This Christmas Rocky Road recipe features a buttery chocolate base stuffed with almonds, marshmallows, and gingerbread spices. It's then topped with juicy pomegranate seeds for an unforgettable Christmas candy. This no bake recipe comes together on the stove in under 25 minutes and is easily made gluten-free and vegan.
Lookout Santa, we have something extra special for you this year!
This Christmas Rocky Road is the perfect complement to a plate full of Christmas cookies. It's well loved by adults and kids, and the pomegranate seeds add sophistication to the dessert table.
For more Christmas candy recipes, check out my Dark Chocolate Maple Buttercream Candies, Peanut Butter Truffles, and S'mores Bites. For more impressive Christmas desserts check out my Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cake, Dairy-Free Tiramisu, and Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake.
If you're looking for Christmas Cookie recipes to go along with this Christmas Rocky Road recipe, check out my Maple Brown Sugar Cookies, Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Cut Outs, Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies, Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies, Coconut Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies, Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, Gluten-Free Monster Cookies, Almond Flour Molasses Cookies, and Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies.
How to make it (with photos)
Ingredient Notes + Substitutions
This Christmas rocky road recipe requires 8 main ingredients plus a few common holiday spices and flavorings.
- chocolate - Use semi-sweet chocolate chips or baking chocolate for the rocky road base. I used Enjoy Life chocolate chips, which are allergen-friendly and don't contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting smoothly.
- almond butter - I recommend an unsweetened almond butter. You can use any nut or seed butter as a replacement if needed.
- butter - Vegan butter or coconut oil can be used as a substitute for butter.
- roasted almonds - As a substitute (or in addition to), you can use pistachios, hazelnuts, or another festive nut of your choosing.
- dried cranberries - While other dried fruits in similar-sized pieces will work too, I think dried cranberries are the most festive.
- pomegranate seeds - Pomegranate seeds can be left off entirely, but they're a nice treat, especially for older kids and adults.
You also need mini marshmallows, vanilla extract, salt, ground ginger, ground allspice, and ground cinnamon.
See the recipe card for a full list of ingredients with quantities.
Substitutions + Variations
These allergy-friendly brands can help you fit this Christmas Rocky Road recipe to dietary restrictions.
- Vegan - Use vegan butter or coconut oil 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.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Learn how to make Christmas Rocky Road in three easy steps!
- Prep + Melt: Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper. For a double batch, use a 9x9 or 8x8 inch square pan. In a medium pot on low heat, melt together the chocolate chips, almond butter, butter, and all the spices and flavorings. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Mix-ins: Stir in the almonds and cranberries and remove from heat. Allow to cool for 3-5 minutes before adding the marshmallows (so they don't melt). Add the marshmallows and stir gently to coat.
- Pomegranate Seeds: Spread the mixture in the lined pan by gently pressing it into the corners with a spatula. Sprinkle generously with pomegranate seeds and refrigerate until firm (about 2 hours).
Expert Tips
Make excellent Christmas Rocky Road on the first try with these expert tips.
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!
Recipe FAQ's
Here I answered some frequently asked questions about this Christmas Rocky Road recipe. Don't see your question? Leave it in the comments at the end of this post and I'll answer within two business days.
Store leftover Christmas Rocky Road in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or at a cool room temperature for 2-3 days. The candy will last much longer, but the the pomegranate seeds will spoil after these durations.
Yes! Any nut or seed butter can be used in place of almond butter.
Related Christmas candy recipes to consider...
Looking for more Christmas candy recipes like this Christmas Rocky Road? Check these out:
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card or comment field below. Thank you!
📖 Recipe
Christmas Rocky Road
Ingredients
Rocky Road Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond butter
- 2 tablespoons butter or vegan butter
- â…“ cup roasted almonds , roughly chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
- ½ large pomegranate , seeds removed
Spices and Flavorings
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- â…› teaspoon salt
- 1/16 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/16 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/16 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prep + Melt: Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper. For a double batch, use a 9x9 or 8x8 inch square pan. In a medium pot on low heat, melt together the chocolate chips, almond butter, butter, and all the spices and flavorings. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Mix-ins: Stir in the almonds and cranberries and remove from heat. Allow to cool for 3-5 minutes before adding the marshmallows (so they don't melt). Add the marshmallows and stir gently to coat.
- Pomegranate Seeds: Spread the mixture in the lined pan by gently pressing it into the corners with a spatula. Sprinkle generously with pomegranate seeds and refrigerate until firm (about 2 hours).
Jesse says
This is the perfect recipe if you're not sure what to do with your pomegranate! My family loved it!
Dawn says
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.
Jamie says
Hi Dawn! Yes, this recipe can be frozen and tastes just as good as fresh when thawed. Enjoy!
Parker says
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!
Jamie says
Thank you so much for your review Parker! I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe too!
Julia says
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!
Jamie says
Thank you so much for the kind words Julia! I'm so glad you enjoyed it 🙂