Rocky Road Ice Cream

Rocky road ice cream is a beloved classic American ice cream flavor made of chocolate ice cream studded with toasted almonds and mini marshmallows. This flavor is so ubiquitous that it can be found at nearly any ice cream parlor across the United States, and for good reason! The combination of chocolate ice cream, marshmallow, and roasted almonds is like a magnet for your spoon—you keep coming back for more!

The History of Rocky Road Ice Cream

The rocky road flavor was invented in 1929 by William Dryer and Joseph Edy of Dreyer’s ice cream. At the time, the only standard ice cream flavors available were vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, so the invention of rocky road was a major step towards the plethora of mix-in studded flavors that we see today.

Why is it Called Rocky Road Ice Cream?

The name “rocky road” was not only a nod to the almonds and marshmallows that gave the ice cream texture. Because this ice cream was developed at the start of the Great Depression, its name was intended to conjure up the sentiment of the times while providing something sweet and joyful to a nation gripped by uncertainty and hardship.

What Ingredients Are in Rocky Road Ice Cream?

Our homemade rocky road ice cream is made with a custard base for the richest possible outcome. A combination of Dutch process cocoa powder and melted dark chocolate bring a complex chocolate flavor to the base. We use marshmallow creme instead of mini marshmallows or cut-up larger marshmallows because swirls make us happy, and we prefer the smooth, silky creme to cold, hardened marshmallows. Roasted salted almonds round out the flavor profile, lending just enough salt to contrast the ice cream’s sweetness.

Tips for Making Ice Cream at Home

How To Make a Custard Ice Cream Base

When making a custard ice cream base, you’ll perform a technique called tempering. This involves whisking a little bit of a hot cream mixture into beaten egg yolks, then whisking the “tempered” yolks into the rest of the hot cream. This process isn’t just to stress you out or dirty extra dishes! Tempering is important because it prevents the yolks from cooking and curdling immediately upon hitting the hot dairy. Once the eggs are tempered, the custard mixture is heated enough to thicken it and cook the yolks.

Use Marshmallow Creme for the Best Rocky Road Ice Cream

Note that marshmallow fluff and marshmallow creme are different things–you want marshmallow creme for this recipe. Since marshmallow creme can be sticky, we microwave it just enough to warm it slightly, which makes it drizzle-able and easier to swirl without making a giant mess.

This ice cream has enough going on that it can stand on its own but it’s a superb flavor for an ice cream sundae or even an ice cream pie. Or turn it into ice cream sandwiches with your favorite soft vanilla or chocolate cookies.

Tips for Making Rocky Road Ice Cream

• Tempering the eggs is a necessary step to ensure the eggs come up to temperature without scrambling. If you have a medium-sized ladle, use it to gradually pour some of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks.
• Marshmallow fluff and marshmallow creme are different. Make sure to buy marshmallow creme for this recipe.
• Microwaving the marshmallow creme briefly warms it up just enough to make it easy to drizzle and swirl into the ice cream.
• It’s easier to get the cocoa powder to dissolve in the cream if you whisk it in the saucepan with the sugar, then gradually drizzle in the milk and cream while whisking constantly.
• Dutch process cocoa powder has a darker color and different flavor than natural cocoa. It lends a very specific, Oreo cookie-like flavor to the ice cream base. Even though the flavors are different, this is one recipe where it's totally ok to substitute natural cocoa powder if that's what you have. The ice cream will still be delicious.