Snickers Caramel Apple Salad

This Snickers Caramel Apple Salad transforms everyday ingredients into a sweet treat that's perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you need a delicious dessert without much fuss. The combination of crisp apples, creamy pudding, and chopped candy bars creates an irresistible blend of textures and flavors that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

I first made this apple salad for a neighborhood block party, and it disappeared faster than anything else on the dessert table. Now it's requested at every family gathering, especially in the fall when apple season is at its peak.

Ingredients

• Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds creaminess and helps bind everything together
• Cold whole milk: Creates the perfect pudding consistency use whole milk for the richest flavor
• Mini marshmallows: Provide delightful pops of softness and sweetness
• Whipped topping: Like Cool Whip gives that light airy texture that balances the heavier ingredients
• Snickers bars: Bring chocolate caramel and nutty goodness to every bite
• Large apples: Preferably a mix of sweet and tart varieties for balanced flavor
• Lemon juice: Prevents the apples from browning and adds a subtle brightness
• Caramel sauce: For drizzling adds that finishing touch of indulgence

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the candy:

Chop the Snickers bars into small uniform pieces about the size of chocolate chips. This ensures you get a bit of candy in each spoonful without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Prepare the apples:

Dice the apples into small consistent cubes roughly half an inch in size. Immediately toss them in the lemon juice in a bowl making sure each piece gets coated. This prevents browning and adds a touch of brightness to the finished salad.

Make the pudding base:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it begins to thicken and set up about 2 minutes of stirring. The mixture should be smooth with no powder lumps visible.

Add the whipped topping:

Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture until completely incorporated. Use a rubber spatula and a folding motion rather than stirring to maintain the light texture.

Combine all ingredients:

Carefully fold in the mini marshmallows chopped apples and Snickers pieces distributing them evenly throughout the creamy mixture. Reserve a small amount of diced apples and Snickers for garnishing before serving.

Chill and serve:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up. Just before serving top with the reserved apple pieces Snickers and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce.

Save

The Snickers bars are truly what make this dish special. I discovered this recipe while looking for ways to use up Halloween candy and it quickly became a family tradition. My nieces now ask if we're having "candy salad" every time they visit.

Best Apples To Use

For this Snickers apple salad, choosing the right apples makes all the difference. I recommend using a mix of varieties for the best flavor profile. Honeycrisp apples provide sweetness and exceptional crispness, while Granny Smith adds a tart counterbalance that prevents the salad from becoming too sweet. Fuji and Gala work wonderfully too, as they hold their shape well without becoming mushy. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh or Red Delicious, as they tend to break down too quickly when mixed with the other ingredients.

Storage Tips

This caramel apple salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored properly. Always keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other flavors from your fridge. The texture is best within the first 24 hours, as the apples gradually release moisture and the marshmallows slowly dissolve into the mixture. If making ahead for a party, consider preparing the pudding base and chopping the ingredients separately, then combining everything just a few hours before serving for the optimal texture experience.

Make It Your Own

While the classic recipe is always a hit, there are endless ways to customize this Snickers apple salad. For a healthier version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the whipped topping and use sugar-free pudding mix. Want more crunch? Add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts. For special occasions, try folding in some butterscotch chips or substituting other candy bars like Milky Way or Twix for the Snickers. During fall harvest, a sprinkle of cinnamon adds wonderful warmth that complements the apples beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dessert salad works beautifully as part of a buffet spread but can also be presented in individual serving cups for a more elegant presentation. For summer gatherings, serve it chilled in hollowed-out apple halves for an impressive display. It pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like apple cider or coffee, creating a perfect temperature contrast. For an extra special touch at holiday meals, serve small portions in stemmed glasses with a cinnamon stick garnish and a vanilla wafer on the side.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the apples from turning brown?

Toss the diced apples in 1 teaspoon of lemon juice immediately after cutting them. This prevents oxidation and keeps the apples looking fresh in your salad.

→ Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, though it's best consumed within a day of preparation to maintain optimal texture. Save some Snickers pieces and apple chunks to add just before serving for the best presentation.

→ What type of apples work best in this salad?

Crisp, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala work wonderfully. Their firm texture holds up well in the creamy mixture and provides a nice contrast to the soft pudding and chewy candy pieces.

→ Can I substitute the whipped topping?

Yes, you can use freshly whipped cream instead of Cool Whip. Simply whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the pudding mixture as directed.

→ Is there a way to make a lighter version of this salad?

You can lighten it up by using sugar-free pudding mix, light whipped topping, reduced-fat milk, and fewer Snickers bars. You could also increase the apple-to-candy ratio for more fresh fruit and less candy.

→ What other mix-ins work well in this salad?

Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, chocolate chips for more chocolate flavor, or even sliced bananas for additional sweetness and texture. You can also substitute other candy bars like Milky Way or Twix.