Decadent Rocky Road Fudge Bars
These Decadent Rocky Road Fudge Bars are a rich and indulgent treat that's sure to become a favorite in your household. Originally inspired by a classic Pillsbury Bake-Off recipe, this delightful dessert features a rich chocolate base topped with a creamy filling and a gooey marshmallow layer. With a combination of semisweet chocolate, crunchy nuts, and fluffy mini marshmallows, each bite of these bars is a perfect blend of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a sweet ending to a family meal, these fudge bars are the epitome of comfort food.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
23
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
Sugar
1 cup (Granulated)
Chopped Nuts
1/2-3/4 cup (Chopped)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (Pure)
Unsweetened Chocolate
1 ounce (Melted)
All-Purpose Flour
1 cup (Sifted)
Baking Powder
1 teaspoon (Leavening agent)
Eggs
2 (Large, beaten)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (Softened (reserve 2 oz for frosting))
Sugar
1/2 cup (Granulated)
Butter
1/4 cup (Melted)
Egg
1 (Large, beaten)
Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon (Pure)
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
6 ounces (Chocolate)
All-Purpose Flour
2 tablespoons (Sifted)
Chopped Nuts
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Mini Marshmallows
2 cups (Soft)
Butter
1/4 cup (Melted)
Unsweetened Chocolate
1 ounce (Melted)
Milk
1/4 cup (Whole)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (Pure)
Cream Cheese
2 ounces (Softened)
Powdered Sugar
3 cups (Sifted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and unsweetened chocolate together, stirring until smooth.
3
Once melted, remove from heat and add in 1 cup of sugar, nuts (up to 3/4 cup based on your preference), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla, mixing well.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the chocolate mixture, stirring until fully combined.
5
Beat in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Spread this brownie-like mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
6
In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese (reserving 2 ounces for frosting), 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. Beat using a hand mixer on medium speed for 1 minute, then gently fold in the chopped nuts.
7
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the chocolate base, then sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
During the last 2 minutes of baking, sprinkle the mini marshmallows on top and return to the oven until they just begin to melt.
10
In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining butter along with the remaining unsweetened chocolate, cream cheese, and milk over low heat until smooth.
11
Remove from heat, mix in the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until the mixture is silky, then pour this chocolate frosting over the warm marshmallow layer.
12
Using a knife or spatula, swirl the chocolate topping gently into the marshmallows for an artistic finish.
13
Chill in the refrigerator until firm, then cut into squares for serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Rocky Road Fudge Bars?
They are a rich and indulgent dessert featuring a chocolate base, a creamy filling, a gooey marshmallow layer, and a chocolate frosting swirl.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before starting the preparation.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
You will need a 9x13-inch baking pan that has been properly greased.
How is the chocolate base for the fudge bars made?
The base is made by melting butter and unsweetened chocolate, then mixing in sugar, nuts, vanilla, flour, baking powder, and finally beating in two eggs.
What ingredients are in the cream cheese filling?
The filling consists of 6 ounces of cream cheese, sugar, melted butter, an egg, vanilla, and chopped nuts.
How long should I beat the cream cheese mixture?
Use a hand mixer on medium speed for 1 minute before folding in the nuts.
When do I add the chocolate chips?
The semi-sweet chocolate chips should be sprinkled evenly over the cream cheese filling before the bars are placed in the oven.
What is the total baking time for the Rocky Road Fudge Bars?
The bars typically bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
When should the mini marshmallows be added?
Add the mini marshmallows during the last 2 minutes of the baking process.
How many mini marshmallows are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of soft mini marshmallows.
How do I prepare the chocolate frosting?
Melt butter, unsweetened chocolate, 2 ounces of cream cheese, and milk over low heat, then stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until silky.
What kind of chocolate is used in the frosting?
The frosting uses 1 ounce of melted unsweetened chocolate.
How much powdered sugar is required for the frosting?
You will need 3 cups of sifted powdered sugar to achieve the right consistency.
How do you create the artistic finish on top of the bars?
Using a knife or spatula, gently swirl the warm chocolate frosting into the partially melted marshmallows.
Should the bars be chilled before serving?
Yes, chill the bars in the refrigerator until they are firm before cutting them into squares.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
Sifted all-purpose flour is recommended for both the base and the filling.
Can I adjust the amount of nuts used?
Yes, you can use between 1/2 to 3/4 cup of chopped nuts in the base depending on your preference.
What kind of milk is used in the frosting?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of whole milk.
How much cream cheese is used in total?
A total of 8 ounces of cream cheese is used: 6 ounces for the filling and 2 ounces for the frosting.
What type of vanilla extract should I use?
Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor in all three layers of the recipe.
Is baking powder used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of baking powder is used as a leavening agent in the chocolate base.
How many eggs are needed for the entire recipe?
You will need 3 large eggs in total: 2 for the base and 1 for the cream cheese filling.
What is the texture of these fudge bars?
The bars are a blend of a brownie-like base, creamy filling, crunchy nuts, and soft, gooey marshmallows.
Can these bars be served with coffee?
Yes, they are highly recommended as a sweet pairing for a cup of coffee.
What inspired this recipe?
These bars were originally inspired by a classic Pillsbury Bake-Off recipe.
How do you ensure the frosting is smooth?
Mix the ingredients off the heat after melting until the mixture is silky and smooth.
How should the marshmallows look before adding frosting?
The marshmallows should just begin to melt and soften after their brief 2-minute stint in the oven.
Should the frosting be poured while warm?
Yes, pour the chocolate frosting over the warm marshmallow layer to allow for easier swirling.
How much butter is used in the frosting layer?
The frosting layer uses 1/4 cup of melted butter.
How do you serve the Rocky Road Fudge Bars?
Once chilled and firm, use a sharp knife to cut them into even squares for serving.