Indulge in the ultimate treat with these Rocky Road Brownies, a decadent blend of fudgy chocolate, crunchy nuts, and gooey marshmallows. Each bite offers a symphony of textures, from the chewy base to the soft, melty topping, making it impossible to resist. With just 30 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking, you’ll have a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, these brownies are a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Rich, chocolatey, and packed with flavor, these brownies are a delightful balance of sweet and nutty, with a hint of creaminess from the marshmallows. After a quick 2-hour cooling time, they’re ready to slice into 24 perfect servings, each delivering a satisfying 285 calories of pure bliss. Whether for a party or a cozy night in, these brownies are sure to bring smiles and satisfy every chocolate craving. Treat yourself to a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Ingredients for Rocky Road Brownies

- BROWNIE LAYER
- 12 Tablespoons (170 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup (75 g) natural cocoa powder
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs + 1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten (room temperature preferred)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cup (145 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ROCKY ROAD TOPPING
- 2 cups (340 g) chocolate chips (use a mix of milk and semisweet, or your favorite type)
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 Tablespoons corn syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (110 g) mini marshmallows
- ¾ cup (125 g) coarsely chopped almonds (or preferred nuts)
- Fine sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 13×9 baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Make the brownie batter: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, cocoa powder, and sugars. Stir until well-combined.
- Add the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Stir well to incorporate.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until completely combined.
- Bake the brownies: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs or clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the rocky road topping: In a medium-sized saucepan over low/medium-low heat, combine chocolate chips, heavy cream, corn syrup, and salt. Stir frequently until the chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Stir in mini marshmallows and chopped almonds until coated in chocolate.
- Assemble: Immediately pour the topping over the cooled brownies. Use a spatula to spread evenly. Sprinkle with fine sea salt if desired.
- Set and serve: Allow the brownies to sit until the chocolate sets (this may take several hours, or speed up the process by refrigerating). Slice and enjoy!
Rocky Road Topping Variations
Feel free to get creative with the rocky road topping! Swap out the almonds for walnuts, pecans, or even pretzels for a salty twist. You can also use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or white chocolate for a sweeter touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a handful of dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a burst of tanginess.
Perfect Serving Suggestions
These Rocky Road Brownies are a showstopper on their own, but you can elevate them even further. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert or pair with a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For a party, cut them into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter for easy sharing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. If you prefer them warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the chocolate topping. For longer storage, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Time-Saving Hacks
Short on time? Use a boxed brownie mix for the base layer to cut down on prep. For the topping, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, instead of using the stovetop. This will save you a few minutes without sacrificing flavor.
Equipment Guidance
For best results, use a heavy-duty 13×9 baking dish to ensure even baking. A silicone spatula is perfect for spreading the batter and topping smoothly. If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. A sharp knife dipped in hot water will make clean, easy cuts through the chocolate topping.

Rocky Road Brownies
Ingredients
BROWNIE LAYER
- 12 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 3/4 cup natural cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs + 1 large egg yolk lightly beaten, room temperature preferred.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5ml
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
ROCKY ROAD TOPPING
- 2 cup chocolate chips I used a mix of milk and semisweet chocolate chips, you can use your favorite chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 Tablespoons corn syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 cup mini marshmallows
- 3/4 cup coarsely chopped almonds or preferred nuts
- fine sea salt optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a 13×9 baking dish with parchment paper². Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, cocoa powder, and sugars and stir until well-combined.
- Add eggs/egg yolk and vanilla extract and stir well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- Stir flour mixture into wet ingredients until completely combined.
- Evenly spread batter into prepared baking dish and transfer to 350F (175C) preheated oven. Bake 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs or clean. Allow brownies to cool completely in their pan before proceeding.
- Once brownies have cooled, prepare rocky road topping by combining chocolate chips, heavy cream, corn syrup and salt in a medium-sized saucepan over low/medium-low heat.
- Stir frequently until chocolate chips are completely melted and mixture is smooth.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool for ten minutes before stirring in mini marshmallows and chopped almonds. Stir just until marshmallows/almonds are coated in chocolate and then immediately pour over brownies. Use a spatula to spread if needed so the topping is even. Top with a sprinkling of sea salt, if desired.
- Allow brownies to sit and the chocolate to set (this could take several hours, or you can speed up the process by setting the brownies in the fridge) before slicing and serving. Enjoy!