pm

      Thank you for this amazing and super easy recipe! I love it and the pomegranate is super tasty and definitely gives rocky road a huge upgrade. Can’t wait to make this again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Jamie

        December 21, 2021 at 8:52 pm

        Thank you so much for your review Parker! I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe too!

        Reply
    3. Julia

      December 16, 2021 at 10:13 pm

      Wow this is just incredible! I made a batch for myself but will make another for a party I have coming up. The pomegranate seeds really make this rocky road and I haven't seen anything else like it! Thank you for another great recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Jamie

        December 21, 2021 at 8:53 pm

        Thank you so much for the kind words Julia! I'm so glad you enjoyed it 🙂

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey Friend!

    A headshot of Jamie, the blogger behind Vibrantly G-Free, outside in a forest wearing a blue top.

    I'm Jamie -- a former math and science teacher, now full-time food blogger and photographer. I love to live on-the-go with tasty food to take along!

    More about me →

    Currently Trending

    • Three crusty gluten free french baguettes freshly baked on a pan.
      Foolproof Gluten-Free French Baguette
    • Hero image of a slice of dairy free tiramisu with fresh berries on top and a piece of chocolate with a mint leaf on the side of the plate.
      Impossibly Authentic Dairy Free Tiramisu
    • Side view of a bowl of coconut dairy-free whipped cream with a scoop removed to show the light and fluffy texture.
      Essential Dairy-Free Whipped Cream in 5 minutes
    • enjoying gluten free food on the beach
      How to go Gluten Free - 10 BEST tips for Beginners
    • A grocery shopping bag with "Printable Gluten Free Grocery List" text overlay.
      Printable Gluten Free Grocery List + 10 Tips!
    • Side view of a baked salmon cake with steamed broccoli, dill pickle chips, lemon wedges and a sprig of fresh dill.
      Easy Baked Salmon Cakes Recipe

    Spring Recipes

    • Tuscan Chicken Salad on a plate with fresh basil leaves, dressing in a jar, and kalamata olives.
      Best Easy Tuscan Chicken Salad
      ★★★★★
      Cook Time20 minutes
    • Two beautiful bowls of this easy instant pot tomato soup
      Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup
      ★★★★★
      Cook Time40 minutes
    • Six gluten free strawberry muffins with chocolate chips and butter on the side.
      Gluten-Free Strawberry Muffins with Chocolate (dairy-free)
      ★★★★★
      Cook Time25 minutes
    • An easy shrimp paella served in a bowl with a lemon wedge and garnished with parsley.
      Super Easy Paella Recipe
      ★★★★★
      Cook Time40 minutes
    • Top view of a cast iron skillet with vegan vodka pasta.
      Flashy Vegan Vodka Pasta from your pantry
      ★★★★★
      Cook Time15 minutes
    • Side view of a glass dish of healthy baked chicken fajitas roasted to perfection and ready for serving with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.
      Healthy Baked Chicken Fajitas you'll crave
      ★★★★★
      Cook Time35 minutes

    Footer

    About your recipe developer

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Former math and science teacher, now full-time food blogger and photographer. I love to live on-the-go with tasty food to take along! More about me →

    My Favorites

    A serving bowl of dairy-free mashed potatoes garnished with green onions.
    A serving bowl of Italian Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes garnished with rosemary.
    A skillet of caramelised sauteed peppers and onions ready to serve.

    Copyright © 2023 · Vibrantly g free