Healthy(ish) Christmas Rocky Road!
A Healthier Christmas Rocky Road (with Pistachios & Dark Chocolate)
Rocky Road is one of those nostalgic Christmas treats that seems to appear everywhere in December — on snack plates, wrapped up as teacher gifts, or sneaked from the fridge late at night when the house finally goes quiet 🎄
This version keeps all the festive joy and indulgence, but with a healthier twist than the usual recipes. It’s still very much a treat (because Christmas), but we’re making a few mindful swaps that mean less sugar, more nourishment, and better blood-sugar balance — something many of us mums appreciate during the silly season.
Why this Rocky Road is a little kinder on your body
🍫 Dark chocolate
The darker the chocolate, the lower the sugar and higher the antioxidant content. Dark chocolate (especially 70% and above) is rich in flavonoids that support heart health, circulation and help reduce inflammation. It also contains magnesium — a mineral many of us are deficient in and desperately need during stressful, busy periods.
🌰 Pistachios
Pistachios bring a gorgeous green festive pop and some real nutrition. They’re a source of plant protein, healthy fats and fibre, helping slow sugar absorption and keep you fuller for longer. They also contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health.
Together, these ingredients help make this Rocky Road less of a sugar spike and more of a balanced indulgence — without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
-
500–550g dark chocolate
I actually used 540g by including 3 × 180g blocks of 70% Old Gold Chocolate because it was on special 🙌
You can use any chocolate you like — just know the darker the chocolate, the lower the sugar and greater the health benefits.
(If using chocolate melts, anywhere from 500–550g works well.) -
2 tbsp coconut oil
-
100g marshmallows
(Mini ones are easiest, or chop regular marshmallows in half) -
1 cup raw pistachio kernels, roughly chopped
(Set aside about 1 tablespoon for sprinkling on top) -
1 cup glacé cherries
-
½ cup desiccated coconut
Method
-
Line a square or rectangular pan with baking paper, leaving enough hanging over the sides so you can lift it out easily once set.
-
Melt the chocolate using a double boiler method:
Place chocolate in a glass or heatproof bowl over a saucepan of gently boiling water. Stir continuously and add the coconut oil, melting until smooth with no lumps. -
Add all remaining ingredients (except the reserved pistachios) to the melted chocolate and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
-
Pour the mixture into the lined pan and smooth the top.
-
Sprinkle the reserved chopped pistachios over the top and lightly press them in.
-
Set in the fridge for 3 hours, or until firm.
-
Lift out, cut into squares, and enjoy 🎄
How to use & gift it
-
Package into glass jars or cellophane bags for easy Christmas pressies
-
Store in the fridge for festive snacking
-
Add to snack plates for gatherings and Christmas Day
-
Keep a stash hidden at the back of the fridge for mum moments 😉
This is one of those recipes that feels indulgent and festive, but still aligns with taking gentle care of yourself during a season that can be a lot on the nervous system.
If you make it, I’d love to know — and whether you stick with pistachios or experiment with other nuts 🌟
Yours in Health,
Alisha x
Healthy(ish) Christmas Rocky Road!
A Healthier Christmas Rocky Road (with Pistachios & Dark Chocolate)
Rocky Road is one of those nostalgic Christmas treats that seems to appear everywhere in December — on snack plates, wrapped up as teacher gifts, or sneaked from the fridge late at night when the house finally goes quiet 🎄
This version keeps all the festive joy and indulgence, but with a healthier twist than the usual recipes. It’s still very much a treat (because Christmas), but we’re making a few mindful swaps that mean less sugar, more nourishment, and better blood-sugar balance — something many of us mums appreciate during the silly season.
Why this Rocky Road is a little kinder on your body
🍫 Dark chocolate
The darker the chocolate, the lower the sugar and higher the antioxidant content. Dark chocolate (especially 70% and above) is rich in flavonoids that support heart health, circulation and help reduce inflammation. It also contains magnesium — a mineral many of us are deficient in and desperately need during stressful, busy periods.
🌰 Pistachios
Pistachios bring a gorgeous green festive pop and some real nutrition. They’re a source of plant protein, healthy fats and fibre, helping slow sugar absorption and keep you fuller for longer. They also contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health.
Together, these ingredients help make this Rocky Road less of a sugar spike and more of a balanced indulgence — without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
-
500–550g dark chocolate
I actually used 540g by including 3 × 180g blocks of 70% Old Gold Chocolate because it was on special 🙌
You can use any chocolate you like — just know the darker the chocolate, the lower the sugar and greater the health benefits.
(If using chocolate melts, anywhere from 500–550g works well.) -
2 tbsp coconut oil
-
100g marshmallows
(Mini ones are easiest, or chop regular marshmallows in half) -
1 cup raw pistachio kernels, roughly chopped
(Set aside about 1 tablespoon for sprinkling on top) -
1 cup glacé cherries
-
½ cup desiccated coconut
Method
-
Line a square or rectangular pan with baking paper, leaving enough hanging over the sides so you can lift it out easily once set.
-
Melt the chocolate using a double boiler method:
Place chocolate in a glass or heatproof bowl over a saucepan of gently boiling water. Stir continuously and add the coconut oil, melting until smooth with no lumps. -
Add all remaining ingredients (except the reserved pistachios) to the melted chocolate and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
-
Pour the mixture into the lined pan and smooth the top.
-
Sprinkle the reserved chopped pistachios over the top and lightly press them in.
-
Set in the fridge for 3 hours, or until firm.
-
Lift out, cut into squares, and enjoy 🎄
How to use & gift it
-
Package into glass jars or cellophane bags for easy Christmas pressies
-
Store in the fridge for festive snacking
-
Add to snack plates for gatherings and Christmas Day
-
Keep a stash hidden at the back of the fridge for mum moments 😉
This is one of those recipes that feels indulgent and festive, but still aligns with taking gentle care of yourself during a season that can be a lot on the nervous system.
If you make it, I’d love to know — and whether you stick with pistachios or experiment with other nuts 🌟
Yours in Health,
Alisha x
