Description
Vampire Fudge is a spooky and decadent sweet treat perfect for Halloween or any festive occasion. This layered fudge combines rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter swirled with a hint of red food coloring for a dramatic vampire-themed effect. Topped with optional crunchy pretzels, crushed Oreos, or nuts, this no-bake dessert is delightfully indulgent and sure to impress guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- Red food coloring gel (a tiny amount, for dramatic effect)
Optional Garnishes
- Pretzel sticks
- Crushed Oreos
- Chopped nuts
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the fudge later.
- Melt Butter: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter completely. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Condensed Milk: Gradually whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until fully combined and smooth.
- Melt Chocolate: Add both semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips to the butter mixture. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is glossy.
- Flavor Base: Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add Color: Add a tiny amount of red food coloring gel to the peanut butter mixture and stir until evenly colored to create a blood-like effect.
- Layer Chocolate: Pour half of the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly to form the first layer.
- Add Swirls: Spoon dollops of the red peanut butter mixture over the chocolate layer. Using a knife or skewer, swirl gently to create a marbled pattern.
- Top Layer: Pour the remaining chocolate mixture over the peanut butter swirls, spreading evenly to cover.
- Add Garnishes: Sprinkle optional toppings such as pretzel sticks, crushed Oreos, or chopped nuts over the top for extra texture and flavor.
- Chill to Set: Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the fudge to set firmly.
- Remove Fudge: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fudge from the pan easily.
- Cut Squares: Cut the fudge into small squares with a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts to ensure clean edges.
- Serve: Arrange the squares on a serving platter and serve chilled for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure to melt the butter and chocolate gently over medium-low heat to prevent scorching the chocolate.
- The red food coloring gel is used sparingly to create a spooky, blood-like effect in the peanut butter layer without altering the flavor.
- For variation, try substituting crunchy peanut butter for extra texture in the swirl layer.
- The fudge keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.
- If you prefer a firmer fudge, chill overnight before cutting and serving.
- Use parchment paper with overhang to lift the fudge easily from the pan without breaking.
