Vampire Fudge Recipe – A Spooky Halloween Dessert

Halloween is the season of tricks, treats, and all things spooky! If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and jaw-dropping dessert to impress your guests, this Vampire Fudge recipe is exactly what you need. With bold black and red swirls that resemble dripping vampire blood, this fudge is equal parts delicious and eerie. Perfect for Halloween parties, classroom treats, or simply enjoying with the family, it’s a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday.

This recipe requires only three main ingredients: cream cheese frosting, black candy melts, and red candy melts. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also delivers a stunning effect that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. In reality, it takes just 15 minutes of prep time!

Why You’ll Love This Vampire Fudge Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You only need three items to bring this recipe to life.
No Baking Required: It’s a no-bake Halloween dessert, which means less mess and stress.
Spooky Swirl Effect: The black and red colors mimic the look of vampires, blood, and mystery.
Kid-Friendly: Safe, fun, and perfect for little helpers in the kitchen.
Perfect for Parties: Makes 25-36 pieces, ideal for sharing with a crowd.
Make Ahead: You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge until party time.

Ingredients

16 oz cream cheese frosting
1 cup black candy melts
1 cup red candy melts

Instructions

Lightly grease an 8″ x 8″ cake pan and line with parchment paper in a cross (+) shape. Set aside.
Place the black candy melts in one microwave-safe bowl.
Place the red candy melts in a separate microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave each bowl of candy melts individually for 2 minutes on high, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent burning.
Once the candy melts are smooth, microwave the cream cheese frosting for 45 seconds without stopping.
Pour half of the warmed frosting into each bowl of melted candy, stirring vigorously until fully combined.
Alternate pouring each color into the prepared pan, layering the colors until the mixture is in the pan.
Tap the pan to even out the fudge and refrigerate for 4 hours or until set.
Lift the fudge out by the ends of the parchment paper, place on a cutting board, and cut into 25 or 36 squares.
Serve immediately and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Recipe Details

Servings: 25 squares (1 batch)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus 4 hours chilling)
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Vampire fudge, Halloween dessert, Easy fudge recipe, Black and red fudge
Calories: Approximately 90 calories per piece

Tips for the Perfect Halloween Vampire Fudge

Use Quality Candy Melts: Higher-quality melts will create smoother swirls and better consistency.
Don’t Skip the Stirring: Stir every 30 seconds when melting candy melts to avoid scorching.
Layering Technique: Alternate colors generously so that every piece of fudge has both red and black for maximum effect.
Extra Swirls: Use a toothpick to swirl the colors together gently before chilling for a marbled effect.
Storage: Keep fudge in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Serving Size: Cut into small bite-sized squares since fudge is rich and sweet.

Creative Variations

Want to take your Vampire Fudge up a notch? Here are some creative twists:

Bloody Effect: Drizzle extra red candy melts over the top after the fudge sets for a dramatic “blood drip.”
Sprinkles: Add Halloween sprinkles, candy eyes, or edible glitter before refrigerating.
Flavor Twist: Mix a few drops of peppermint, cherry, or raspberry extract into the frosting for a fun flavor surprise.
Monster Mash: Use green candy melts instead of black for a Frankenstein-inspired fudge.
Ghostly White: Make a black and white swirl version for a ghostly vibe.

How to Store Vampire Fudge

Since this fudge contains cream cheese frosting, it needs to be refrigerated. Here’s the best way to store it:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freezer: Wrap fudge squares individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Room Temperature: Not recommended for more than 1-2 hours since the frosting base needs to stay cool.

Serving Ideas for Halloween Parties

Presentation is key when it comes to Halloween desserts. Here are some ways to serve your Vampire Fudge:

Spooky Dessert Platter: Arrange squares on a black serving tray with fake spider webs and plastic spiders.
Treat Bags: Wrap fudge pieces individually in plastic wrap and place in Halloween-themed bags for trick-or-treaters.
Cupcake Toppers: Add small fudge squares on top of Halloween cupcakes for an extra treat.
Cauldron Serving: Place fudge squares inside a small plastic cauldron for a witchy vibe.
Themed Display: Pair with other Halloween desserts like monster cookies, ghost meringues, and pumpkin cupcakes for a festive dessert table.

Pairing Vampire Fudge with Drinks

No Halloween party is complete without drinks! Here are some perfect beverage pairings:

Hot Chocolate: Rich fudge pairs perfectly with a warm cup of cocoa.
Apple Cider: The sweet and tart flavor balances the richness of the fudge.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: A seasonal favorite that enhances the Halloween mood.
Witch’s Brew Punch: A fruity Halloween punch with dry ice fog makes the perfect match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade frosting instead of store-bought?

Yes! If you prefer homemade cream cheese frosting, just make sure it’s smooth and spreadable. Store-bought is quicker, but homemade gives a fresher taste.

Can I make Vampire Fudge ahead of time?

Absolutely. Since it requires refrigeration, you can prepare it a day or two before your event and keep it chilled until serving.

What if I can’t find black candy melts?

You can substitute dark chocolate melts and add black food coloring oil-based dye. Avoid water-based food coloring, as it may cause the chocolate to seize.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Yes! Kids can help stir, pour, and layer the fudge. Just supervise the microwave melting process.

Is Vampire Fudge gluten-free?

Most candy melts and cream cheese frostings are gluten-free, but always check packaging to be safe if you’re serving guests with allergies.

Other Spooky Halloween Desserts You’ll Love

Final Thoughts

This Vampire Fudge recipe is the perfect combination of easy, festive, and fun. With just three ingredients, you’ll have a spooky Halloween treat that looks straight out of a haunted bakery. Whether you’re serving it at a Halloween party, making it with the kids, or giving it out as edible party favors, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

So this Halloween, ditch the store-bought candy and whip up a batch of Vampire Fudge. Your guests will love the bold colors, rich flavor, and hauntingly good presentation. Happy haunting and happy eating!