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This sweet treat takes just minutes to toss together if you want something yummy for any crowd. Juicy Granny Smith apples get tossed with dreamy vanilla pudding and billowy whipped cream while chunks of Snickers pop up in every bite. Pour a little caramel on top for that sticky-sweet finish—perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or anytime you’re missing that tart-sweet apple and caramel combo.
One time at a summer cookout folks kept coming back for another scoop. Now my family asks for it on every holiday—even at Thanksgiving, no joke.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Caramel sauce: drizzled right before serving—totally optional but brings it all together, make sure it’s thick and rich
- Snickers bars: chops up for chewy bites of caramel, chocolate, and peanuts—grab the full size if you can
- Granny Smith apples: super crisp and tangy—pick the greenest, firmest ones you find, skip any with bruises
- Cool Whip or fresh whipped cream: gives everything an airy fluff; if making homemade, use cold cream and beat it until stiff
- Whole milk: helps make the pudding extra smooth—whole milk tastes best but use what you have
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: silky sweet box mix that thickens up fast
Easy Step-By-Step
- Top It Off:
- Right before you dig in, slice up the last apple and Snickers bar and toss those across the top. Now drizzle caramel sauce all over for that wow factor.
- Set It In The Fridge:
- Cover and chill until it’s totally cold so the flavors come together. Best served as soon as it’s ready.
- Pull It All Together:
- Dump the apples and snickers into your cream and pudding mix and fold it up gently. Don’t squish them—keep those chunks big and crunchy.
- Chop The Snickers:
- Slice all the Snickers bars but save one. Cut them into bits so there’s chocolate and nougat in every spoonful.
- Dice The Apples:
- Chop all but one apple into chunks—leaving the skin on is fine. Toss with lemon juice or 7-Up if prepping ahead to stop them from getting brown, then pat dry.
- Fold In The Whip:
- Very gently fold the Cool Whip (or your whipped cream) into the pudding mix. Easy does it for a fluffy dessert.
- Start With Pudding:
- Stir together instant pudding powder with whole milk in a big bowl until it’s smooth. You want this creamy, not full of lumps.
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The best part? Hunting for the biggest Snickers chunk—sometimes I sneak in an extra bar just because. My kids beg to chop apples so it’s become a fun routine for everyone.
How To Store It
Put any leftovers in a sealed container in your fridge and eat within two days for the crispiest apples. Don’t cut the apples until you’re ready if you want the best crunch. If things get a little watery, just give it a gentle mix and you’re good.
Switch Things Up
Swap in Honeycrisp or Fuji apples if you want more sweetness. Want richer flavor? Use homemade whipped cream. Need it dairy free? Try nondairy whipped topping. Out of Snickers? Twix or Milky Way work, but Snickers is classic for this.
How To Serve
Chill before serving for a cool, dreamy dessert at parties or BBQs, or as a lighter option instead of pie at fall get-togethers. Try adding some candied pecans on top if you’re after an extra crunch.
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Background & History
This kind of sweet salad started out as a Midwest get-together must-have thanks to creative home cooks mixing up pudding, whipped cream, candy, and fruit. These desserts have been around since the ’70s and you’ll spot them at big family meals all through the year.
Common Questions
- → Which apples taste best here?
Go for Granny Smith because their tart flavor and sturdy crunch keep things from getting too sweet or mushy.
- → Is it alright to swap in fresh whipped cream?
You bet! Beat some cold heavy cream until thick and billowy—add a little sugar if you like it extra sweet.
- → How much earlier can I fix this up before eating?
Put it together a few hours in advance. Make sure to toss the apples with a squeeze of lemon juice or splash of 7-Up so they don’t go brown.
- → Can I try different candy bars?
Sure thing! Using Snickers gives you nuts and caramel, but switch it up with other chocolate bars if you want new flavors and textures.
- → Do I really need the caramel drizzle?
It’s totally up to you, but that caramel makes it extra wonderful and looks pretty too.
- → What’s the best way to store the rest?
Just cover and keep it in the fridge. To keep everything fresh, try to finish it in a day because apples and cream let out juice if left too long.