Halloween Dracula’s Dark Cherry Fudge – A Sinfully Sweet Treat for Your Spooky Celebration
Sink your teeth into something wickedly delicious this Halloween with this Dracula’s Dark Cherry Fudge — a hauntingly rich and decadent treat that perfectly captures the dark, sweet spirit of the season. Each bite combines silky dark chocolate, bold cherry flavor, and a luscious swirl of maraschino cherries for a bloody beautiful finish. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, trick-or-treat gathering, or spooky movie night, this fudge is guaranteed to steal the spotlight on your dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Halloween Fudge
This dark cherry fudge isn’t just about its vampire-inspired name — it’s the ultimate Halloween indulgence for both kids and adults!
- No-Bake Perfection: This fudge sets beautifully without an oven — just melt, mix, and chill.
- Rich and Velvety: Dark chocolate and sweetened condensed milk make it irresistibly creamy.
- Bloody Cherry Twist: The cherry gelatin and maraschino cherries add fruity flavor and a spooky red swirl.
- Perfect for Gifting: Cut it into bite-sized squares, wrap in festive wrappers, and give it as edible Halloween favors.
- Quick and Foolproof: You can make it in under 15 minutes, then let your fridge do the rest!
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, enhances cherry flavor)
- 1 (3 oz) box cherry gelatin powder
- ½ cup maraschino cherries, chopped (plus extra halves for garnish)
- Red gel food coloring, optional (for deeper bloody swirls)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. Lightly grease the parchment with non-stick spray or butter.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the dark chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until everything is melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat — dark chocolate can seize quickly.
Step 3: Add the Flavor
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and cherry gelatin powder. Mix well until the gelatin dissolves completely, tinting the fudge mixture with a subtle cherry-red hue.
Step 4: Fold in the Cherries
Chop the maraschino cherries and gently fold them into the fudge mixture. For a creepier “bloody” effect, swirl in a few drops of red gel food coloring.
Step 5: Pour and Set
Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula, then press a few cherry halves on top for decoration. Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours or until firm.
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Once the fudge is set, lift it from the pan using the parchment overhang and cut it into small squares. Each piece should have a dark, glossy surface with hints of cherry red peeking through — like a bite from Dracula himself!
Pro Tips for Perfect Fudge
- Don’t Skip the Gelatin: The cherry gelatin adds both flavor and a rich crimson hue.
- Use Good Chocolate: High-quality dark chocolate (60–70%) gives the best texture and depth of flavor.
- Drain the Cherries Well: Too much syrup can make your fudge too soft. Pat cherries dry before mixing in.
- Add a Bloody Swirl: Swirl red gel food coloring into the top layer before chilling for a vampire-bite effect.
- Chill Overnight: For clean cuts and firm texture, refrigerate overnight before slicing.
Flavor Variations
- Bloody Raspberry Fudge: Replace cherry gelatin and cherries with raspberry versions for a tangy twist.
- Dracula’s Mocha Fudge: Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to enhance the richness of the dark chocolate.
- White Vampire Swirl: Melt a bit of white chocolate and drizzle it over the top before chilling for dramatic contrast.
How to Store
- In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- In the Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge before serving.
- At Room Temperature: If your kitchen is cool, it will stay firm for up to 4–5 days in a covered dish.
How to Serve
This Halloween Dracula’s Dark Cherry Fudge is perfect for:
- Halloween dessert tables
- Trick-or-treat party trays
- Gift boxes or edible Halloween favors
- Movie nights or themed gatherings
Serve it on a black platter lined with red tissue paper or spiderweb decorations for an extra eerie touch.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Sugar | 25g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 40mg |
Make It a Spooky Centerpiece
Want to go all out? Create a Halloween dessert board featuring:
- Dracula’s Dark Cherry Fudge squares
- Gummy vampire fangs
- Chocolate-covered strawberries dipped in red “blood” syrup
- Candy eyeballs
- Pretzel bones or skeleton-shaped cookies
It’s a frightfully good spread that will have your guests snapping photos before taking a bite!
Conclusion
This Halloween Dracula’s Dark Cherry Fudge is a rich, dark, and irresistible dessert that’s as hauntingly beautiful as it is delicious. The deep chocolate flavor combined with the fruity cherry center creates a perfect balance of sweetness and depth. Each piece feels like a little bite of Halloween magic — creamy, velvety, and just the right amount of spooky. Whether you’re serving it at a haunted house party or gifting it to fellow Halloween lovers, this fudge is bound to be a wicked hit.
Halloween Dracula’s Dark Cherry Fudge – A Sinfully Sweet Treat for Your Spooky Celebration
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, enhances cherry flavor
- 1 3 oz box cherry gelatin powder
- ½ cup maraschino cherries chopped (plus extra halves for garnish)
- Red gel food coloring optional, for deeper bloody swirls
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.
- Melt the chocolate: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine dark chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Stir continuously until smooth and fully melted.
- Add flavorings: Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and cherry gelatin powder until completely incorporated.
- Mix in cherries: Gently fold in chopped maraschino cherries. Add a few drops of red gel food coloring for a deeper crimson hue if desired.
- Pour and swirl: Spread the fudge mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Press a few halved cherries on top for garnish and swirl lightly with a knife for a “bloody” effect.
- Chill the fudge: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to slice.
- Serve: Lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into small squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon of cherry syrup from the maraschino jar to the fudge mixture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- To make it extra spooky, drizzle melted red candy melts over the top before chilling.
