Halloween Dracula Dark Cherry Fudge is a decadent, no-bake Halloween dessert designed to send chills (of delight) down your spine. These dark chocolate fudge squares are marbled with bloody cherry swirls, topped with glossy maraschino cherries, and bursting with gory red streaks that would make any vampire proud. The taste is pure indulgence—rich chocolate, tart cherries, and that creamy melt-in-your-mouth texture that only sweetened condensed milk can offer.
As a child, I loved Halloween not just for the costumes but for the trays of homemade sweets on our kitchen counter. This vampire fudge recipe brings that nostalgia back with a gothic twist. Whether you’re hosting a monster mash or curating a Halloween dessert board, these spooky fudge squares are just the ticket.
Ready to sink your teeth in? Let’s do it.
🧡 What Makes This So Irresistible
- 🩸 No-bake & beginner-friendly – No oven, no stress.
- 🍫 Rich chocolate flavor – Deep, dark, and delicious.
- 🍒 Bloody cherry swirls – Stunning and spooky presentation.
- 🎃 Perfect for Halloween parties – Bite-sized and kid-friendly.
- 🧁 Customizable – Add nuts, make it vegan, or amp up the gore!
Ingredients for Halloween Dracula Dark Cherry Fudge
(Makes 36 bite-sized squares)
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but enhances cherry flavor)
For the Bloody Cherry Swirl:
- 1 (3 oz) box cherry gelatin powder
- ½ cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- Red gel food coloring (optional, for deeper swirls)
- Extra maraschino cherry halves for garnish
How to Make Halloween Dracula Dark Cherry Fudge – Step-by-Step
Let’s bring these creepy confections to life.
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on all sides. Lightly grease with butter or nonstick spray for easy removal later.
Step 2: Melt the Base
In a medium saucepan, combine:
- Dark chocolate chips
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Butter
Melt over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth, glossy, and fully blended. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Stir in:
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract (if using)
Mix thoroughly for full infusion.
Step 4: Prep the Cherry Swirl
In a small bowl:
- Toss chopped maraschino cherries with cherry gelatin powder until coated.
Add the coated cherry mixture into the melted fudge base. Gently swirl with a spatula for streaks.
Step 5: Add Bloody Swirls
For a dramatic effect:
- Add 1–2 drops of red gel food coloring on top.
- Use a toothpick to drag through the top layer, creating bloody red marbling.
Step 6: Pour & Chill
- Pour mixture into prepared pan.
- Smooth the top.
- Press a few cherry halves on top for extra flair.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Step 7: Slice & Serve
Once chilled, lift out using parchment handles. Slice into 36 neat squares.
Serve chilled for clean bites or room temperature for softer texture.
Pro Tips for Halloween Dracula Dark Cherry Fudge
- Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor and texture.
- Chop cherries finely to prevent watery pockets in the fudge.
- Coat cherries in gelatin before adding—this prevents bleeding.
- Don’t skip the almond extract — it adds depth.
- For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe between slices.
- Want deeper swirls? Add more red gel coloring and swirl more aggressively.
- Add crushed nuts or Oreo bits for crunch.
- Layer with white chocolate for a ghoulish contrast.
- Store in an airtight container to retain texture.
- Don’t freeze before it’s fully chilled or swirls may smear.
Variations & Flavor Twists
- White Chocolate Version: Replace half the dark chocolate with white for a more dramatic swirl contrast.
- Black Forest Style: Add chopped walnuts and drizzle with cherry liqueur.
- Vegan Dracula Fudge: Use plant-based alternatives for chocolate, butter, and milk.
- Extra Gore: Mix in edible fake blood gel for Halloween parties.
- Monster Mash Edition: Add candy eyeballs and edible glitter on top!
Best Ways to Serve This Halloween Dracula Dark Cherry Fudge
- 🎉 Halloween parties & potlucks
- 🎁 Wrapped in cellophane for trick-or-treaters
- 🕯️ Vampire-themed movie nights
- 🧁 On a gothic dessert board with skull cookies
- ❄️ Served chilled for firmer bites or room temp for soft melts
Nutrition Information (Per Piece)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 square |
| Calories | 160 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 2g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 17g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg |
| Sodium | 20mg |
Storage & Reheating Guide
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual squares and freeze up to 2 months.
- Thawing: Thaw in fridge overnight or room temp for 1 hour.
- Do not microwave — it will melt the swirls.
Halloween Dracula Dark Cherry Fudge FAQs
✅ 1. Can I make Halloween Dracula’s Dark Cherry Fudges ahead of time?
Yes! You can make them up to 7 days in advance. Just store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture.
✅ 2. How do you make spooky cherry swirls in fudge?
Toss chopped maraschino cherries in cherry gelatin powder, then swirl them into the chocolate with a spatula. For a bloodier effect, add red gel food coloring and drag a toothpick for Dracula-worthy streaks.
✅ 3. Is this Halloween fudge recipe gluten-free or vegan?
It can be! Use certified gluten-free gelatin and chocolate for a gluten-free version. To make it vegan, swap in dairy-free chocolate, vegan butter, and plant-based condensed milk.
✅ 4. Can I freeze Dracula fudge for later?
Yes. Wrap the pieces in parchment paper and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
✅ 5. What is vampire fudge made of?
Vampire fudge, like Halloween Dracula’s Dark Cherry Fudges, is made with dark chocolate chips, condensed milk, butter, cherry gelatin, maraschino cherries, and spooky red food coloring for a gory twist.
More Tasty Ideas to Explore
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie – Easy No-Bake Dessert Idea
- Key Lime Truffles – Easy No-Bake Dessert Recipe
- Pumpkin Cookies – Easy Gluten Free Fall Dessert
Your Turn in the Kitchen
Now you know how to make Halloween Dracula Dark Cherry Fudge—a no-bake Halloween dessert that’s spooky, stunning, and satisfyingly sweet. Whether you’re looking to impress trick-or-treaters or your Instagram followers, this vampire fudge recipe is a haunting hit.
So go ahead—mix, swirl, and sink your fangs into the most delicious Halloween treat ever. 🧛♂️
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