If you’re craving a treat that perfectly balances rich, intense chocolate with a fun and spooky twist, look no further than the Ghastly Dark Chocolate Vampire Fudge Recipe. This indulgent fudge is decadently smooth, with the deep bitterness of dark chocolate playing beautifully against the sweet, creamy condensed milk and buttery base. The eye-catching swirls of blood-red tinted white chocolate and a sprinkle of edible red glitter make it not just a dessert but an experience—perfect for Halloween or any time you want to wow your friends with a spooky, delicious confection.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this fudge is simpler than it sounds, but each one plays a vital role in achieving that perfect texture and hauntingly rich flavor. From luscious dark chocolate chips to bright red food coloring gel, these staples come together to craft a dessert that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
- Dark chocolate chips (2 cups, 70% cocoa or higher): Provides the deep, bittersweet flavor that is the soul of this fudge.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 ounces): Adds creaminess and sweetness to balance the dark chocolate’s intensity.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Helps create a smooth, rich texture with a velvety finish.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances and rounds out the chocolate flavor with a warm, sweet note.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch to highlight the chocolate’s depth and balance sweetness.
- Red food coloring gel (1/4 cup): Infuses the white chocolate swirl with a vibrant, creepy blood-red color.
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Used to create the swirling, ghostly contrasting layer.
- Edible red glitter (optional): Adds a sparkling, spooky touch to finish your masterpiece.
How to Make Ghastly Dark Chocolate Vampire Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This little trick ensures that once your fudge sets, you can lift it out easily without any sticky mess or broken squares.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, bring together your dark chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter. This trio will melt down into a silky, rich base that forms the heart of your fudge.
Step 3: Melt Over Low Heat
Place the saucepan on low heat and stir constantly. Patience here is key—the chocolate needs to melt smoothly without scorching. Keep stirring until every chip is melted and the mixture is glossy and perfectly combined.
Step 4: Add Flavor Boosters
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. These small additions bring brightness and a subtle depth to the flavor, making each bite more complex and delicious.
Step 5: Pour the Dark Chocolate Layer
Pour the luscious chocolate mixture into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. This layer sets the stage for your spectacular swirl effect coming next.
Step 6: Melt the White Chocolate
Place your white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt them gently, heating in 20-second bursts while stirring after each until they are smooth and creamy. This ensures even melting without burning.
Step 7: Color Your White Chocolate
Add the red food coloring gel to the melted white chocolate and stir it thoroughly until you get an even, vibrant red that looks like vampire blood ready to drip over your dark chocolate base.
Step 8: Create the Swirl Effect
Pour the red-tinted white chocolate over the dark fudge layer. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the colors together. This step adds that eerie, swirling “bloody” effect that brings the Ghastly Dark Chocolate Vampire Fudge Recipe to life.
Step 9: Add Sparkling Finishes
Sprinkle edible red glitter over the top if you’re feeling extra festive. The glitter shimmers like distant stars in the night sky—or in this case, like sparkling vampire “blood” droplets.
Step 10: Chill Until Set
Refrigerate your fudge for at least two hours. This waiting period is crucial to allow the fudge to firm up so you can slice it into perfect, clean squares without a crumbly mess.
Step 11: Slice and Serve
Once the fudge has fully set, use the parchment paper edges to lift it from the pan. Cut into squares, and be ready to admire your creation before sharing it with friends and family!
How to Serve Ghastly Dark Chocolate Vampire Fudge Recipe

Garnishes
This fudge shines on its own, but you can amp up the presentation by adding a few themed garnishes. Think small plastic vampire teeth for Halloween parties or a dusting of cocoa powder for a darker, mysterious vibe. Edible glitter or tiny candy bats make an irresistible finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair this richly chocolaty fudge with a steaming cup of strong coffee or a bittersweet black tea to balance its sweetness. For Dairy lovers, a splash of cold milk is always a comforting classic. Served alongside fruit like strawberries or raspberries, it creates a lovely contrast of tartness and creamy sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests even more? Arrange the fudge squares on a dark slate board with little goblets of red wine or dark cherry juice. Wrapping individual squares in wax paper tied with red ribbon makes for perfect take-home favors at your next spooky celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ghastly Dark Chocolate Vampire Fudge Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to preserve that perfect texture and avoid any melting or softening.
Freezing
If you want to keep this decadent treat longer, you can freeze the fudge. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. When properly wrapped, the fudge can last up to 3 months in the freezer without losing its rich flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen fudge, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Because fudge is best served cool or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary—and might even affect its texture—so just let it come to temperature naturally for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for this fudge?
Absolutely! Using milk chocolate will make the fudge sweeter and less intense, which some people prefer. However, the Ghastly Dark Chocolate Vampire Fudge Recipe shines best with dark chocolate’s rich bitterness that balances the sweetness and enhances the “vampire” theme.
Is there a way to make this fudge vegan or dairy-free?
While this recipe relies on sweetened condensed milk and butter, you can experiment with plant-based alternatives like coconut condensed milk and vegan butter. Just be mindful the texture and flavor might vary, but it can still be delicious!
How thick should I make the fudge layer in the pan?
A depth of about 1 to 1.5 inches is ideal. This thickness lets you enjoy rich, dense pieces that hold their shape well and showcases the beautiful red swirls without it being too thin or too thick to cut cleanly.
Can I skip the red food coloring?
You could, but the red coloring is what makes this fudge truly “Ghastly Dark Chocolate Vampire Fudge.” It provides the dramatic, creepy swirl that’s part of the fun. Without it, you’ll lose some of the visual punch that makes this fudge so special.
How long does it take for the fudge to set in the fridge?
Usually, chilling the fudge for about 2 hours is enough for it to set firmly. If your fridge is very cold, or the fudge looks a bit soft, feel free to leave it refrigerated a bit longer to achieve clean, easy slicing.
Final Thoughts
You absolutely have to try this Ghastly Dark Chocolate Vampire Fudge Recipe if you want a deliciously spooky dessert that’s guaranteed to impress. It’s simple to make yet delivers those rich chocolate flavors with a thrilling, eye-catching presentation that’s perfect for any occasion that calls for a bit of mystery and a whole lot of decadence. Happy haunting and happy eating!
Print
Ghastly Dark Chocolate Vampire Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 2h 35m
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ghastly Dark Chocolate Vampire Fudge is a rich, decadent treat perfect for Halloween or themed parties. Featuring intense dark chocolate combined with creamy sweetened condensed milk and a dramatic swirl of red-tinted white chocolate, it delivers a spooky and visually striking dessert. Topped with optional edible red glitter, it creates a fun ‘bloody’ effect that’s sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher)
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Decoration and Swirl
- 1/4 cup red food coloring gel
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Edible red glitter (optional for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the fudge later on.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the dark chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and unsalted butter together.
- Heat and Melt: Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring consistently until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt to incorporate flavors evenly.
- Pour Base Layer: Transfer the chocolate mixture into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even layer.
- Melt White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 20-second bursts, stirring between each until fully melted and smooth.
- Add Color: Stir the red food coloring gel into the melted white chocolate until the color is uniformly mixed.
- Create Swirl Effect: Pour the red-colored white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer, then use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the two layers together, creating a dramatic ‘bloody’ effect.
- Decorate: Optionally, sprinkle edible red glitter atop the fudge for an extra spooky and festive touch.
- Chill: Place the fudge in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours until it is fully set and firm.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge from the pan, cut it into squares, and enjoy your hauntingly delicious treat.
Notes
- Ensure the heat is on low when melting the chocolate to prevent burning or seizing.
- Use a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for the best flavor intensity.
- The red food coloring gel provides a vivid color without diluting the chocolate texture.
- Edible glitter is optional but adds a fun, festive look perfect for Halloween.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

