Halloween Vampire Fudge

Table of Contents

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2–3 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

This spooky Halloween treat is rich, creamy, and perfectly themed with blood-red swirls and dark chocolate layers. The fudge is smooth, decadent, and fun to make for Halloween parties or as a festive gift. With a simple chocolate base and creative coloring, it’s an eye-catching dessert that’s easy to prepare and delightfully indulgent.

Ingredients

Chocolate Base:

2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

Sweetener & Creaminess:

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

Flavoring:

1 tsp vanilla extract

Coloring:

Red gel food coloring

Black gel food coloring

Optional Additions:

1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for swirling or lighter layers)

1–2 tbsp butter (for extra richness)

Instructions

Prepare the Pan:
Line an 8×8-inch (or similar) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang for easy removal.

Melt the Chocolate Base:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter (if using). Stir constantly until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.

Add Flavoring:
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Divide & Color:
Divide the chocolate mixture into 2–3 separate bowls. Add red gel food coloring to one portion, black to another, and leave one plain (or add white chocolate chips to swirl). Mix each gently until evenly colored.

Layer & Swirl:
Pour the base chocolate into the prepared pan. Dollop the red and black mixtures over the top. Use a skewer or knife to swirl the colors into a spooky, “vampire blood” pattern. Don’t overmix—you want visible swirls.

Tips

Use Gel Food Coloring:
Gel-based food coloring works best because it won’t change the fudge’s texture like liquid coloring can.

Prevent Grainy Fudge:
Stir constantly while melting the chocolate over low heat. Avoid boiling, which can cause the chocolate to seize.

Pan Prep:
Line the pan with parchment paper and leave an overhang. It makes lifting the fudge out for cutting much easier.

Swirl Carefully:
Use a skewer or toothpick to create dramatic vampire swirls. Don’t overmix—distinct red and black streaks look spookiest.

Cut Clean Squares:
Chill the fudge fully, then use a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean, neat slices.

Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Variations

White Chocolate Base:
Use white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate for a more striking contrast with red and black swirls.

Flavor Twists:
Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a “bloody mint” effect or a splash of espresso for a richer chocolate flavor.

Spooky Toppings:
Decorate with Halloween sprinkles, edible eyes, or small candy bats for extra festive flair.

Layered Fudge:
Make separate layers—plain chocolate on the bottom, red on top, and black drizzled over—for a dramatic vampire-inspired effect.

Nutty Option:
Mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch and texture.

Q&A

Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet or dark chocolate?
A: Yes, but the fudge will be sweeter and slightly softer. You may need to adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly to maintain texture.

Q: Can I make this fudge ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can make it up to a week in advance. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Q: Can I use regular liquid food coloring?
A: You can, but gel coloring is recommended because it gives more vibrant colors without altering the fudge’s texture.

Q: Can I add mix-ins like nuts or candy?
A: Yes, chopped nuts, candy pieces, or Halloween sprinkles can be folded in before chilling for extra texture and festive flair.

Q: Can this fudge be frozen?
A: Yes. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Nutrition

(per serving, assuming 16 squares)

Calories: ~180 kcal

Protein: 2 g

Carbohydrates: 24 g

Fat: 9 g

Saturated Fat: 5 g

Cholesterol: 10 mg

Sodium: 40 mg

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 22 g

Note: Values may vary depending on the type of chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and optional add-ins used.

Conclusion

This Halloween Vampire Fudge is a fun, festive, and indulgent treat. With its creamy chocolate base, dramatic red and black swirls, and easy customization options, it’s perfect for parties, gifts, or just a spooky seasonal snack. The fudge is easy to make, visually striking, and can be tailored with different chocolates, flavorings, or mix-ins to suit your taste. It combines rich chocolate flavor with a playful Halloween twist, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.