Start by lining a 9×9 pan with parchment paper or wax paper. This will prevent your Rocky Road Bars from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Lightly spray with pan spray or rub with a bit of butter to ensure everything slides out easily later.
In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of mini marshmallows and 1 ½ cups of roughly chopped pecans. Give them a gentle stir to combine, ensuring every marshmallow is surrounded by crunchy pecan goodness.
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, add 12 ounces of chopped semi-sweet chocolate and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Heat in the microwave at 50% power in 30-second increments. After each increment, stir the mixture. You want it fully melted and creamy, so keep an eye on it! This process is crucial for achieving that smooth, delectable texture.
Once melted, add in 1 (14-ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk to the chocolate mixture. Stir until it's fully combined. You'll notice the texture starting to thicken as the milk integrates with the chocolate.
Act quickly! As soon as you’ve mixed the milk into the chocolate, pour this luscious mixture over the bowl of marshmallows and pecans. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure everything gets coated in the chocolate. You want to see those marshmallows and pecans evenly distributed within the chocolaty goodness.
Spread the combined mixture evenly into your prepared pan. I like to use a spatula to help smooth the top, ensuring there are no gaps. Cover it up with plastic wrap or foil.
Now, it’s time for patience! Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, allowing the Rocky Road Bars to set properly. This step is crucial for them to hold their shape when you cut them.
Once they’ve chilled and set, remove them from the pan. Carefully peel off the parchment paper and slice into bars. Enjoy the satisfying crunch of the pecans alongside the chewy marshmallows and smooth chocolate with each bite!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. But trust me, leftovers are rare when it comes to these!