Dessert

Rocky Road Christmas Pudding Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

Introduction

This Rocky Road Christmas Pudding is a festive twist on a classic treat, bursting with rich chocolate, crunchy biscuits, and sweet marshmallows. It’s no-bake, easy to make, and perfect for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

A small round dessert with three main layers sits at the center of a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is dark brown chocolate with a rough, textured look and light nut pieces embedded throughout. On top of this is a smooth, creamy beige layer spread irregularly, resembling soft icing or cream dripping slightly over the edges. At the very top, there are three green frosting leaves with detailed veins and texture arranged in a star shape, and three small round red berries in the middle, made from icing. The dessert is on a round plate with a pale pink and black speckled pattern. Scattered around are small white marshmallows and two silver forks lie nearby. In the background, some greenery and warm fairy lights add a festive touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

125 g golden syrup
125 g unsalted butter

200 g milk chocolate
200 g dark chocolate

100 g mini marshmallows
150 g digestives

150 g amaretti biscuits
100 g glacé cherries
100 g raisins

100 g white chocolate
75 g unsalted butter (for buttercream)
150 g icing sugar

Green food colouring
Red M&Ms

Instructions

Step 1: Line a small to medium metal bowl with clingfilm, ensuring it is fully covered for easy removal later.

Step 2: Finely chop the milk and dark chocolate and set aside.
Step 3: Chop the digestives and amaretti biscuits into smaller pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Add the mini marshmallows, raisins, and glacé cherries.
Step 4: In a pan, melt 125 g unsalted butter with 125 g golden syrup over low heat. When fully melted, remove from heat and stir in the chopped chocolates.

Step 5: If there are any lumps of chocolate remaining, return the pan briefly to the heat to melt the mixture completely.
Step 6: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the bowl of biscuits, marshmallows, and fruit. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 7: Transfer the mixture into the lined bowl, pressing down firmly. Chill in the fridge for several hours or overnight until set solid.

Step 8: Once set, melt the white chocolate and pour it over the top of the pudding to create a decorative topping. Allow it to cool and set.
Step 9: Beat together 75 g unsalted butter and 150 g icing sugar until smooth. Add green food colouring until you achieve your desired shade.
Step 10: Pipe the green buttercream onto the pudding to resemble holly leaves.

Step 11: Decorate with red M&Ms to mimic holly berries. Leave the pudding to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra texture, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the mix.
Swap glacé cherries for dried cranberries or apricots if preferred.

To make it dairy-free, use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate alternatives.
You can shape the pudding in any bowl or mold you like; just adjust the setting time accordingly.

Storage

Store the Rocky Road Christmas Pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. Enjoy chilled or let it come to room temperature for a softer texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a round chocolate dessert with three main visible layers: the top layer is covered in smooth off-white icing decorated with three green holly leaves and three red berries in the center, adding a festive look; the middle layer consists of a rich dark chocolate mixed with white marshmallows and light brown biscuit pieces, creating a textured mosaic effect; the outer edge of the dessert is coated in dark chocolate with bits of nuts visible, giving a slightly rough texture. A slice has been cut and placed in front, showing the layers clearly. The dessert sits on a white marbled surface with some small white marshmallows and a green pine branch nearby, adding a seasonal touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

Yes, this pudding is ideal for making ahead. It needs several hours or overnight to set properly, making it great for preparing in advance of holiday celebrations.

What can I use instead of clingfilm?

You can line the bowl with parchment paper or use a silicone mold for a reusable option. Just ensure whatever you use can be removed easily when the pudding is set.