There’s something absolutely magical about the textures and colors in this treat that just makes your mouth water. That’s exactly why I love sharing my White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe—it’s festive, fun, and surprisingly simple to whip up. Trust me, this is one you’ll want to keep in your holiday baking arsenal year after year!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe instantly reminds me of cozy afternoons baking with family, the smell of melting chocolate filling the kitchen, and piling everything in for that perfect bite. It’s the kind of treat that feels fancy but really comes together with no fuss.
- Festive Flavors: The combination of white chocolate, pistachios, and cherries creates a beautiful balance of sweet and nutty.
- Simple No-Bake Prep: You only need to melt and mix, then set it in the fridge—no oven needed!
- Customizable: You can swap nuts or add more marshmallows to match your taste perfectly.
- Perfect for Gifting: Once set, cut into chunks and package in pretty boxes for a lovely homemade gift.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in the White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe is like a player in a team—you want them to complement each other perfectly. The creamy white chocolate melts effortlessly mixer sticky marshmallows and crunchy nuts into a delightful chewiness, while glacé cherries add bursts of fruity tang. Let’s dive into why I choose each one:

- White chocolate melts/discs: These melt smoothly, making the mixture easy to combine and give that gorgeous glossy finish.
- Grapeseed oil: I use this to loosen the chocolate slightly so it coats the add-ins nicely and stays soft enough to cut easily.
- Marshmallows: Halved regular marshmallows create that classic, chewy texture Rocky Road is famous for.
- Pistachios: Toasted nuts bring crunch and a lovely green pop of color; pistachios are my favorite, but almonds work beautifully too.
- Glacé cherries: These sweet, vibrant gems add festive charm and a juicy contrast to the rich chocolate.
- Desiccated coconut: Unsweetened coconut adds a subtle texture and rounds out the flavors without overwhelming the sweet mix.
Make It Your Way
I love that this White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe is so versatile. You can tweak it without losing what makes it special — so don't hesitate to make substitutions or add your own flair!
- Nut Swap: I've tried almonds and hazelnuts instead of pistachios, and it's just as delicious if you want a different crunch.
- Chocolate Variation: Sometimes I mix half white and half milk chocolate for a bit more depth in flavor.
- Extra Fruity: Adding dried cranberries or apricots can add a nice chew and tartness that pairs well with the rich chocolate.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free white chocolate and ensure marshmallows suit your preference, and you’re all set.
Step-by-Step: How I Make White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Lightly butter a square 20 cm (8-inch) pan and line it with parchment paper with an overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the rocky road out a breeze when it’s set. Then, reserve the nicest glacé cherries for the top—about eight of them—and finely chop a tablespoon of pistachios to sprinkle on later. This little detail really makes it look extra special.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Perfectly
Put your white chocolate melts and grapeseed oil into a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully smooth and silky. This gradual melting helps prevent burning and ensures it’s glossy and ready to coat everything.
Step 3: Mix in the Add-ins
Stir in your halved marshmallows, toasted pistachios, glacé cherries, and desiccated coconut gently but thoroughly. Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Here’s a little fun tip—give the pan a few sharp bangs on the countertop and shake it around. It helps settle everything into a nice even layer and feels oddly satisfying.
Step 4: Add the Fancy Finishing Touch
Arrange those reserved glacé cherries neatly on top and sprinkle over the chopped pistachios. It adds a pop of color and texture that makes this treat feel like a little Christmas masterpiece.
Step 5: Chill and Cut
Pop the pan in the fridge for at least 3 hours until it’s firm enough to slice. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the block from the pan. Then cut into 5 even rows, and slice across into bite-sized or larger pieces depending on your gifting or sharing plans.
Top Tip
From making this recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help it come out just right every time.
- Chocolate Melting Patience: Take your time melting the chocolate in small intervals, stirring frequently to avoid scorching and graininess.
- Toast Your Nuts: Always toast pistachios or any nuts before adding—it's a small extra step that makes a huge flavor difference.
- Use Parchment Paper with Overhang: Lifting out the rocky road neatly is so much easier, especially when you want clean slices.
- Chill Enough Time: Don’t rush the fridge time; a full 3 hours ensures it’s firm and slices without cracking or crumbling.
How to Serve White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe

Garnishes
I often add a few extra pistachios and whole glacé cherries on serving plates, which makes for a festive presentation. Sometimes a tiny sprinkle of edible glitter or a dusting of powdered sugar adds just the right holiday sparkle!
Side Dishes
This rocky road pairs beautifully with a simple cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine. For a party, I like offering fresh fruit slices or a mild cheese board to balance all that sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifts, try wrapping chunks in festive parchment tied with twine or popping them into cute jars layered with colorful paper. For a party platter, arrange chunks in a tree shape and sprinkle with edible stars for extra holiday cheer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover rocky road in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or the fridge if it’s warm. It stays fresh and chewy for a couple of weeks, which means you can enjoy it slowly (if you have the self-control!).
Freezing
Freezing works well if you want to prep way ahead. I wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer-safe container. When thawed, the texture is just as good and it tastes freshly made.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake treat, reheating isn't necessary. But if your rocky road gets a bit too firm in the fridge, leaving it at room temperature for 10-15 minutes softens it nicely before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed to showcase white chocolate, using milk or dark chocolate gives a different flavor and works just as well—just make sure to melt it gently.
Adding a bit of grapeseed or neutral oil helps thin the chocolate so it coats the add-ins smoothly and gives a softer set that’s easier to cut without cracking. It’s especially helpful with white chocolate, which can sometimes be thick when melted.
Stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, it lasts up to two weeks. If it’s warm where you are, keeping it in the fridge extends its freshness.
Definitely! Use vegan white chocolate and make sure your marshmallows are plant-based, as some are made with gelatin. Then follow the recipe as usual and enjoy your vegan version!
Final Thoughts
This White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe holds a special place in my holiday traditions because it’s the perfect mix of nostalgia, taste, and ease. It’s the kind of recipe I turn to when I want to impress guests without stress—plus, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings a little extra sweetness and joy to your celebrations!
Print
White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Australian
Description
White Christmas Rocky Road is a festive no-bake treat featuring creamy white chocolate combined with marshmallows, toasted pistachios, glacé cherries, and desiccated coconut. This sweet, crunchy, and chewy confection is perfect for holiday gifting or satisfying your sweet tooth during the Christmas season.
Ingredients
Chocolate Base
- 500 g white chocolate melts/discs
- 2 tablespoon grapeseed oil
Add-ins
- 2 ½ cups marshmallows, halved
- 1 cup unsalted toasted pistachios
- 1 cup glacé cherries
- ½ cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a 20cm (8") square pan with butter and line with baking paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Reserve Toppings: Set aside about 8 of the nicest glacé cherries and finely chop 1 tablespoon of pistachios for topping.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place white chocolate and grapeseed oil in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Add Mix-ins: Stir the marshmallows, pistachios, cherries, and desiccated coconut into the melted chocolate until evenly combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Firmly bang and shake the pan to settle the mixture.
- Add Toppings: Arrange the reserved glacé cherries on top and sprinkle with the chopped pistachios for decoration.
- Set the Rocky Road: Refrigerate the pan for 3 hours or until the rocky road is firm.
- Cut and Serve: Lift the set rocky road out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 5 slices and then into bite-sized chunks or larger pieces as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute milk or dark chocolate for white chocolate if preferred.
- The oil makes the melted chocolate smoother and the set rocky road softer and easier to cut, but it is optional.
- Toasting pistachios enhances flavor and crunch; toast at 180°C (350°F) for 8 minutes, shaking the tray once.
- Feel free to swap pistachios for other nuts like almonds to suit your taste.
- Store the rocky road in a cool, dry place for a couple of weeks or refrigerate if your environment is very warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg






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