Vampire Fudge Recipe
Vampire Fudge is a fun and festive treat perfect for Halloween or any time you want a little spooky sweetness. It’s rich, creamy fudge with a hint of red swirls…
Tip: save now, cook later.Vampire Fudge is a fun and festive treat perfect for Halloween or any time you want a little spooky sweetness. It’s rich, creamy fudge with a hint of red swirls that look like vampire bites or dripping blood, making it as eye-catching as it is delicious. The smooth chocolate base mixed with bursts of red creates a treat that’s both tasty and playful.
I love making this fudge because it’s simple but always impresses friends and family. The best part is how easy it is to customize — you can add nuts, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even a little peppermint for a minty twist. Plus, I find that cutting it into small squares gives everyone just the right amount of sweetness without feeling too heavy.
When I serve Vampire Fudge, I like to put it on a little spooky platter with some Halloween decorations around. It’s always a hit at parties or even as a sweet surprise for the kids after school. This fudge recipe brings a little fun and flavor to the table, and it’s a great way to enjoy chocolate with a seasonal twist.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Chocolate Chips: These give the fudge its creamy base and light color, perfect for showing off the red swirls. If you prefer dairy-free, look for vegan white chocolate chips or use white candy melts.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This thickens and sweetens the fudge, creating that smooth texture. If you want less sugar, try a reduced-sugar version or substitute with coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free option.
Dark Chocolate Chips: Used for the deep contrasting swirls, they add a rich chocolate flavor. If dark chocolate is too intense, bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips work well too.
Red Food Coloring Gel & Piping Gel: Gels give bright, vivid red color needed for the “vampire blood” effect. Liquid food coloring can work but gels blend better without thinning the fudge. Raspberry sauce is a tasty natural drizzle alternative.
How Do You Make Those Cool Red and Black Swirls in the Fudge?
The swirling is what makes Vampire Fudge so fun and looks spooky! Here’s how to nail it:
- Pour half the white chocolate fudge base into a bowl and keep it plain.
- In the pan, add a few drops of red gel to the other half and swirl gently with a knife to create marbled red areas.
- Spoon the plain white fudge into the pan on top of or near the red swirled parts in blobs.
- Melt dark chocolate separately, then drizzle it on top.
- Use a toothpick to gently swirl all layers together — don’t overmix or it’ll turn brown!
- The key is soft, slow strokes to have distinct streaks of red, black, and white.
This swirling step gives the fudge its dramatic look, so take your time and enjoy the process!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan – perfect for melting white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk gently without burning.
- Heatproof mixing bowls – handy for separating fudge bases and melting dark chocolate smoothly.
- 8×8-inch square pan – a great size to set the fudge evenly and makes cutting into squares easy.
- Parchment paper or foil – helps lift the fudge out of the pan cleanly for neat slices.
- Toothpick or skewer – essential for swirling the red, white, and dark chocolate layers to get that vampire-blood marble effect.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts, especially the vanilla and food coloring gel.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a nice crunch that contrasts the creamy fudge.
- Swap vanilla extract for almond extract to add a nutty twist that pairs well with chocolate.
- Mix in a teaspoon of peppermint extract for a cool, minty hint, perfect for holiday versions.
- Use white chocolate without coloring and swirl in vibrant orange gel for a fun pumpkin twist at fall parties.
How to Make Vampire Fudge?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fudge Base:
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Swirls and Decoration:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- Red food coloring gel
- Red piping gel or raspberry sauce (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Vampire Fudge takes about 15 minutes to prepare and mix, plus at least 3 to 4 hours chilling time in the refrigerator to set properly. It’s mostly hands-off time once you’ve created your beautiful swirls and placed the fudge in the fridge. Perfect for making ahead for parties or treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan:
Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. This helps to easily lift the fudge out once it’s set.
2. Make the White Chocolate Fudge Base:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Create the Red Swirled Layer:
Pour half the white chocolate mixture into a separate bowl and set aside. To the fudge remaining in the pan, add a few drops of red food coloring gel. Gently swirl the red gel through the fudge in the pan to make a marbled effect.
4. Add Contrasting White Dollops:
Dollop the plain white fudge base you set aside over the red-swirled layer in the pan. This contrast will add to the vampire effect.
5. Add Dark Chocolate Swirls:
Melt the dark chocolate chips separately using a microwave or double boiler. Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the fudge layers. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the dark chocolate through the red and white fudge, creating a vampire-blood marble effect. Be careful not to overmix to keep the colors distinct.
6. Add “Dripping Blood” Decoration (Optional):
For an extra spooky touch, drizzle red piping gel or raspberry sauce in thin lines on top of the fudge for a dripping blood look.
7. Chill the Fudge:
Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until the fudge is fully set and firm to the touch.
8. Slice and Serve:
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your spooky and delicious Vampire Fudge!
Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, you can use a different sized pan, but keep in mind the fudge will be thicker or thinner. Adjust chilling time accordingly—thicker fudge needs more time to set.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add wonderful texture. You can also mix in dried cranberries or candy pieces before chilling for extra flavor.
How do I prevent the fudge from melting when swirling?
Make sure your melted chocolates are not too hot when you swirl them. Lukewarm chocolate blends nicely without melting other layers, keeping your marbled design sharp.
Can I freeze Vampire Fudge?
Yes, wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for best texture.