Snicker Apple Salad Recipe
Snickers Apple Salad is a creamy, crunchy dessert salad made with crisp Granny Smith apples, chopped Snickers bars, vanilla pudding, and Cool Whip. A drizzle of caramel sauce and extra candy pieces make it a sweet, no-bake treat for fall gatherings, potlucks, and holidays.
The apples add a tart, refreshing contrast to the rich pudding and candy. Chill the salad before serving, then add the reserved toppings just before it goes to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Snickers Apple Salad
- No baking required: Mix the ingredients, chill, and finish with toppings.
- Sweet and tart: Granny Smith apples balance the creamy pudding and candy.
- Creamy with a little crunch: Cool Whip and pudding coat crisp apples and chopped Snickers.
- Easy to make ahead: Prepare it in advance and refrigerate until serving.
- Perfect for gatherings: It’s a fun dessert for potlucks, holidays, and family get-togethers.
- Extra caramel on top: A final drizzle makes each serving feel like a treat.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Granny Smith apples: Their crisp texture and tart flavor balance the sweet pudding, candy, and caramel. Another crisp apple variety can work, too.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: This thickens the creamy base. Use instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve pudding.
- Whole milk: Milk combines with the pudding mix to create a thick base before the Cool Whip is folded in.
- Cool Whip: Thawed Cool Whip makes the pudding mixture light and fluffy.
- Snickers bars: Chopped candy adds chocolate, caramel, and nougat flavor throughout the salad. Reserve some pieces for topping.
- Salt water and caramel sauce: A brief salt-water soak helps keep the apples from browning, while caramel sauce adds a sweet finish.
Snickers Apple Salad
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Small container
- Rubber spatula
- Chef's Knife
- Colander
- serving bowl.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 4 Granny Smith apples about 8 oz each
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 package 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 container 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
- 5 Snickers bars 1.86 oz each, divided and chopped
- Caramel sauce for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the water and kosher salt until the salt dissolves.
- Cut the apples into ½-inch pieces and immediately place them in the salt water. Let them soak for about 10 seconds to help prevent browning.
- Drain the apples well. Reserve about one-eighth of the chopped apples in a small covered container and refrigerate them for topping later. Set the remaining apples aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and instant vanilla pudding mix until thickened, about 45 seconds.
- Gently fold the Cool Whip into the pudding mixture until smooth and combined.
- Fold in the remaining apples and four of the chopped Snickers bars, reserving the remaining candy pieces for topping.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until thoroughly chilled.
- Just before serving, top with the reserved apples and remaining chopped Snickers. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
Notes
- Use instant vanilla pudding mix, not cook-and-serve pudding.
- Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweet pudding, candy, and caramel, but another crisp apple variety can also work.
- The brief salt-water soak helps keep the chopped apples from browning without making them taste salty.
- Full-size Snickers bars are used in the original recipe, but mini or fun-size bars can also be chopped as long as the total amount is similar.
- The salad is best served the day it is made because the mixture becomes progressively looser as it sits.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 452 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 72g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 65g |
| Sodium | 999mg |
Nutrition is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific pudding, Cool Whip, Snickers, apples, and caramel sauce used.
Troubleshooting
- The apples begin to brown: Cut them just before mixing and place them in the salt water right away for the brief soak.
- The apples taste salty: Drain them thoroughly after the 10-second soak.
- The pudding base is lumpy: Whisk the milk and instant pudding mix until smooth and thickened before folding in the Cool Whip.
- The mixture becomes loose: Keep the salad chilled and serve it the day it’s made for the best texture.
- The salad feels too sweet: Use tart Granny Smith apples and drizzle the caramel sauce to taste.
- The toppings lose their crunch: Add the reserved apples and Snickers pieces just before serving.
Variations
- Use another crisp apple: Try another firm, tart apple variety in place of Granny Smith.
- Use mini or fun-size Snickers: Chop them to make up a similar total amount of candy.
- Add extra caramel: Drizzle more caramel sauce over individual servings.
- Make smaller portions: Divide the salad into individual cups before chilling.
- Adjust the toppings: Add more or fewer reserved candy pieces to each serving.
- Serve with extra crunch: Sprinkle a little additional chopped Snickers over the top just before serving.
Try More Salad Recipes
- Hawaiian Cheesecake Salad
- Cashew Crunch Salad
- Tomato Burrata Salad
- Mediterranean Bean Salad
- Roasted Pumpkin Salad
Storage
- Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
- Enjoy the salad within the first day for the best texture.
- Keep it chilled until serving.
- The apples and creamy mixture may release moisture and soften over time.
- Add any extra candy or caramel topping just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Snickers Apple Salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it and refrigerate for about 1 hour before serving. It can be made up to a day ahead, though the texture is best on the day it’s made.
2. Why use Granny Smith apples?
Their tart flavor balances the sweet pudding, Snickers, and caramel.
3. Can I use a different kind of apple?
Yes. Choose another crisp apple variety that will hold its shape in the creamy mixture.
4. Can I use mini Snickers bars?
Yes. Mini or fun-size bars can be chopped as long as the total amount is similar.
5. Can I use cook-and-serve pudding mix?
No. The recipe calls for instant vanilla pudding mix, which thickens without cooking.
6. Why soak the apples in salt water?
The brief soak helps slow browning. Drain the apples well afterward.
7. When should I add the toppings?
Add the reserved apples and Snickers pieces just before serving so they stay fresh.
8. How long does the salad keep?
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days, but the salad is best enjoyed within the first day.
