If you’re craving something sweet, crunchy, and downright fun, this Snickers Apple Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a treat and a salad all at once, blending crisp Granny Smith apples with creamy pudding and the irresistible chewy goodness of Snickers bars. I love this recipe because it’s both simple to whip up and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at family gatherings or potlucks.

When I first tried this Snickers Apple Salad Recipe, I was hooked instantly—the way the tart apples balance out the sweet candy and creamy vanilla pudding is pure magic. You’ll find that it comes together in a flash and keeps well, making it perfect for bringing along to parties or enjoying as a quick dessert at home. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe on speed dial!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute desserts or snacks.
  • Perfect Texture Combo: Crisp apples combined with soft pudding and chewy Snickers create a delightful contrast.
  • Crowd Favorite: My family goes crazy for this at cookouts and holiday dinners alike.
  • Customizable: Easily adjust sweetness and add mix-ins to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything here sings together in this Snickers Apple Salad Recipe, with a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy. Before you shop, I recommend picking Granny Smith apples that are firm and fresh—they hold up best in the salad and won’t get mushy.

  • Instant vanilla pudding: This provides the creamy base; instant works best for quick prep.
  • Milk: Use cold milk for the smoothest pudding mix.
  • Cool Whip: Adds light, fluffy texture—feel free to swap with real whipped cream if you prefer.
  • Granny Smith apples: Tart and crisp, these apples keep the salad fresh and balanced.
  • Snickers bars: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, they add chewy, nutty sweetness.
  • Caramel sauce: The finishing touch—drizzle it generously for that rich, gooey flavor.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Snickers Apple Salad Recipe is easy to tweak based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. I love mixing things up to keep it exciting and to suit different occasions.

  • Add nuts: I once tossed in some chopped pecans for extra crunch—it was a hit with everyone.
  • Use different apples: Fuji or Honeycrisp apples add a sweeter twist if you’re not a fan of tartness.
  • Diet-friendly swap: Using light pudding mix and whipped topping reduces calories without losing much flavor.
  • Chocolate drizzle: I occasionally drizzle melted dark chocolate instead of caramel for a richer finish.

How to Make Snickers Apple Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base

Start by mixing the instant vanilla pudding powder with the cold milk. Stir it well until you see it begin to thicken—this usually takes just a couple of minutes. Then gently fold in the Cool Whip; be careful to keep the mixture light and fluffy without overmixing. This creamy base is what ties all the delicious textures together.

Step 2: Prep Your Apples and Snickers

While the pudding is setting, chop your Granny Smith apples into bite-size pieces. I like leaving the skin on for that extra color and fiber, but you can peel them if you prefer. Next, chop your Snickers bars into smaller chunks—about the size of the apple pieces works best to get a bit of candy in every bite.

Step 3: Combine and Drizzle

Fold the apple pieces and Snickers chunks gently into the creamy pudding mixture. Take your time here to avoid breaking the apples or crushing the candy. Once everything is combined, drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over the top—you’ll see how it adds that beautiful glossy finish and rich flavor pop.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

For best results, refrigerate your Snickers Apple Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and the salad to set up nicely. It’s perfect served cold, especially on a warm day when you want a refreshing but indulgent treat.

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Pro Tips for Making Snickers Apple Salad Recipe

  • Apple Choice Matters: I learned that Granny Smith apples keep their crunch best and balance the sweetness beautifully.
  • Don’t Overmix: Fold ingredients gently to keep the creamy texture light and the apples intact.
  • Control the Sweetness: Snickers bars and caramel sauce add plenty of sugar, so keep portions balanced for a refreshing taste.
  • Serve Cold: Chill the salad to let flavors meld and to prevent the Snickers from melting too much into the pudding.

How to Serve Snickers Apple Salad Recipe

Snickers Apple Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce on top and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for a little crunch. Sometimes I add a few fresh mint leaves—it’s an unexpected pop of color and freshness that really elevates the dish.

Side Dishes

This salad is a fun dessert on its own, but I’ve often paired it with light, savory dishes like grilled chicken or a crisp green salad. It’s also lovely alongside picnic staples like sandwiches and coleslaw for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve layered the Snickers Apple Salad in clear glasses or small mason jars to show off the layers of apples, pudding, and caramel—people love how pretty it looks! You could also top it with whipped cream and a cherry for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Snickers Apple Salad keeps well covered in the fridge for up to two days, but I recommend eating it sooner rather than later to enjoy the apples at their crispiest. Keeping it airtight helps prevent the apples from browning too quickly.

Freezing

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad, as the pudding and apples lose their appealing texture once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Instead, just give it a quick stir if the caramel settles before serving again.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of candy instead of Snickers in this salad?

    Absolutely! While Snickers is classic for this recipe because of its caramel, nougat, and nuts combination, you can swap in other candies like Milky Way or Twix. Just keep in mind that candies with different textures or flavors will change the salad’s taste and mouthfeel slightly.

  2. Will the apples brown if I make this salad in advance?

    To reduce browning, toss the chopped apple pieces with a little lemon juice before mixing them in. This keeps them fresh-looking longer if you’re prepping ahead. Even so, it’s best to serve the salad within a day or two.

  3. Can I make this Snickers Apple Salad Recipe dairy-free?

    Yes! Use a dairy-free pudding mix and substitute the milk and Cool Whip with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut whip. Just watch for any added sugars in the substitutions to keep flavors balanced.

  4. Is this recipe suitable for a potluck or party?

    Definitely! It’s easy to make in large batches, travels well if kept chilled, and tends to be a huge hit with kids and adults alike. Just keep it cold until serving to preserve its freshness.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t recommend this Snickers Apple Salad Recipe enough—it’s one of those feel-good desserts that brings smiles every time I make it. Whether you’re after a quick sweet treat or something fun to wow your friends, this salad hits all the right notes. Give it a try like I’m sharing a little secret with you; it’s a total crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss and maximum flavor!

Print
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Snickers Apple Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 131 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Snickers Apple Salad is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert salad combining the crispness of Granny Smith apples with the creamy sweetness of instant vanilla pudding and cool whip, enriched with chunks of Snickers bars and drizzled with luscious caramel sauce. Perfectly refreshing and indulgent, this treat is great for gatherings or a quick sweet fix.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Pudding Mixture

  • 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 8 ounces cool whip

Fruit and Candy

  • 4 large Granny Smith apples, chopped into bite-size pieces
  • 4-5 Snickers bars, chopped into bite-size pieces

Topping

  • Caramel sauce, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and ½ cup of milk until the mixture thickens slightly. Then gently fold in the 8 ounces of cool whip until fully combined to create a light, creamy base.
  2. Chop Apples and Snickers: Core and dice the Granny Smith apples into bite-size pieces. Also, chop the Snickers bars into similarly sized pieces, ensuring easy mixing and even distribution throughout the salad.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped apples and Snickers pieces into the pudding and cool whip mixture. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly without breaking up the pieces too much.
  4. Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and generously drizzle caramel sauce on top for added sweetness and flavor contrast.
  5. Chill and Serve: Serve the salad cold immediately or refrigerate it to serve later chilled. The salad can also be layered in a trifle dish for an attractive presentation before chilling.

Notes

  • For best results, use crisp Granny Smith apples; they provide a nice tartness against the sweet pudding and caramel.
  • Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to improve flavor melding and texture.
  • You can substitute Snickers bars with other candy bars like Milky Way or Mars for variety.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days to maintain freshness.
  • To reduce sugar, consider using sugar-free pudding mix and a low-sugar caramel sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/12th of recipe (about 1 cup)
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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