Who would’ve thought that a dessert salad could taste this good? The combination of tart Granny Smith apples, creamy pudding, and decadent Snickers candy bars is a match made in heaven. My family loves this one – every time I make it, I have to double the batch because it disappears in minutes. This is one of those no-fuss, easy desserts that feels like you’re getting away with something because it’s that good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You only need about 10 minutes to whip this up!
- Sweet and Tart: The perfect balance of sweet candy bars and tangy apples.
- Kid-Approved: It’s like a candy bar in a salad, and who doesn’t love that?
Ingredients
- 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds that creamy texture and vanilla flavor base.
- ¾ cup whole milk: Helps set the pudding mix and keeps things creamy.
- 8 oz Cool Whip (or 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks): Adds a fluffy, light texture.
- 6 Granny Smith apples, divided: Crisp and tart, these contrast perfectly with the sweetness. Reserve 1 for garnish.
- 6 Snickers bars, divided: Chopped up for that irresistible candy crunch. Reserve 1 for garnish.
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (optional): Drizzle on top for an extra indulgent touch.
Variations
- Swap the Snickers: If you prefer, try using Milky Way or Twix for a fun twist.
- Add Nuts: For a little extra crunch, toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Go Extra Creamy: Use half whipped cream and half Cool Whip for an even richer texture.
How to Make the Recipe
1. Mix the Pudding
In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and whole milk until smooth and creamy. This only takes about 2 minutes.
2. Add Whipped Topping
Gently fold in the Cool Whip or whipped cream, making sure to keep that nice, fluffy texture.
3. Prepare the Apples and Snickers
Core and chop 5 of the Granny Smith apples and toss them in lemon juice or 7-Up if you’re prepping in advance. This keeps them from browning. Chop 5 Snickers bars into bite-sized pieces. If you’re anything like me, a few pieces might disappear during this step!
4. Combine Everything
Fold the chopped apples and Snickers into the pudding mixture. Stir it all together until everything is well coated and deliciously combined.
5. Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. This gives the flavors time to mingle and the salad to firm up a bit.
6. Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, chop the remaining apple and Snickers bar and sprinkle them on top. Drizzle with caramel sauce if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Prevent Browning: Toss your chopped apples with lemon juice or 7-Up if you’re making this ahead to keep them from browning.
- Chill Time: Give it at least an hour in the fridge for best results—it helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Sweeten the Whipped Cream: If you’re using homemade whipped cream, you can sweeten it with a bit of powdered sugar.
How to Serve
This Caramel Apple Snickers Salad is best served cold, straight from the fridge. It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside other fall desserts at your next gathering. Trust me, this is one dish that’ll have people coming back for seconds.
Make Ahead
- To Refrigerate: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the final toppings right before serving.
- To Freeze: Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze well due to the apples and whipped topping, but it comes together so fast, you won’t need to!
FAQs
Can I use different apples?
Yes! If you prefer a sweeter apple, try Honeycrisp or Gala. They pair beautifully with the sweet Snickers.
Can I make this in advance?
Definitely! Just be sure to toss your apples in lemon juice or 7-Up to prevent browning, and keep it chilled until ready to serve.
Can I skip the caramel sauce?
Absolutely. The salad is sweet enough on its own, but if you’re in the mood for a little extra indulgence, go for it!
Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Snickers Salad is the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and creamy. Whether you’re making it for a potluck, a holiday gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll quickly become a family favorite!
PrintCaramel Apple Snickers Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 Servings 1x
Description
This sweet and creamy Caramel Apple Snickers Salad is a fun and easy dessert that combines tart Granny Smith apples with chunks of Snickers bars and a fluffy vanilla pudding mixture. Drizzled with caramel sauce, it’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any time you need a quick crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 8 oz Cool Whip (or 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks)
- 6 Granny Smith apples (divided, reserve 1 for garnish)
- 6 full-size Snickers bars (divided, reserve 1 for garnish)
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
-
Make the Pudding Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and creamy. Fold in the Cool Whip or whipped cream until fully combined. -
Prepare the Apples and Snickers:
Core and chop 5 of the Granny Smith apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chopped apples with lemon juice or 7-Up if making the salad in advance to prevent browning. Pat the apples dry.
Chop 5 of the Snickers bars into bite-sized pieces. -
Assemble the Salad:
Gently fold the chopped apples and Snickers into the pudding mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. -
Add Toppings and Serve:
Just before serving, chop the remaining apple and Snickers bar for garnish. Sprinkle them on top of the salad and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Whipped Cream Alternative: If using whipped cream, beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. You can sweeten or flavor the cream if you prefer.
- Make Ahead Tip: If you’re preparing the salad ahead of time, toss the apples in lemon juice or 7-Up to keep them from browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salads, Desserts
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg