There’s something utterly delightful about a dessert that brings together the irresistible charm of caramel, the crunch of fresh apples, and a generous dose of chocolatey goodness. I first stumbled upon this Caramel Apple Snickers Salad at a family gathering where a distant cousin made it for the potluck. I was instantly hooked! It’s like a salad pretending to be dessert—but let’s be real here, this is pure indulgence in a bowl. Picture crisp apples mingling with smooth chocolate bars, fluffy whipped cream, and a cascade of caramel. Heaven? I think yes!
Why you’ll love this recipe
This recipe isn’t just a collection of ingredients—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together in the most delightful way. First off, it’s the perfect harmony of crunchy, fruity apples alongside the decadence of Snickers bars. Each bite is a canvas of creamy, sweet, and nutty goodness. Plus, it’s simple to whip up, making it an ideal last-minute dessert for gatherings, picnics, or just a cozy night in at home.
Beyond its deliciousness, I love how versatile it is. You can serve it as an extravagant side with your BBQ or as a “wow” dessert that’ll steal the show at any potluck or family dinner. Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe—and you can just smile and nod, because it’s an absolute cinch to make!
Gather these ingredients
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5-6 full-size Snickers candy bars: The star of the show! These bars bring a rich, chocolaty flavor enriched with caramel and a delightful nougat texture. If you’re feeling cheeky, you could even use a fun-sized variety to keep portions in check.
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4 medium apples: I recommend Granny Smiths for their tartness, which beautifully offsets the sweet richness. Feel free to mix in some Honeycrisp or Fuji if you want a sweeter bite!
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1 cup marshmallows: The mini or regular ones work great. They add fluffiness and a hint of nostalgia; who doesn’t remember those classic campfire treats?
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1 package vanilla instant pudding mix (dry): This is your secret ingredient for creating creaminess without needing to do any complicated cooking. It also lends a heavenly vanilla flavor to the whole dessert.
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1/2 cup milk: Full-fat or low-fat, your call! It helps create the perfect consistency when you mix it into the pudding and Cool Whip.
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1 16 oz tub of Cool Whip (thawed to room temp): A dream to work with, its airy texture pairs perfectly with the pudding. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make homemade whipped cream!
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1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping or syrup: Drizzle it generously to finish it off. Trust me on this—it makes all the difference when it comes to presentation and that delightful first bite.
Preparing Caramel Apple Snickers Salad
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In a mixing bowl, combine the dry pudding mix, milk, and thawed Cool Whip. Stir it up until everything blends together beautifully—smooth and creamy is the goal here.
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Chop the Snickers bars and apples into bite-sized pieces. Don’t rush this; you want a good mix of sizes to make each scoop a textural delight!
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Gently fold in the chopped Snickers, apples, and marshmallows into the pudding mixture. Make sure they are coated evenly; every morsel deserves its fair share of that creamy goodness.
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Pour the mixture into a lovely serving dish. You can use a trifle bowl for a stunning presentation or a standard bowl if you want to keep things simple.
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Drizzle the top with caramel syrup as if you’re giving it a little hug of sweetness.
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Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to mingle and the salad to set.
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Before serving, feel free to sprinkle some extra Snickers bits on top for that dramatic flair.
Best way to enjoy it
This delightful salad is best served chilled. Imagine scooping into the creamy dish and seeing the glistening caramel and chocolate peeking out—doesn’t that make your mouth water? It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a dollop of vanilla ice cream, giving you that double-indulgence experience.
You can also consider serving it alongside a simple cake or pie if you’re feeling extra adventurous, making it a dynamic duo.
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 2-3 days. Just know that the apples might soften a bit, but the flavors will only intensify! This dish isn’t ideal for freezing because of the whipped topping and fresh apples, but it’ll disappear quickly anyway.
Pro chef tips
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Chill your tools: If you’re using a mixing bowl, popping it in the fridge for a while makes for even fluffier whipped cream when you’re ready to mix.
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Add texture: Want some more crunch? Toss in some chopped nuts or even a handful of crushed graham crackers for an extra layer of flavor.
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Perfect apple prep: A splash of lemon juice on the chopped apples helps prevent them from browning too quickly without adding a tart flavor.
Creative Twists
Don’t hesitate to play around with this recipe! Switch out Snickers for other candy bars like Reese’s or Milky Way. You could even incorporate a seasonal twist with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to evoke those cozy fall feelings. If you want to go the healthier route, consider swapping out the Cool Whip for Greek yogurt—still creamy, with added protein!
Ingredients
- 5-6 full-size Snickers candy bars
- 4 medium apples
- 1 cup marshmallows
- 1 package vanilla instant pudding mix (dry)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 16 oz tub of Cool Whip (thawed to room temp)
- 1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping or syrup
Step-by-step instructions
- In a bowl, mix the dry pudding mix, milk, and Cool Whip.
- Chop the Snickers and apple into bite-sized pieces.
- Fold in the chopped Snickers, apples, and marshmallows into the pudding mixture.
- Pour the salad into a serving dish and drizzle with caramel.
- Refrigerate for an hour before serving.
- Top with extra candy pieces before serving, if desired.
Your questions answered
- What’s the prep time? About 20 minutes, plus chilling for an hour.
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Just prepare it up to a day ahead for the best flavors.
- Is it gluten-free? Yes, all main ingredients are gluten-free, but always check labels.
- Can I use a different kind of apple? Definitely! Fuji or Honeycrisp would add delightful sweetness.
- What’s the serving size? This typically serves about 8-10 people, depending on how sweet-toothed your guests are!
Cooking is about sharing love and creating memories, so I encourage you to dive into this recipe, experiment a bit, and sprinkle in your personal touch! Give it a try, and don’t forget to come back and share your version—let’s keep the flavors flowing!
Caramel Apple Snickers Salad
Description
This Caramel Apple Snickers Salad is a perfect blend of crunchy apples, chocolaty Snickers, fluffy whipped cream, and sweet caramel—a dessert that’s sure to impress!Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation Steps
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In a bowl, mix the dry pudding mix, milk, and Cool Whip.
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Chop the Snickers and apple into bite-sized pieces.Ensure a good mix of sizes for texture.
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Fold in the chopped Snickers, apples, and marshmallows into the pudding mixture.Coat evenly for a creamy texture.
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Pour the salad into a serving dish and drizzle with caramel.Trifle bowl for presentation or standard bowl for simplicity.
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Refrigerate for an hour before serving.This allows flavors to meld.
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Top with extra candy pieces before serving, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8-10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 10mg4%
- Sodium 180mg8%
- Potassium 150mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 40g
- Protein 4g8%
- Vitamin A 2 IU
- Vitamin C 5 mg
- Calcium 6 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 1 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0 mg
- Niacin 0 mg
- Vitamin B6 0 mg
- Folate 1 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0 mcg
- Phosphorus 2 mg
- Magnesium 2 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
