Description
This creamy and crunchy Snickers Apple Salad is a beloved no-bake dessert that combines tart, crisp Granny Smith apples with sweet chocolate candy bars and a fluffy vanilla pudding dressing. Quick to make and perfect for potlucks, it delivers the irresistible flavor of a deconstructed caramel apple.
Ingredients
Dressing Base
- 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces Cool Whip or 1 cup heavy whipping cream, beat to stiff peaks
Salad Components
- 6 Granny Smith apples divided, reserve 1 for garnish
- 6 Snickers bars full size bars, divided, reserve 1 for garnish
For Garnish (Optional)
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and creamy. Once the pudding mixture is ready, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping (Cool Whip) or the heavy whipping cream that has been beaten to stiff peaks, until everything is well combined and fluffy.
Step 2: Prep the Apples
Core and chop five of the apples into bite-sized pieces. If you are preparing the salad in advance, lightly toss the chopped apples with a little lemon juice or a clear soda (like 7-Up) to prevent browning, then pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
Step 3: Chop the Candy
Chop five of the full-size Snickers bars into bite-sized pieces. For easier, cleaner chopping, you can chill the bars in the refrigerator or freezer for about 10 minutes beforehand.
Step 4: Combine the Salad
Fold in the chopped apples and chopped Snickers pieces into the prepared pudding mixture until they are evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes, or until ready to serve. Just before serving, chop the remaining apple and Snickers bar for garnish. Top the salad with the reserved pieces and a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired.
Notes
Storage and Make-Ahead: This salad is best made and served within 4–6 hours, as the apples will start to release moisture and can make the dressing watery over time. If preparing ahead, keep it covered and refrigerated until the last moment.
Pro-Tip for Texture: Ensure your Cool Whip is fully thawed before folding it into the pudding mixture. This prevents lumps and helps create a smooth, airy dressing that perfectly coats all the ingredients.
Variations: For a fluffier salad, stir in 1 cup of mini marshmallows along with the apples and candy. You can also experiment with other instant pudding flavors like butterscotch or white chocolate for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Snickers apple salad, no-bake dessert, potluck dessert, easy apple recipe, caramel apple salad, candy bar salad, vanilla pudding salad