Vampire Fudge

If you’re looking for a spooky, fun, and absolutely delicious treat for Halloween, this Vampire Fudge is just the thing! It’s creamy, rich, and has a surprise “bloody” center that gives it that extra spooky touch. When I made this for a Halloween party, everyone loved the dramatic red center hidden inside the chocolatey fudge. It’s the perfect balance of eerie and yummy—exactly what Halloween treats should be! The best part? It’s super easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy tools. Whether you’re serving it to trick-or-treaters, at a Halloween party, or as a festive family treat, this Vampire Fudge is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the fudge:

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

For the “bloody” center:

• 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam (or any red jam of your choice)
• 1–2 drops red food coloring (optional, for extra vibrant color)

For decoration:

• Red gel icing (for drizzling on top, optional)
• Halloween sprinkles, candy eyes, or black edible glitter (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper or foil.
2. Make the chocolate fudge layer: In a medium saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir over low heat until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
3. Create the first fudge layer: Pour about half of the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Place the pan in the fridge or freezer for about 10–15 minutes to firm up slightly.
4. Prepare the “bloody” center: While the first layer sets, mix the jam with a couple of drops of red food coloring (if using) to make the “blood” look more vibrant. Set aside.
5. Add the bloody center: Once the first layer of fudge is slightly firm, carefully spoon the jam over the fudge layer, leaving a little space around the edges to prevent the jam from oozing out. Gently spread it into an even layer.
6. Top with the remaining fudge: Pour the remaining fudge mixture over the jam layer, carefully spreading it to cover the jam completely.
7. Chill: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
8. Decorate and serve: Once the fudge is set, drizzle with red gel icing for extra spooky “blood” effects or add Halloween sprinkles, candy eyes, or edible glitter for decoration. Cut into squares and serve!

Nutrition Facts (Per Piece)

• Serving size: 1 piece (makes about 16)
• Calories: Approximately 200 calories
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 25mg
• Sugar: 22g

(Note: Nutrition values may vary based on the type of chocolate and jam used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours, 15 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve the fudge on a Halloween-themed platter for a spooky effect.
• Wrap individual pieces in clear plastic wrap and tie with orange and black ribbons for party favors or trick-or-treat goodies.
• Add to a Halloween dessert table alongside other themed treats like cupcakes, cookies, and candy corn.
• Enjoy with a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or apple cider for a cozy fall treat.
• Stack pieces of fudge to create a fudge tower at your Halloween party.

Additional Tips

1. Keep it spooky: For an extra eerie touch, use a toothpick or knife to swirl some of the red gel icing on top of the fudge to resemble blood splatters.
2. Firm up the layers: Make sure the first fudge layer is slightly firm before adding the jam. This helps keep the “bloody” center in place and prevents it from mixing into the fudge.
3. Get creative with decorations: Feel free to add Halloween-themed sprinkles, candy eyes, or edible glitter to make the fudge even more festive and fun.
4. Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet fudge, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
5. Make ahead: This fudge can be made a day or two in advance, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time for Halloween parties or events.

Recipe Variations

• White Chocolate Vampire Fudge: Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a ghostly white version with the same “bloody” center.
• Peanut Butter Fudge: Mix a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the chocolate fudge layer for a rich, peanutty twist.
• Caramel Drizzle: Add a layer of caramel sauce along with the jam for a sweet-and-salty combo. Drizzle more caramel on top before serving.
• Mint Vampire Fudge: Add a drop or two of peppermint extract to the fudge mixture for a minty take on this treat. You can use green food coloring for the jam to mimic a gooey green “slime.”
• Vegan Vampire Fudge: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and condensed coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside other Halloween treats like spider cupcakes, pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies, or ghost meringues for a complete Halloween dessert spread.
• Pair with a Halloween-themed punch or spooky cocktails for a fun party setup.
• Stack individual pieces of fudge in clear jars or Halloween treat bags as party favors for your guests.
• Serve with pumpkin spice lattes or mulled cider for a cozy fall dessert option.
• Add to a trick-or-treat station alongside candies for a homemade touch.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: This fudge freezes beautifully! Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Reheating: No reheating is necessary! Just serve the fudge chilled or at room temperature.

Special Equipment

• 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy removal and cleanup.
• Saucepan for melting the fudge ingredients together.
• Toothpick or skewer for decorating with gel icing if desired.

FAQ

1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet? Yes! You can substitute dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet to make a richer, slightly less sweet fudge. It pairs beautifully with the sweet jam center.
2. Can I use different jam flavors? Absolutely! Raspberry, strawberry, or cherry jam works great for the “bloody” center, but you can experiment with any red-colored jam you like.
3. How do I get clean layers? To ensure distinct layers, allow the first fudge layer to set slightly before adding the jam, and spread the jam carefully, avoiding the edges. Then pour the remaining fudge evenly over the top.
4. Can I make this fudge without the “bloody” center? Yes! If you prefer a classic fudge without the spooky jam center, simply skip that step and make a traditional chocolate fudge. You can still decorate the top with Halloween sprinkles or gel icing.
5. How do I cut the fudge neatly? For clean slices, let the fudge chill completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to get smooth, even pieces.

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