Vampire Fudge is a rich, decadent treat with a spooky twist—perfect for parties or gothic-themed gatherings. With dramatic swirls of black and red nestled into smooth chocolate fudge, it’s not just eye-catching, it’s absolutely delicious too. This no-bake dessert comes together easily and chills into perfectly sliceable squares of chocolaty goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple yet visually striking this fudge is. The bold red and black swirls give it a ghoulish charm, making it the perfect centerpiece for any spooky dessert spread. It’s incredibly creamy thanks to the condensed milk and butter, and because it’s a no-bake recipe, I don’t need to fuss with candy thermometers or stovetop precision. The flavor is a classic chocolate dream, and the presentation is always a conversation starter.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red gel food coloring
Black gel food coloring
directions
I start by lining an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and setting it aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, I combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter, stirring constantly until everything is melted and smooth.
Once the mixture is melted, I remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
I divide the mixture evenly into two separate bowls. To one bowl, I add red gel food coloring; to the other, I add black gel food coloring, stirring each until the color is well blended.
I then spoon alternating dollops of the red and black fudge into the prepared pan.
Using a toothpick or skewer, I swirl the two colors together to create a marbled effect.
The pan goes into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until the fudge is completely set.
Once firm, I cut the fudge into squares and it’s ready to serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 16 squares of fudge.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: Approximately 2 hours 25 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate if I want a more intense cocoa flavor. For a fun flavor twist, I’ve added a drop of peppermint or almond extract in place of some vanilla. I’ve also played with other colors like purple or green to create a different kind of eerie look. For those who want more texture, chopped nuts or candy pieces stirred in before swirling can add a fun crunch.
storage/reheating
I store this fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it keeps beautifully for up to two weeks. If I want to keep it even longer, I freeze it—just make sure it’s well wrapped to avoid freezer burn. To serve, I let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes for the best texture. There's no reheating necessary since this is a no-bake treat.
FAQs
How do I get vibrant red and black colors in the fudge?
I always use gel food coloring instead of liquid. It’s more concentrated, so I get bold colors without affecting the texture of the fudge.
Can I make this fudge ahead of time?
Yes, I often make it a few days in advance. It stores well in the fridge and tastes just as good, if not better, after a day or two.
Can I use white chocolate chips instead?
Absolutely. If I want to try something different, I use white chocolate chips and color them separately for a lighter, yet still spooky, look.
Why is my fudge too soft or not setting properly?
This can happen if I don’t let it chill long enough or if I add too much food coloring. I make sure to follow the chilling time and avoid overmixing the colors.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins?
Yes! I’ve tried mint extract and even added crushed cookies for a fun twist. I just make sure to stir them in before swirling the colors.
Conclusion
Vampire Fudge is a hauntingly beautiful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. I love how easy it is to throw together, and the swirled colors always get compliments. Whether I’m hosting a party or just want a striking dessert, this fudge never disappoints.
Vampire Fudge is a spooky, rich, and creamy chocolate fudge with dramatic red and black swirls, perfect for Halloween or gothic-themed events.
Ingredients
3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
¼ cup unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Red gel food coloring
Black gel food coloring
Instructions
Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir constantly until melted and smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Divide the fudge mixture into two bowls. Tint one bowl with red gel food coloring and the other with black gel food coloring. Mix until colors are evenly distributed.
Spoon alternating dollops of red and black fudge into the prepared pan.
Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the colors together for a marbled effect.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
Once firm, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without altering the fudge texture.
Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
For a firmer fudge, freeze for 10-15 minutes before cutting.
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