Rocky Road Ice Cream
Rocky Road Ice Cream
A rich and creamy ice cream loaded with chocolate, marshmallows, and crunchy nuts. This classic treat combines chocolatey sweetness with chewy and crunchy textures, perfect for summer days or any dessert craving.
Ingredients
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2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup whole milk
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup mini marshmallows
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1/2 cup chopped almonds or walnuts, toasted
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips
Instructions
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Mix Base:
In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves and mixture is warm (do not boil). -
Add Cream and Vanilla:
Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract until well combined. Let cool slightly. -
Chill Mixture:
Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled. -
Churn Ice Cream:
Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 20–25 minutes, until soft-serve consistency is reached. -
Add Mix-Ins:
During the last 5 minutes of churning, fold in marshmallows, nuts, and chocolate chunks. -
Freeze to Set:
Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm. -
Serve:
Scoop and serve with extra chocolate or marshmallows if desired.
Equipment
-
Medium saucepan
-
Whisk
-
Measuring cups and spoons
-
Ice cream maker
-
Spatula
-
Freezer-safe container
Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Chilling Time: 2 hours
-
Churn Time: 20–25 minutes
-
Freeze Time: 4 hours
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Total Time: ~6.5 hours
Serving Size
Serves 6–8
Rocky Road Ice Cream
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ice cream maker
- Spatula
- Freezer-safe container
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds or walnuts toasted
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips
Instructions
- Mix Base:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, and cocoa powder. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves and mixture is warm (do not boil).
- Add Cream and Vanilla:
- Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract until well combined. Let cool slightly.
- Chill Mixture:
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
- Churn Ice Cream:
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 20–25 minutes, until soft-serve consistency is reached.
- Add Mix-Ins:
- During the last 5 minutes of churning, fold in marshmallows, nuts, and chocolate chunks.
- Freeze to Set:
- Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Serve:
- Scoop and serve with extra chocolate or marshmallows if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes. Pour the chilled mixture into a freezer-safe container, stir every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours to break up ice crystals until creamy.
Can I use different nuts?
Yes. Pecans, hazelnuts, or cashews can be used instead of almonds or walnuts. Toast them lightly for extra flavor.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and almond or oat milk.
Can I make a chocolate-free version?
Yes. Replace cocoa powder with an equal amount of melted dairy or non-dairy chocolate or skip entirely for a vanilla rocky road.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Yes. You can add caramel swirls, peanut butter chips, or extra marshmallows.
Can I prepare the ice cream base ahead of time?
Yes. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before churning.
Can I make individual servings in a freezer-safe tray?
Yes. Use silicone molds or small containers for easy single-serving ice cream bites.
Can I use store-bought marshmallows?
Yes. Mini marshmallows are recommended for even distribution throughout the ice cream.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Make sure your ice cream maker can handle the doubled volume, or churn in batches.
Can I prevent ice crystals from forming?
Yes. Ensure the base is fully chilled before churning, fold in marshmallows and nuts at the end, and store in an airtight container in the coldest part of your freezer.
How To Store Rocky Road Ice Cream
Freezer:
Store ice cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks for best texture and flavor.
Preventing Ice Crystals:
Place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing the container. Avoid frequent temperature changes.
Serving Tips:
Let ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping for easier serving. Add extra chocolate or marshmallows for garnish.
