Vampire Fudge

Get ready to sink your teeth into one of the most devilishly delightful Halloween treats—Vampire Fudge! This creepy confection is perfect for any Halloween celebration, with its rich, creamy texture and a spooky surprise inside: sweet, oozing “blood.” The deep, dark fudge paired with a gooey red center makes for an eerie yet delicious dessert that is sure to be a hit at any Halloween party. Not only is it super fun to make, but it’s also decadent and indulgent, offering a chocolatey treat with a twist that will delight both kids and adults.

Vampire Fudge is inspired by the classic chocolate fudge recipe, but with a ghoulish twist—bright red filling resembling vampire blood. Each bite is a balance of creamy chocolate and sweet “blood,” making it not just a dessert, but an experience. This recipe is easy to customize, whether you want to use white chocolate, add edible glitter, or give it a different twist with spooky toppings. The best part? This Halloween fudge requires no baking, so you can whip it up in no time and have it ready to serve for any haunted occasion.

Let’s dive into this sinfully sweet treat that will give your guests a thrilling taste experience!

Why You’ll Love This Vampire Fudge Recipe

1. Spooky and Festive: The “vampire blood” center adds a gory twist to classic fudge, perfect for Halloween parties or spooky get-togethers.
2. Rich and Creamy: The fudge itself is incredibly creamy and chocolatey, melting in your mouth with every bite.
3. Simple and Quick: With only a few ingredients and no baking required, this fudge comes together quickly, making it ideal for last-minute Halloween preparations.
4. Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe by adding your favorite toppings, using different types of chocolate, or even coloring the fudge for added spookiness.
5. Kid-Friendly and Fun: Kids will love helping to make this fun, Halloween-themed treat, especially when it comes to adding the “blood” filling!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 5 minutes (stovetop cooking)
• Chill time: 2 hours (for the fudge to set)
• Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: Makes about 24 pieces of fudge
• Serving Size: 1-2 pieces per person

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Carbs: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g
• Sugar: 23g

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and spooky Vampire Fudge:

For the Fudge:

• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter fudge)
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Vampire “Blood” Filling:

• 1/2 cup red gel icing or red cake decorating gel
• 1/4 cup strawberry or raspberry jam (for a thicker, more textured filling)
• Red food coloring (optional, to enhance the blood color)
• 1/4 cup corn syrup (for extra gooeyness, optional)

For Decoration:

• Halloween sprinkles (such as black and red sprinkles, or candy eyes)
• Black gel icing (for drawing spiders, bats, or other spooky designs)
• Edible glitter (for a magical, spooky effect)
• Crushed cookies (like Oreos, for a “dirt” effect on top)

Optional Add-Ins:

• White chocolate chips for a black-and-white fudge look
• Chopped nuts (like pecans or almonds) for added crunch
• Candy eyes or gummy fangs for extra vampire-themed fun
• Marshmallows for a fluffier texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Blood Filling

To make the “vampire blood” filling that oozes out when you bite into the fudge, start by preparing the gooey red center.

1. Mix the Gel and Jam:

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of red gel icing with 1/4 cup strawberry or raspberry jam. Stir the mixture until smooth and evenly combined. If you want a more intense red color, add a few drops of red food coloring and stir until the mixture reaches your desired shade of “blood.”

2. Add Corn Syrup (Optional):

For an extra gooey texture, stir in 1/4 cup of corn syrup. This will help give the blood a thicker, more syrup-like consistency, perfect for oozing out of the fudge.

3. Set Aside:

Once the blood mixture is ready, set it aside while you prepare the fudge.

Step 2: Make the Fudge Base

Now, let’s move on to the rich and creamy chocolate fudge base.

1. Melt the Chocolate:

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine 3 cups of chocolate chips, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the chocolate and butter are completely melted, and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Be sure to keep the heat low to avoid burning the chocolate.

2. Add Vanilla and Salt:

Once the chocolate is fully melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The vanilla adds depth to the chocolate flavor, while the salt enhances the sweetness of the fudge.

3. Prepare the Pan:

Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This will make it much easier to lift the fudge out of the pan once it’s set.

Step 3: Assemble the Vampire Fudge

Now it’s time to combine the chocolate fudge with the vampire blood filling for that spooky surprise!

1. Pour Half of the Fudge:

Pour half of the chocolate fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom with a spatula or spoon. This layer will form the base of the fudge.

2. Add the Blood Filling:

Spoon dollops of the vampire blood filling over the fudge base, spacing them out so each piece of fudge will have a gooey red center. Be generous with the filling to ensure each piece has that oozing effect when you cut into it.

3. Top with Remaining Fudge:

Pour the remaining chocolate fudge mixture over the blood filling, spreading it evenly to cover all of the “blood.” Use a spatula to smooth the top.

4. Chill to Set:

Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and let the fudge chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until it’s fully set. The fudge should be firm to the touch, and the blood filling should be nicely hidden inside.

Step 4: Decorate the Fudge

Once the fudge is set, it’s time to get creative with some spooky Halloween decorations!

1. Remove the Fudge from the Pan:

Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the fudge out of the pan and place it on a cutting board.

2. Cut into Squares:

Using a sharp knife, cut the fudge into small squares or rectangles. Try to cut each piece so that some of the “blood” filling is visible inside, giving the appearance of a vampire bite.

3. Add Sprinkles and Decorations:

Top each piece of fudge with Halloween-themed sprinkles, such as black, red, or orange sprinkles. You can also use candy eyes or gummy fangs to give the fudge a vampire-inspired look.

4. Draw with Black Gel Icing:

Use black gel icing to draw spiders, webs, or bats on the surface of the fudge for an extra spooky touch. You can even pipe small drops of icing to resemble bite marks or add a drizzle effect.

5. Dust with Edible Glitter (Optional):

For a magical, spooky look, sprinkle a bit of edible glitter over the top of the fudge. This adds a sparkly touch that will catch the light and enhance the Halloween vibe.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Now that your Vampire Fudge is fully decorated, it’s ready to serve! Place the pieces on a festive Halloween tray or dish and watch as your guests enjoy the sweet, spooky surprise of the oozing red center. This fudge is perfect for Halloween parties, movie marathons, or as a special treat for trick-or-treaters.

How to Serve

• At a Halloween Party: Serve the Vampire Fudge as part of a spooky dessert table alongside other Halloween-themed treats like cupcakes, cookies, or candy.
• As a Halloween Movie Night Snack: These fudge squares make a great snack for a Halloween movie marathon. Pair them with popcorn and some spooky drinks for a complete movie night setup.
• With a Halloween Dessert Spread: Arrange the fudge squares with other Halloween-themed treats, such as ghost cookies, witch hat cupcakes, or spiderweb brownies, to create a fun and festive dessert display.
• As a Trick-or-Treat Gift: Wrap individual pieces of Vampire Fudge in cellophane bags and tie with black and orange ribbon for a fun take-home treat for party guests or trick-or-treaters.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Good-Quality Chocolate: Since chocolate is the main ingredient, be sure to use high-quality chocolate chips or bars for the best flavor and texture.
2. Keep an Eye on the Chocolate: When melting the chocolate and sweetened condensed milk, keep the heat low and stir constantly to prevent the chocolate from burning or seizing.
3. Chill Until Fully Set: Make sure the fudge is fully set before cutting into it. If the fudge is too soft, it will be difficult to cut cleanly, and the filling might ooze out too much.
4. Customize the Blood Filling: Feel free to adjust the consistency of the blood filling by adding more or less jam or corn syrup, depending on how thick or gooey you want the filling to be.
5. Add Fun Decorations: Don’t hesitate to get creative with the decorations! You can use Halloween sprinkles, edible glitter, candy eyes, or even mini plastic vampire teeth to really amp up the spooky factor.

Recipe Variations

This Vampire Fudge recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can customize it in a variety of ways to suit your taste and Halloween theme. Here are a few variations to try:

1. White Chocolate Vampire Fudge:

For a spooky black-and-white look, make the fudge using white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate. You’ll get a striking contrast between the white fudge and the red “blood” filling.

2. Vegan Vampire Fudge:

To make this fudge vegan, use dairy-free chocolate chips and sweetened condensed coconut milk instead of regular sweetened condensed milk. You can also use a vegan butter substitute to keep the fudge dairy-free.

3. Double Chocolate Vampire Fudge:

For an extra indulgent version, add white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks to the fudge mixture for a double chocolate fudge. This adds texture and even more chocolatey goodness.

4. Spooky Spiderweb Fudge:

Create a spiderweb design on top of the fudge using white chocolate icing or royal icing. Pipe the icing in circles, then use a toothpick to drag lines from the center outward to create the spiderweb effect.

5. Bloody Brain Fudge:

For a creepy, brain-like effect, mold the fudge into a round or oval shape and drizzle the top with extra red gel icing to make it look like blood oozing from a brain. You can also add candy eyes or gummy worms to enhance the creepy factor.

6. Pumpkin Spice Vampire Fudge:

Add a seasonal twist to your Vampire Fudge by mixing pumpkin pie spice (about 1/2 teaspoon) into the chocolate fudge mixture. This gives the fudge a warm, fall-inspired flavor that pairs perfectly with the Halloween theme.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover Vampire Fudge in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer a firmer fudge, you can refrigerate it, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing the Fudge:

If you want to make the fudge ahead of time or store it for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the fudge tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, let the fudge thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring it to room temperature before cutting and serving.

Special Equipment

• Medium saucepan: For melting the chocolate and sweetened condensed milk.
• 8×8-inch baking dish: For setting the fudge. You can also use a 9×9-inch pan if you prefer thinner fudge squares.
• Parchment paper: To line the baking dish and make it easy to remove the fudge once it’s set.
• Spatula: For spreading the fudge mixture evenly in the pan.
• Decorating tools: Like piping bags or small squeeze bottles for adding icing and gel decorations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of black cocoa?

For this fudge recipe, we don’t use cocoa powder. However, you can use black cocoa powder if you want to make the fudge extra dark or enhance the Halloween theme with a super-rich chocolate flavor.

2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Yes! If you prefer a sweeter fudge, you can use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. Just keep in mind that milk chocolate may make the fudge a bit softer.

3. How do I make sure the filling doesn’t ooze too much?

If you want the filling to be more contained within the fudge, reduce the amount of jam or corn syrup in the blood mixture. You can also chill the blood filling slightly before adding it to the fudge to help it stay thicker.

4. Can I make this fudge without the blood filling?

Of course! If you prefer a classic fudge without the vampire twist, you can skip the blood filling and just make the chocolate fudge. You can still decorate the top with Halloween sprinkles or candy for a festive touch.

5. How do I cut the fudge cleanly?

To cut the fudge cleanly, use a sharp knife and run it under hot water before cutting each slice. Wipe the blade between cuts to keep the edges clean and prevent smudging.

Conclusion

Vampire Fudge is the ultimate spooky Halloween treat, combining rich, creamy chocolate fudge with a fun and gory surprise inside. The oozing red “blood” filling makes this fudge perfect for any Halloween party or themed event, and the easy-to-make recipe means you can whip it up in no time. With endless options for decoration and customization, you can get as creative as you want, making this fudge not only delicious but also a fun, festive addition to your Halloween celebration.

Whether you’re making this fudge with your kids, serving it at a party, or simply enjoying a creepy treat at home, Vampire Fudge is sure to be a hit with everyone who takes a bite. Happy Halloween, and enjoy your spooky, delicious dessert!