Few things beat proper rocky road. That perfect combination of crunchy biscuit pieces, soft marshmallows, and rich chocolate creates something utterly irresistible. This vegan version delivers all of that nostalgic goodness without any dairy, proving that plant-based treats can be every bit as indulgent as traditional recipes.
With just six ingredients and no baking required, you can make a traybake that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and keeps for two weeks. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or hiding in the back of the fridge for emergency chocolate situations.
Few things beat proper rocky road. That perfect combination of crunchy biscuit pieces, soft marshmallows, and rich chocolate creates something utterly irresistible. This vegan version delivers all of that nostalgic goodness without any dairy, proving that plant-based treats can be every bit as indulgent as traditional recipes.
With just six ingredients and no baking required, you can make a traybake that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and keeps for two weeks. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or hiding in the back of the fridge for emergency chocolate situations.
Melting vegan butter, golden syrup, and dark chocolate together on low heat creates a glossy, rich base that holds everything together. The golden syrup adds subtle caramel sweetness and helps create that characteristic fudgy texture. Low heat is essential here, rushing it with high heat can cause the chocolate to seize or burn.
Reserving 100g of the melted chocolate mixture for topping is clever. That extra layer creates a smooth finish that looks professional and provides textural contrast against the chunky filling underneath.
Crushing biscuits with a rolling pin is surprisingly satisfying. You want variety in size, some chunky pieces for substantial crunch, some finer bits that bind with the chocolate. Rich tea biscuits create a lighter rocky road, whilst digestives add more robust flavour and texture.
Place the biscuits in a large bowl rather than a bag to bash them. This gives you better control over the final texture and lets you see when you've achieved that perfect mix of sizes.
Vegan marshmallows have improved dramatically in recent years. They provide that classic rocky road squishiness and add sweet pockets throughout. Stir them in after combining the biscuits with chocolate to prevent them melting completely. You want them to soften slightly but maintain their shape and that characteristic marshmallow texture.
The marshmallows also create visual appeal, those pink and white pieces dotted throughout the dark chocolate make each square look properly rocky road.
That 1.5 hours in the fridge isn't negotiable. The mixture needs time to set firm enough to cut cleanly without crumbling. Flatten it well in the tin using the back of a spoon, ensuring even thickness throughout for uniform pieces.
The reserved chocolate layer on top should go on whilst the base is still soft, helping them bond together. This prevents the top layer cracking or separating when you cut the rocky road.
Dusting with icing sugar before cutting adds that final bakery touch. It creates beautiful contrast against the dark chocolate and makes the whole thing look extra special. Use a small sieve to dust evenly, or put icing sugar in a tea strainer for controlled application.
For neat squares, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between each cut. Warm knife glides through chocolate easily, creating clean edges rather than dragged, messy ones. Cut into 20 equal squares, or adjust size based on how generous you're feeling.
Rocky road keeps beautifully in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making it perfect for making ahead. Layer pieces between baking paper to prevent sticking. It's also ideal for gifting, pack it in a nice tin or box, and you've got a thoughtful homemade present.
The recipe also scales easily. Double it for larger gatherings or parties, using a bigger tin. Half it if you're exercising restraint, though that rarely lasts once people taste it.
Once you've mastered the basic recipe, try variations. Add chopped nuts for extra crunch. Mix in dried fruit like cranberries or cherries. Use different biscuits like ginger nuts or bourbons. Add mini vegan chocolate chips for extra chocolate hit.
White chocolate rocky road works brilliantly too, swap dark for vegan white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier version. Or go half and half for a marbled effect.
The beauty of rocky road is no oven required. Just melting, mixing, and setting. This makes it perfect for summer when turning on the oven feels wrong, or for anyone without reliable oven access. It's also brilliant for getting children involved, as there are no hot surfaces once the chocolate is melted.
This vegan rocky road proves that plant-based treats need no apologies. Most people can't tell it's dairy-free until you mention it. The combination of textures, rich chocolate flavour, and that satisfying chewiness makes it genuinely excellent rocky road by any measure.
It's perfect for parties, bake sales, or afternoon tea. Cut into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats, or generous squares for proper indulgence. Either way, it won't last long.
So grab that chocolate, bash those biscuits, and get ready to make rocky road that'll have everyone asking for the recipe. Your treat tin is about to become very popular.
Ready to make your own? Download the full recipe with ingredients and step-by-step instructions below.
