Rocky Road Bars: Rich Chocolaty Goodness!

Rocky Road Bars are one of my favorite go-to summer treats to make.  The gooey marshmallow topping and chocolaty fudge brownie remind me of Smores, but without the Graham cracker providing a perfect summer appropriate dessert.

I often make them if I'm hosting a BBQ or going to one.  It's easy and hassle free, requiring only a few simple steps.  They can also be made ahead, providing a convenient option perfect for any occasion.

This dessert is perfect for the chocolate lover! Its fudge-like consistency is dark and rich. The salty and nutty almonds provide a great contrast in flavor and consistency while the gooey marshmallow topping makes it irresistible.

Hope you enjoy this quick and easy delectable dessert!

Rocky Road Bars
The King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion: The Essential Cookie Cookbook
Makes: 24 bars
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 15-25 minutes

Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 2/3 cups flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
3 cups chocolate chips
1 cup roasted, salted whole almonds, chopped
1 cup miniature marshmallows

Directions
Begin with combining your butter, sugars, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract in the bowl of an electric mixer. Using the paddle attachment, mix on high speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Lower your speed and add your eggs one at a time, beating in between each addition. Increase your speed to medium/high speed for 20 seconds to thoroughly mix your batter to a thick and creamy consistency. Then add your flour, cocoa powder, 2 cups of chocolate chips, and your chopped almonds. Stir by hand until combined.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and butter a 9x13 baking pan.  Transfer your batter to the pan and spread it out evenly. Bake it for 15-20 minutes, until they're set around the edge but still soft in the center. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips and marshmallows. Continue to bake for 3-5 minutes or until your marshmallows begin to brown slightly. Remove your pan from the oven and allow to cool. Then cut them into bars and serve!