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Snickers Salad is the easiest dessert to throw together when you want something sweet and crowd-pleasing. Crisp Granny Smith apples are tossed with creamy vanilla pudding and fluffy whipped topping while bites of Snickers candy bars pop up in every bite. A drizzle of caramel makes it irresistible for potlucks holidays or any day you crave that classic caramel apple flavor.
I made this for a summer barbecue once and everyone kept sneaking back for seconds. Now my family wants it for every occasion even Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: brings a velvety sweetness and helps set the salad
- Whole milk: helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency stick to whole milk for richness
- Cool Whip or heavy whipping cream: whipped to stiff peaks for extra light texture use the freshest cream if making your own
- Granny Smith apples: add crunch and a tart contrast to the candy bars always pick super firm deeply green apples without bruises
- Snickers bars: offer pockets of chocolate caramel and peanut crunch go for full size bars for the most decadent results
- Caramel sauce: for drizzling optional but it really ties everything together use a good quality thick sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix Pudding Base:
- Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with whole milk in a large bowl until totally smooth and creamy. This guarantees that the salad is luscious not lumpy
- Fold in Whipped Topping:
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip or your own whipped cream using a big spatula. Light strokes will keep the salad light and fluffy
- Prepare Apples:
- Core and chop all but one of the Granny Smith apples into bite-sized pieces. If you are prepping ahead toss the apples with lemon juice or 7-Up to keep them crisp and bright. Pat dry before adding
- Chop Snickers:
- Cut all but one Snickers bar into small chunks. This way every spoonful will have some gooey chocolate and caramel
- Combine Salad:
- Fold the chopped apples and chopped Snickers gently into the creamy pudding mixture. Try not to crush the apples so the salad stays crunchy
- Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate the salad until it is nice and cold and the flavors meld together. It is best served soon after assembling
- Finish with Toppings:
- Right before serving slice the reserved apple and Snickers and scatter them over the top. Drizzle on caramel sauce to finish for a stunning dessert salad
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For me the best part is hunting for the biggest chunk of Snickers sometimes I sneak an extra bar in just for good luck My kids always ask to help chop the apples so it has turned into a fun family tradition
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The apples may start to soften so if possible chop them right before you plan to serve. If the salad looks a little watery just give it a gentle stir before dishing out.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try different apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter twist. Use homemade whipped cream for a richer texture or swap in your favorite nondairy whipped topping if you need it dairy free. Twix or Milky Way bars work for a twist but Snickers keep it traditional.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Snickers Salad chilled for dessert at parties BBQs or as a fun alternative to apple pie at fall gatherings. It also makes an easy bonus treat for school events or potlucks. For extra crunch sprinkle candied pecans on top.
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Cultural and Historical Context
Dessert salads like this are a Midwest potluck staple where sweet and creamy meets fruity and crunchy. Creative cooks have been blending pudding and whipped topping with fruit and candy since at least the 1970s and this combo was born to be shared at family tables year round.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What apples work best for this dessert?
Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firm texture, which balances the sweetness and keeps the salad crisp.
- → Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely! Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form for a fresh, airy alternative to Cool Whip. Sweeten if desired.
- → How far ahead can I prepare this dish?
It can be made several hours ahead. To keep apples from browning, toss them with lemon juice or 7-Up before mixing in.
- → Can I use other candy bars?
While Snickers offers caramel and peanut flavors, you can substitute other chocolate bars for varied taste and texture.
- → Do I need to add caramel sauce?
The caramel drizzle is optional but elevates the dessert with extra sweetness and visual appeal.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cover and refrigerate leftovers. For best texture, enjoy within 24 hours as the apples and cream may release liquid over time.