Apple Snickers Salad

I never say no to a sweet salad like this Apple Snickers Salad. I prepare it in 15 minutes with fresh apples, chewy Snickers candy bars, fluffy whipped cream, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. In my house, it is an absolute favorite for dessert or even a snack, and it is the kind of treat that has both kids and adults asking for seconds, so I always double the batch.

Salad as a dessert? Yes please! Just like my favorite peach cheesecake salad, this Snickers caramel apple salad is such a decadent dessert for fall, especially around Halloween. I like to serve it at Halloween parties or even set it on the table for Thanksgiving dinner. Why not? Since apple picking season is right around the corner, I always recommend grabbing fresh apples from the orchard to make it.

I know it might sound like a strange mix; apples and Snickers in a salad? But this Snickers Salad blends chocolate, caramel, apples, and pudding into one of the tastiest salads you will ever try. Trust me, just make it once and you will see what I mean. The best part is you only need a few simple ingredients, and it is ready to serve in about 15 minutes.

Why you will love this recipe

• Quick to make when you need it: This salad comes together in about 15 minutes with apples, Snickers candy bars, milk, caramel sauce, and pudding.
• Easy steps anyone can follow: I just chop the apples and candy bars, fold them into the creamy mixture, and add caramel on top. It is simple enough that the kids can help me make it.
• Great for parties and holidays: I often serve this for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or family gatherings. Kids love finding the candy pieces, and adults always ask for seconds.
• Tastes like a candy bar sundae: The mix of chocolate, caramel, apples, and cream makes this salad sweet and playful. So yum!!

What you will need

• Large Granny Smith apples: I chop the apples into small pieces. Their tart crunch balances the sweetness in the salad.
• Snickers bars: I cut the bars into bite-sized chunks.
• Cream cheese: I let the cream cheese soften before mixing.
• Powdered sugar: I add powdered sugar for sweetness. It mixes in easily without clumps.
• Vanilla extract: A little vanilla deepens the flavor. It works well with the cream and candy.
• Cool Whip: I fold in Cool Whip or whipped cream. It makes the salad fluffy and light.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: I stir in the pudding mix for flavor and thickness.
• Milk: I whisk in milk to set the pudding.
• Caramel sauce: I drizzle caramel sauce over the salad. I love using my homemade caramel recipe!

How to make

1. Make the creamy pudding mix: I whisk the milk and pudding mix together in a large bowl. Then I fold in the Cool Whip gently until it is just combined.

2. Combine the two mixtures: I beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth in another bowl. Then I stir it into the pudding mixture until everything is blended together.

3. Add the candy and apples: I add the chopped apples and Snickers pieces to the bowl. Then I toss everything gently until it is mixed together.

4. Serve: I drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving. I like to chill the salad first because it tastes best cold.

Expert tip

Dry apples before mixing

When I make this apple snickers salad, I always wash the apples and sometimes toss them in a little lemon juice to keep them from browning. The most important part is patting them dry before mixing them in, because if you skip that step the salad can turn watery.

More tips to consider:

• I like to chill the salad for at least an hour before serving. It helps the flavors blend together and makes the apples nice and crisp.
• If I am making this ahead for a party, I keep the apples separate until closer to serving time. Mixing them in right before keeps the salad crunchy and fresh.
• Sometimes I swap in different apples for variety. Honeycrisp adds more sweetness, while Granny Smith keeps it tart and crisp.
• Make sure you get instant vanilla pudding mix, not the kind you have to cook.
• Instead of Cool Whip, you can use any type of whipped cream. To make your own homemade whipped cream, try my easy creamy whipped cream recipe.

Recipe variations and add-ins:

• Peanut butter twist: I stir two tablespoons of creamy peanut butter into the whipped cream mixture. It adds a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples and candy.
• Twix caramel crunch: I swap the Snickers bars for chopped Twix. The cookie crunch with the caramel makes the salad even more fun.
• Milky Way mix: I use Milky Way bars instead of Snickers. The extra caramel makes the whole salad taste even sweeter and creamier.
• Autumn spice apples: I sprinkle in a little cinnamon and nutmeg with the apples. It gives the salad a warm fall flavor that goes great for Thanksgiving.
• Berry surprise: I toss in a handful of fresh strawberries or raspberries. The tart berries add a pop of color and a fresh taste with the sweet cream.

Serving suggestions

When I host game days with friends, this Apple Snickers Salad is always on the table along with my baked apple cider donuts and Philly cheesesteak dip. The sweet and savory mix makes it easy for everyone to grab a little of everything while hanging out.

For Thanksgiving or Halloween parties, I like to bring this salad along with my loaded stuffed butternut Squash and a batch of carrot oatmeal cookies for the kids. It is a fun way to mix in a creamy dessert salad with the holiday dishes we all love.

How to store leftovers:

• Store: I keep leftover apple Snickers salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days, although the apples can still brown a little even if I use lemon juice or club soda.
• Freeze: I put the salad in a freezer bag and write the date on it. It is best to eat within 90 days.
• Thaw: For the best taste and texture, I move the salad to the fridge the night before so it can thaw slowly before serving.

Frequently asked questions

More dessert salads: