Rocky Road Ice Cream

4.8
(270)

This rocky road ice cream with nuts and marshmallows is simply delicious. No one will be able to resist this creamy chocolate ice cream on a hot summer day!

close up view of Rocky Road Ice Cream in a glass bowl
17
17
17
17
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Additional Time:
1 hr 20 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 30 mins
Servings:
16
Yield:
2 quarts

This rich and creamy homemade rocky road ice cream is so much better than the store-bought stuff. 

What Is Rocky Road Ice Cream? 

Rocky road is chocolate ice cream with marshmallows and nuts. The ice cream variety was invented in 1929 by William Dreyer, who was inspired by Joseph Edy’s nut- and marshmallow-filled chocolate bars. 

What Is In Rocky Road Ice Cream?

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this homemade rocky road ice cream recipe: 

  • Sweetened condensed milk: This decadent dessert starts with a can of sweetened condensed milk. 
  • Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for the ice cream’s chocolatey flavor.
  • Cream: A blend of heavy cream and light cream creates the perfect texture. 
  • Vanilla: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the rocky road ice cream. 
  • Marshmallows: You’ll need a cup of mini marshmallows.  
  • Nuts: This recipe calls for chopped pecans, but you can use whatever nut you like. 

How Long Does Rocky Road Ice Cream Last? 

Stored properly (in a shallow, freezer-safe container in the freezer), this rocky road ice cream should last for about two months. 

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise 

“New to making homemade ice cream and love the recipe,” says Kjohnsonslc.
It was really easy. Creamy and just the right amount of cocoa. I used almonds instead of pecans. Big hit with the family.”

“Great recipe,” according to Renata Galván. “This will even work without an ice cream maker. Just cook, mix, and freeze!”

“Excellent rocky road ice cream,” raves Carolyn Chieffe Perrine. “My daughter is allergic to nuts, so we skipped the pecans and added crushed chocolate covered pretzels and chocolate chips to the batch.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 16 servings

  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 1 cup light cream

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows

  • ½ cup chopped pecans

Directions

  1. Cook and stir condensed milk and cocoa in a medium saucepan over low heat until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Stir in heavy cream, light cream, and vanilla. Refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.

  2. Pour mixture into the canister of an ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's directions. Stir in marshmallows and nuts halfway through the freezing process.

313 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

254 Calories
19g Fat
19g Carbs
4g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 254
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19g 24%
Saturated Fat 10g 52%
Cholesterol 59mg 20%
Sodium 53mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 19g 7%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 16g
Protein 4g 8%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 109mg 8%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 188mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.