The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete, and around this time of year, I get a little mischievous in the kitchen. Halloween may not be a huge tradition where I come from, but I’ve always loved the idea of mixing spooky fun with sweet treats. That’s where these Vampire Bite Donuts filled with Raspberry Jelly come in.
I first made them for a neighborhood Halloween party a few years ago. The kids took one bite, saw the jelly oozing out like blood, and squealed with delight. One even said, “It’s like a vampire bit my donut!” And just like that, the name stuck.
These donuts are soft, fluffy, and golden-fried just like the ones my grandmother made when I was little, only with a twist. The raspberry jelly filling gives them a playful bite, and the “fang marks” made with red food gel bring the vampire theme to life. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween brunch, school party, or just looking for a fun weekend baking project, these Vampire Bite Donuts are scary good.
Let’s whip up something delicious… and just a little bit creepy!
Table of Contents
Introduction
Vampire Bite Donuts filled with Raspberry Jelly are the ultimate Halloween dessert classic, sweet, and surprisingly easy to make! These yeast-raised donuts are soft, pillowy, and golden on the outside. Inside? A rich raspberry jelly filling that “bleeds” when you take a bite. The finishing touch? Two little fang marks piped on top with red gel, turning these into hauntingly tasty treats.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a donut newbie, this recipe walks you through every step. You’ll make the dough, fry it to perfection, pipe in the “bloody” filling, and decorate for the full vampire effect.
Ingredients
Makes 12 medium donuts
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups (360g) | For a fluffy donut |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | For light sweetness |
| Active dry yeast | 2¼ tsp (1 packet) | For rising the dough |
| Warm milk | ¾ cup (180ml) | About 110°F (not too hot!) |
| Butter | 4 tbsp (softened) | Adds richness |
| Egg | 1 | Room temp |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Optional but nice |
| Raspberry jelly | ¾ cup | Use seedless for best texture |
| Red gel food coloring | As needed | For vampire fang effect |
| Oil for frying | Enough to fill pan 2–3 inches deep | Vegetable or canola |
Ingredients Image here
Step-by-Step Method
- Make the donut dough
In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly. Add sugar, egg, butter, salt, vanilla, and half the flour. Mix until smooth. Add the remaining flour and knead until a soft, elastic dough forms (about 6–8 minutes). Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled. Step Image 1 after this step - Shape and rise again
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thick. Use a round cutter (3 inches) to cut out donuts. Place on parchment-lined trays and let rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy. Step Image 2 after this step - Fry the donuts
Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add 2–3 donuts at a time and fry for about 1 minute per side, until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Step Image 3 after this step - Fill with jelly
Once cooled slightly, use a piping bag with a small round tip to fill each donut with raspberry jelly. Insert the tip into the side of the donut and squeeze gently until you feel the donut fill. Step Image 4 after this step - Add vampire bite decoration
Use red gel food coloring (or red icing gel) to make two small fang marks on the top of each donut. You can use a toothpick or piping tip. Add a small “drip” of jelly at the bite site for extra effect. Step Image 5 after this step
Serving
Serve these Vampire Bite Donuts on a spooky-themed platter with a drizzle of extra “blood” (raspberry sauce or red syrup) on the side. They’re perfect for Halloween breakfast, dessert tables, or party favors. Kids absolutely love the surprise filling, and adults appreciate the soft, fresh donut texture.
Pair them with a warm mug of spiced cider or a creepy cocktail (like a raspberry “bloody” martini!) for a full Halloween vibe. These are best enjoyed the same day, but they can be stored in an airtight container for 24 hours.
Serving Image here
Conclusion
These Vampire Bite Donuts filled with Raspberry Jelly are spooky, sweet, and sure to steal the show at any Halloween gathering. The light, airy texture, the rich “bloody” raspberry center, and the fang marks make them both tasty and unforgettable.
Whether you’re baking with your kids or surprising guests with something festive, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers big Halloween energy. In my kitchen, it’s not just about the food it’s about having fun, making memories, and sharing treats that make people smile (and maybe scream a little too!).
So tie on your apron, heat up the oil, and let’s sink our teeth into these donuts.