Homemade Rocky Road Ice Cream Recipe – A Creamy & Crunchy

Rocky Road Ice Cream is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines the creaminess of chocolate ice cream with crunchy nuts and soft, chewy marshmallows. This classic American treat dates back to the 1920s and has remained a favorite among ice cream lovers. The combination of textures and flavors makes it irresistible, and making it at home allows you to customize the ingredients to your preference. Whether you want to impress guests or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, this homemade Rocky Road Ice Cream recipe will be a hit!

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 10 minutes
• Resting Time: 4-6 hours (for freezing)
• Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert
• Servings: 8
• Calories: Approximately 320 per serving

Equipment

To make homemade Rocky Road Ice Cream, you’ll need the following equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Ice cream maker (optional but recommended)
• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Airtight container for storage

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds (or pecans/walnuts)
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Base

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is warm but not boiling.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become slightly thickened.
3. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking continuously. This process, known as tempering, prevents the eggs from scrambling.
4. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining chocolate mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes). Do not let it boil.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps. Let it cool at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or until chilled).

Step 2: Churn the Ice Cream

1. Once the custard base is completely chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 20-25 minutes).
2. Once the mixture has thickened to a soft-serve consistency, gently fold in the mini marshmallows, chopped almonds, and chocolate chips using a spatula.
3. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container, smoothing the top with a spatula.
4. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.
5. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours or until firm.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Once fully set, scoop your homemade Rocky Road Ice Cream into bowls or cones.
2. Garnish with extra marshmallows, nuts, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra treat.
3. Enjoy this creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey delight!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Sugar: 28g
• Fiber: 2g

Tips & Variations

• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut milk and coconut cream for the dairy ingredients, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Nut-Free Option: If you have a nut allergy, simply omit the almonds or replace them with crushed cookies for added texture.
• Extra Flavor Boost: Add a tablespoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
• Chunky Variation: Use chopped dark chocolate instead of chocolate chips for richer chunks.
• Marshmallow Swirl: Instead of mini marshmallows, melt them slightly and swirl them into the ice cream for a gooey effect.

Storage Instructions

• Store your Rocky Road Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
• To prevent ice crystals, press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.
• Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping to achieve the perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Rocky Road Ice Cream Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy this timeless classic while customizing it to your taste. The combination of rich chocolate, crunchy nuts, and gooey marshmallows makes every bite satisfying. Whether enjoyed on a hot summer day or as a special dessert, this recipe is bound to be a favorite in your household. Try it today and indulge in a creamy, homemade delight!

Enjoy your homemade Rocky Road Ice Cream, and let us know how it turns out!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.