If you’re looking for an easy no bake treat for your Halloween, gothic, or other themed party, then you’ll love this vampire fudge! I’m making use of dramatic black and red colored candy melts and a microwave to make a sweet, swirled fudge you’ll want to sink your teeth into.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vampire fudge is easy to love because it turns a classic treat into something playful, dramatic, and perfectly on-theme for Halloween. The rich chocolate base satisfies any sweet tooth, while the bold colors are eye-catching on your dessert table.
My favorite part is that it’s easy to make in batches (and ahead of time), making it ideal for parties, dessert boards, classroom treats, or gifting. You can dress it up with sprinkles or gummy fangs, or keep it simple and let the marbled look draw guests in.
Whether you’re aiming for elegant gothic or gory fun, vampire fudge delivers both flavor and theatrics with very little effort, since it’s no bake. All you need is a microwave – just prep, set, and enjoy!
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Ingredients List
- 12 ounce bag black candy melts
- 12 ounce bag red candy melts
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk, divided
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 16 gummy vampire fangs (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- This recipe would also work with an equivalent amount of white chocolate chips tinted with oil-based red food coloring and black food coloring (if you use a water-based, it will make the chocolate seize) instead of the candy melts (but I find this much easier, and candy melts are readily available at grocery and craft stores)
- The vanilla is only to add flavor. You could also sub any other extract flavor you like – strawberry, cherry, or raspberry would be fun as a play on the red coloring too
Step By Step Instructions
- Line an 8×8 square pan with parchment paper or nonstick foil
- Add one bag of candy melts (doesn’t matter which you start with) and half the sweetened condensed milk to a large microwave safe bowl
- Cook on high for 1 minute, stir, then cook in additional 30-second increments, stirring each time, until melted and smooth. Stir in half the vanilla (if using)
- Add the remaining candy melts and the other half of the sweetened condensed milk to a second microwave-safe bowl and repeat the cooking process. Stir in the other half of the vanilla (if using)
- Pour the black and red melted mixtures into your lined pan, alternating colors. Run a butter knife back and forth, side to side and up and down the pan to marble the colors together and create swirls. If you want to add sprinkles or gummy teeth, add them over the top while the chocolate is still wet and gently press them in so they stick
- Chill in the refrigerator until set, around 3 hours
- Use the parchment to remove the fudge from the pan. Trim the edges, then cut into 1” or 2” squares as desired. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Other Desserts
- Red velvet cupcakes – Echo the “bloody” theme with matching color and richness
- Black forest cake bites – Cherry and chocolate complement the fudge’s filling
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries – Especially with red drizzle or “blood” effects!
- Berry mousse cups – Light, fruity contrast to dense fudge
- Vanilla ice cream – A cool, creamy balance to the intensity
- Poached pears – cooked in red wine to match the theme; perfect solo or in a galette!
Drinks
- Hot chocolate
- Chai latte
- Raspberry or cherry herbal tea
- Cold brew with cream
- Chocolate espresso martini
- Raspberry or cherry liqueur
- Port wine
- Merlot or cabernet sauvignon
- Baileys or Kahlúa on ice
Halloween Pairings
- Vampire themed cocktails, like my Vampire Mimosa, Vampire Bite Shots, Vampire Kiss Cocktail, or Vampire Tequila Sunrise!
- Black cocoa cookies
- Mummy brownies
- Witch Hat Cookies or truffles
- Charcuterie board with dark fruits (raspberries, blackberries, cherries), cheeses & chocolate
Recipe FAQs
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely. Fudge sets and slices best when chilled (even overnight is fine), so it’s perfect for prepping ahead of a party or event. You can even make it several days early and store it until serving!
Can I Make This Fudge on the Stove Instead?
Absolutely! Melt the candy melts and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and add in the vanilla.
This method does take a little longer, so one color will usually be more set by the time the second is ready, which makes marbling harder (so you may want to layer instead – pour the first, then top with the second).
Tips For the Best Vampire Fudge
- I use a 1000W microwave and each color of candy melt was melted in 1 ½ minutes total. Other wattages will vary slightly, so adjust as needed for your specific setup!
- Make sure to work quickly, as the first color will start to set up while the second is melting, and for the best marbling you’ll want them both soft still (or you can just layer one color on top of the other instead, as that’s a little more forgiving)
- Black candy melts tend to look a bit gray when warm (don’t panic) but should turn a deeper color that looks black once cooled
Storage and Serving
Storage Tips
- Store fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks
- For longer storage, cut and wrap pieces individually in parchment or wax paper and add to a freezer storage bag. Freeze for 2-3 months, and allow to thaw at room temperature before serving
Serving Suggestions
- Spooky Platter: Serve on a black slate board, coffin-shaped tray, or dark cake stand
- Drip Effect: Add a red drizzle (decorating gel or a fruit syrup) down the sides of stacked pieces or the serving plate for a more dramatic look (I feel it drips off pretty quickly though, so be ready to serve immediately)
- Individual Wraps: Package squares in mini treat bags or wrap with twine for party favors!
More Halloween Fudge
- Caramel Apple Fudge
- Candy Corn Fudge
- Monster Fudge
Final Thoughts
This easy vampire fudge recipe features swirls of red and black candy melts to create a spooky, festive, and delicious treat for Halloween! You can customize it with different flavors to your liking too!
I love this recipe because it’s super simple and no bake (only a microwave needed), and it’s a great make ahead option! Very little hands on time, let it set, and you’ve got a beautiful and fun treat that keeps well, for low stress Halloween parties!
Looking for more themed options to round out your dessert table? Check out all of my No Bake Halloween Treats for lots of different recipes to try!
Vampire Fudge (Easy No Bake Halloween Treat)
Equipment
- Square pan (8×8)
- Spatula (or spoon; for stirring)
- Butter knife (cutlery)
Ingredients
- 12 ounce bag black candy melts
- 12 ounce bag red candy melts
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk, divided
- 1 tsp vanilla extract, divided (optional)
- 16 gummy vampire fangs, or other decorations as desired (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 square pan with parchment paper or nonstick foil
- Add one bag of candy melts (doesn’t matter which you start with) and half the sweetened condensed milk (I eyeball it, but you could measure out 7 ounces) to a large microwave safe bowl12 ounce bag black candy melts, 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk, divided
- Cook on high for 1 minute, stir, then cook in additional 30-second increments, stirring each time, until melted and smooth. Stir in ½ tsp vanilla extract (if using)1 tsp vanilla extract, divided
- Add the remaining candy melts and the other half of the sweetened condensed milk to a second microwave-safe bowl and repeat the cooking process. Stir in the other ½ tsp vanilla (if using)12 ounce bag red candy melts, 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk, divided, 1 tsp vanilla extract, divided
- Pour the black and red melted mixtures into your lined pan, alternating colors in globs
- Run a butter knife back and forth, side to side and up and down the pan to marble the colors together and create swirls. If you want to add sprinkles or gummy teeth, add them over the top while the chocolate is still wet and gently press them in so they stick16 gummy vampire fangs, or other decorations as desired
- Chill in the refrigerator until set, around 3 hours
- Use the parchment to remove the fudge from the pan. Trim the edges, then cut into 1” or 2” squares as desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe would also work with an equivalent amount of white chocolate chips tinted with gel red and black food coloring instead of candy melts (but I find candy melts much easier, and they’re readily available at grocery and craft stores)
- The vanilla is only to add flavor if you’d like. You could also sub any other extract flavor you like – strawberry, cherry, or raspberry would be fun as a play on the red coloring too!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any decorations added, size of cuts, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
