Description
Vampire Fudge is a decadent and spooky sweet treat perfect for Halloween or any festive occasion. This rich, layered fudge combines creamy melted chocolate with a vibrant red peanut butter swirl, creating a visually striking and delicious dessert that’s both easy to make and sure to impress. Topped with optional crunchy garnishes like pretzel sticks, crushed Oreos, or nuts, this fudge offers a perfect balance of smooth, sweet, and salty flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Base
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 ounce) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 (12 ounce) bag milk chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red Peanut Butter Swirl
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Red food coloring gel (a tiny amount, for dramatic effect)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Optional Garnishes
- Pretzel sticks
- Crushed Oreos
- Chopped nuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the fudge later.
- Melt Butter: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add Condensed Milk: Gradually whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until mixture is smooth and combined.
- Melt Chocolate: Add both semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips to the saucepan. Stir constantly until the chocolate is fully melted and has a smooth, glossy texture.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the chocolate base.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Color the Peanut Butter: Add a tiny amount of red food coloring gel to the peanut butter mixture and mix until the color is evenly distributed for a dramatic, vampire-inspired effect.
- Pour Chocolate Base: Pour half of the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly to form the first layer.
- Add Peanut Butter Swirls: Spoon dollops of the red peanut butter mixture over the chocolate layer. Using a skewer or knife, gently swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate to create a marbled effect.
- Add Remaining Chocolate: Pour the remaining chocolate mixture over the peanut butter swirls and spread it evenly to cover the swirls completely.
- Add Garnishes: Sprinkle optional toppings such as pretzel sticks, crushed Oreos, or chopped nuts over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Chill the Fudge: Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the fudge to set properly.
- Remove Fudge from Pan: Lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper overhangs.
- Cut into Squares: Use a sharp knife to cut the fudge into small squares. Wipe the knife clean between cuts to maintain clean edges.
- Serve: Arrange the fudge squares on a serving platter and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to use parchment paper with an overhang for easy removal of the fudge.
- Use medium-low heat when melting ingredients to prevent burning the chocolate.
- Adjust the amount of red food coloring gel for desired color intensity.
- The fudge needs to chill for at least 4 hours to set well; overnight refrigeration is ideal.
- Wiping the knife between cuts helps make clean, neat fudge squares.
- Optional garnishes add texture contrast but can be omitted if desired.
