Raw Rocky Road

This Raw Rocky Road is a healthy alternative to the traditional dessert. Instead of being strictly raw, it is a no-bake recipe with raw nuts, coconut, dried fruit of your choice and two options for the chocolate base.

The first option for the base is to make your own coconut-oil based chocolate. I talk more about that below. The second option is to use a bar of your favorite raw chocolate, or regular chocolate if you prefer.

Chocolate with coconut oil

You can make something similar to chocolate by mixing melted coconut oil, raw cacao powder and a sweetener like maple syrup, then chilling it in the fridge until it sets hard. The result is definitely chocolatey. However, there is a coconut flavor and the texture is different to real chocolate made with cacao butter.

I originally developed this recipe using a coconut oil-based chocolate. However, since some people don’t enjoy the taste and texture of coconut oil, I have amended the recipe so that you can use a bar of chocolate instead if you prefer.

What is raw chocolate?

Raw chocolate is made with minimal processing at low temperatures. The goal is to preserve the nutrients that are naturally present in the cacao bean. If you want to keep this recipe raw, you can buy raw chocolate to use. Otherwise, I opt for a good quality 70% cocoa chocolate bar.

How much rocky road does the recipe make?

This rocky road recipe makes 12 small pieces when you set it in a 4 x 8 inch / 10 x 20 cm loaf tin. You can also cut it into larger pieces or bars if you prefer. For individual portions, you could divide the mixture across a muffin tin lined with muffin cases.

I like to make desserts in smaller quantities to prevent overeating them. However, if you wanted to make a larger batch, you can double the recipe and set it in an 8 x 8 inch / 20 x 20 cm square dish or cake tin.

Ingredients for raw rocky road

• Chocolate: You can use store-bought raw chocolate, a regular chocolate bar or make the coconut oil-based chocolate option set out in the recipe notes. If using regular chocolate, I like to use a 70% cocoa variety to keep the sugar content down.
• Almond butter: Almond butter blends with the chocolate so that the chocolate sets a little softer. This makes the rocky road easier to slice up and it also adds additional creaminess.
• Brazil nuts: I love the creaminess of brazil nuts. Macadamia nuts would be a delicious alternative. Or you could use cashew nuts for a more cost effective option.
• Pistachio nuts: The green color of pistachio nuts looks so pretty and I personally love their flavor. However, feel free to use another nut like walnuts or chopped almonds as a substitute.
• Dried cranberries: The tart sweet flavor of dried cranberries pairs so well with the nuts and chocolate. You could use another dried fruit as a substitute, like raisins, chopped dried apricots, chopped dried figs or dried sour cherries.
• Coconut flakes: Mixed into the rocky road and also sprinkled over the top. I use unsweetened coconut flakes. You could also use shredded or desiccated coconut if that’s what you have at home.
• Fine salt: Adding some salt is essential, in my opinion, to enhance the flavor of the chocolate and nuts.

More healthy chocolate recipes

• Dark Chocolate Ginger Slice
• Chocolate Sour Cherry Slice
• Flourless Zucchini Brownies with Chocolate Frosting
• Chocolate Raspberry Chia Slice
• Vegan No Bake Chocolate Mint Slice

You can find more ideas on the Chocolate Recipes page.

Raw Rocky Road Recipe

Notes

1. Chocolate – You can use 6.4 oz / 180 g of store-bought raw chocolate or regular dark chocolate. Alternatively, you can substitute your own coconut oil-based chocolate by melting and mixing the following:
   • 1/3 cup + 2 tsp / 90 ml / 82 g coconut oil, melted
   • 1/3 cup + 2 tsp / 43 g raw cacao powder
   • 2 tbsp + 2 tsp / 40 ml / 54 g maple syrup
2. Doubling the recipe – To make a larger batch, you can double the recipe and set it an 8 x 8 inch / 20 x 20 cm square dish or cake tin.
3. Storage – Store the rocky road in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Refrigeration helps to keep the healthy fats in the raw nuts as fresh as possible.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving size: 1 piece (made with 70% cocoa dark chocolate)
• Energy: 205 Calories / 856 Kilojoules
• Total Fat: 15.8 g
• Saturated Fat: 6.9 g
• Total Carbohydrate: 12.2 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1.5 g
• Sugars: 8.5 g
• Protein: 4.4 g
• Sodium: 42 mg
• Potassium: 53mg