Snickers Salad Apples Whipped Topping

The first time I brought this to a church potluck, I watched three different people ask the host for the recipe before they even finished their first serving. My grandmother called it a salad because it has fruit, but we all know better. Theres something magical about the way tart crisp apples cut through that sweet creamy pudding, while chopped Snickers add this salty chocolate crunch that makes it impossible to stop eating just one bowl.

I made this for my daughters birthday party last year and doubled the recipe because I was nervous about running out. Big mistake. My brother-in-law stood by the serving spoon and went back for fourths, telling anyone who would listen that fruit salad counted as health food. The kids demolished it first, then the adults circled like sharks. Now it shows up at every family gathering, and nobody bothers asking whats in it anymore.

Ingredients

• 4 large Granny Smith apples: Tart and firm apples hold their texture best without turning mushy after sitting in that creamy dressing
• 6 Snickers bars: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, these bring that perfect salty-sweet chocolate element throughout
• 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix: The backbone that gives the whipped topping structure and vanilla depth
• 1 cup cold milk: Cold milk helps the pudding set up properly without lumps
• 2 cups whipped topping: Light and fluffy, this transforms the pudding into something airy and dreamy
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts: Optional but recommended for that extra nutty crunch on top
• Caramel sauce: A drizzle over the finished bowl makes it look fancy and tastes incredible

Instructions

Make the pudding base:

Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk in a large bowl until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes

Add the fluffy stuff:

Gently fold in the whipped topping with a spatula until fully combined and no white streaks remain

Throw in the good stuff:

Add chopped apples and Snickers bars, then stir gently to coat everything evenly without crushing the candy

Get fancy with it:

Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with chopped peanuts and drizzle caramel sauce on top if youre feeling extra

Patience pays off:

Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving so everything gets friendly and the flavors meld together

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Last Thanksgiving, my usually health-conscious uncle who normally lectures everyone about sugar took one skeptical bite, went quiet for a full minute, then reached for the serving spoon without saying a word. Later he admitted to eating it for breakfast the next morning. Sometimes the most indulgent dishes become the ones people remember most fondly, and this salad has that power.

Make It Your Own

I have played around with different candy bars over the years. Milky Way works beautifully if you want more caramel and less peanuts. Butterfinger adds this incredible salty crunch that people either love or hate. The key is picking something that holds its texture when chopped and stirred into the creamy base.

Serving Strategy

This stuff disappears fast at parties. I always make a double batch if serving more than six people because it goes quicker than you expect. The presentation matters too. A pretty glass bowl shows off all those chunks of Snickers and crisp apple chunks, making it impossible to walk past without grabbing a spoon.

Timing Is Everything

There is a sweet spot with this salad. Serve it too soon and the pudding has not fully set up. Wait too long and those apples start looking sad and brown. About 2 to 4 hours after mixing is absolutely perfect. The flavors have melded, the texture is creamy but still light, and everything tastes fresh and vibrant.

• Chop the Snickers while the pudding sets so they do not stick together in one giant clump
• Toss the apples with a splash of lemon juice if prepping ahead to keep them bright
• Save the caramel drizzle until right before serving so it stays pretty on top

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This salad is the reason potluck exists. Easy enough to throw together on a busy weeknight but special enough that people will ask you to bring it to every single gathering.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make Snickers salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it's best enjoyed the same day. If making ahead, wait to add the apples until closer to serving time to prevent browning. The creamy mixture can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated.

→ What type of apples work best?

Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweet candy and their crisp texture holds up well in the creamy mixture. You can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter variation.

→ Can I substitute the Snickers bars?

Absolutely. Milky Way, 3 Musketeers, or chopped chocolate bars work well. For a nut-free version, avoid Snickers and choose nut-free chocolate alternatives. You can also mix multiple candy types for variety.

→ How long does Snickers salad need to chill?

Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the texture to set. This resting period helps the creamy coating adhere to the apples and candy pieces while enhancing the overall flavor.

→ Can I make a lighter version?

Yes. Use sugar-free vanilla pudding mix and light whipped topping to reduce calories. You can also reduce the amount of candy bars or use smaller pieces to distribute the chocolate throughout while maintaining the indulgent flavor.