If you’re craving a festive treat that captures the joyful spirit of the holidays, look no further than this White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe. This delightful dessert combines creamy white chocolate with an irresistible mix of marshmallows, pistachios, and glacé cherries, all sprinkled with a touch of coconut for that snowy effect. It’s a simple, no-bake wonder that’s as fun to make as it is to share, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, crunch, and chew with every bite. Whether for gifting or party snacking, this White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe is your new go-to for festive indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing a unique texture or flavor that makes this White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe so special. From the rich, smooth white chocolate that forms the luscious base, to the crunchy pistachios and fruity glacé cherries, every component adds layers of delight. Plus, the marshmallows contribute irresistible chewiness and the coconut finishes with a delicate hint of texture and festive color.
- 500g white chocolate melts/discs: Choose good-quality white chocolate for smooth melting and rich flavor.
- 2 tbsp grapeseed oil: Adds shine and helps keep the chocolate silky and easy to work with.
- 2 1/2 cups marshmallows (most halved): Provides that classic Rocky Road chew and fluffiness.
- 1 cup unsalted toasted pistachios: Adds a crunchy texture and a beautiful pop of green color.
- 1 cup glacé cherries: Adds festive sweetness and vibrant red bursts throughout.
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut (unsweetened): Finely shredded for a snowy finish and subtle nutty flavor.
How to Make White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lightly greasing an 8-inch (20cm) square pan with butter, then line it with baking paper allowing for an overhang on the sides. This little trick makes it so much easier to lift your rocky road out intact when it’s ready to slice and serve – trust me, it’s a lifesaver!
Step 2: Reserve and Chop Toppings
Before mixing everything together, set aside about 8 of the most appealing glacé cherries to decorate the top later. Also, finely chop a tablespoon of the pistachios. These reserved toppings will add a beautiful finishing touch that’s both eye-catching and texturally satisfying.
Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate
In a heatproof bowl, combine your white chocolate melts with the grapeseed oil. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. This oil helps keep the white chocolate glossy and easy to stir – it’s a small detail that really makes a difference.
Step 4: Mix in the Add-ins
Gently fold in the marshmallows, pistachios, glacé cherries, and desiccated coconut into the melted white chocolate. Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Here’s a fun step: firmly bang and shake the pan on the counter to help the mixture settle and pack tightly. It’s oddly satisfying and helps prevent air bubbles.
Step 5: Decorate
Arrange the reserved glacé cherries neatly on top and sprinkle with the chopped pistachios. This not only makes your rocky road look festive and inviting but adds an extra layer of flavor and texture you’ll appreciate one bite in.
Step 6: Chill and Cut
Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 3 hours or until completely firm. Use the paper overhang to lift out the slab of rocky road from the pan. Slice into about 5 lines horizontally and then cut across to form chunks. You can keep them bite-sized for easy snacking or larger for gifting. Either way, they’ll disappear fast!
How to Serve White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe
Garnishes
This White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe is already richly decorated, but if you want to add extra flair, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra desiccated coconut on the serving platter will bring a fresh, snowy touch. You might also try a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a beautiful contrast.
Side Dishes
Because this rocky road is quite indulgent on its own, pair it with something simple and fresh like a light fruit salad or a cup of hot peppermint tea. The refreshing side balances the richness while keeping the festive vibes alive. It’s the perfect combo for a holiday afternoon treat or after-dinner sweet.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual pieces in festive cellophane bags tied with ribbons for gifting. Or arrange the chunks artfully on a decorative platter lined with parchment for a holiday dessert table. You can even press the mixture into mini muffin tins before chilling for adorable single servings! This recipe’s adaptability means it fits any festive occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and maintain its texture for up to a week, making it a convenient holiday treat you can enjoy throughout the season.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later or prepare ahead of time, this recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cut chunks tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy the same delightful texture.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake, chilled treat, reheating isn’t necessary and not recommended, as it can affect the texture. Just bring it to room temperature if you prefer a softer bite before serving, and you’re good to go!
FAQs
Can I substitute the white chocolate with dark or milk chocolate?
Absolutely! While this particular White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe is designed for white chocolate’s creamy flavor and festive look, using dark or milk chocolate will give it a different but equally delicious character. Just adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Do I have to toast the pistachios?
Toasting the pistachios is recommended because it enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch. However, if you’re short on time, using raw pistachios will still work fine, just note the flavor might be milder.
Can I use mini marshmallows instead of regular size?
Yes, mini marshmallows work great and can make mixing easier and more uniform. Just keep in mind that halving regular-sized marshmallows is suggested to distribute the chewiness more evenly.
Is grapeseed oil necessary, or can I use something else?
Grapeseed oil is ideal because it’s neutral in flavor and light, helping to keep the chocolate glossy and smooth. If you don’t have it, a light vegetable or canola oil can be substituted, though avoid strong-flavored oils that can alter the taste.
How do I make my White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe look extra festive?
Focus on the toppings! Reserve the best glacé cherries and pistachios to arrange on top after pouring the mixture into the pan. Additionally, a light dusting of desiccated coconut or powdered sugar right before serving adds a snowy, festive finish that really impresses guests.
Final Thoughts
This White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe is a joyous blend of flavors and textures that never fails to bring smiles during the holiday season. It’s simple enough for a speedy make, yet rich and festive enough to wow your friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own holiday favorite — it’s a little slice of Christmas magic you can hold in your hand!
Print
White Christmas Rocky Road Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Australian
Description
White Christmas Rocky Road is a festive no-bake treat that combines melted white chocolate with marshmallows, pistachios, glacé cherries, and desiccated coconut. This easy-to-make dessert sets in the fridge and is perfect for gifting or holiday celebrations with its colorful and indulgent textures.
Ingredients
Chocolate Base
- 500g (1 lb) white chocolate melts/discs (chips or chopped block)
- 2 tbsp grapeseed oil or other neutral flavoured oil
Add-ins
- 2 1/2 cups marshmallows (regular size, most cut in half)
- 1 cup pistachios, unsalted, toasted
- 1 cup glacé cherries
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut, unsweetened (or finely shredded, not flakes)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Lightly grease a 20cm (8″) square pan with butter and line it with baking (parchment) paper, allowing an overhang to easily lift out the set rocky road later.
- Reserve toppings: Set aside about 8 of the nicest glacé cherries and finely chop 1 tablespoon of the pistachios for garnishing.
- Melt chocolate: Place the white chocolate and grapeseed oil in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well between each interval until the mixture is melted completely smooth.
- Mix add-ins: Fold the marshmallows, pistachios, glacé cherries, and desiccated coconut gently into the melted chocolate. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. For a fun finish, bang and shake the pan assertively to level and compact the mixture.
- Top garnishes: Arrange the reserved glacé cherries on top and sprinkle with the chopped pistachios to decorate.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the rocky road for about 3 hours or until firm. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift it from the pan. Cut into pieces by scoring 5 lines across, then dividing into chunks or larger pieces for sharing or gifting.
Notes
- Note 1: Use white chocolate melts, discs, chips, or chopped block chocolate depending on availability. Melts are easier to work with.
- Note 2: Grapeseed oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives a nice texture, but other neutral oils can be used.
- Note 3: Toasting pistachios enhances their flavor and crunch; toast lightly in a dry pan before cooling.
