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This sweet combo mixes tart apple bites with chewy Snickers chunks for a dessert that's anything but ordinary.
Perks of Sweet Salads
You might call it a salad, but let's be honest—it totally counts as dessert. If you love classic sweet salads, you'll probably end up obsessed with this mix. Juicy apples and candy bars make a fun, shareable treat that's a hit at get-togethers.
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- Optional toppings:
- Chopped nuts: ½ cup (60g), use toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped into small bits around 3-4mm
- Mini chocolate chips: ⅓ cup (60g), use semi-sweet if you can
- Chocolate syrup: ¼ cup (60ml), room temperature helps with drizzling
- Caramel sauce: ½ cup (120ml), should be thick with buttery flavor, room temp so it pours easily
- Snickers bars: 5 whole bars (2.07 oz/58.7g each), let them sit to reach room temp so they're easy to cut, aim for about 293.5g total
- Granny Smith apples: 4 big ones (about 200g each), keep them cold and pick ones with no soft spots
- Cool Whip: 8 ounces (226g), let thaw in the fridge until soft peaks hold (about 8 hours at 40°F/4°C)
- Milk: ½ cup (120ml), pick whole milk (3.5% fat) that's been opened less than a week
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: one 3.4-ounce (96g) box, make sure it's the instant kind, not the cook-and-serve, and fresh with no clumps
Step-by-Step Sweet Prep
- Final Presentation
- Scoop everything into a clear bowl if you've got one, so folks can see all the layers. Swirl caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle whatever extra toppings you like. Pop in the fridge for at least 2 hours—up to 8 if needed—and keep cold (40°F/4°C) right up until you hand out the spoons.
- Candy Integration
- Slice Snickers into 8 pieces per bar, keeping the cuts neat (let bars warm a bit if too firm). Gently stir the candy bits and crisp apple pieces into the pudding base, making sure it's all spread out evenly.
- Apple Preparation
- Chop apples into 1-inch cubes (aim for 16 per apple), then toss them with a splash of lemon juice so they keep their color. Give them a quick blot to dry before mixing in. Apples should feel firm and not soggy.
- Whipped Topping Integration
- Add Cool Whip (fully thawed) into the pudding in three batches. Use a big spatula, folding carefully to make everything light and fluffy without streaks.
- Pudding Base Creation
- Grab a big bowl and whisk the pudding mix with the cold milk for 2 minutes, until it's thick enough to coat a spoon (but still smooth). Let sit for 5 minutes so it sets up firm and lump-free.
- Initial Preparation
- Keep all your cold stuff chilled at 40°F/4°C. Lay out your big mixing bowl, a whisk, a spatula, good knife, cutting board, apple corer, and all your measuring tools. Set up your ingredients so they're ready when you are.
Apple Picking Basics
Honestly, it's up to your taste. If you're after tartness, Granny Smith is my go-to to cut through the sweetness, but just grab apples that feel dense and look flawless. If you want it sweeter, Fuji, Golden Delicious, or Gala apples totally work too. Prefer the tangy side? Try Winesap or stick with Granny Smith for a bite.
Switch It Up Ideas
Go wild and use cheesecake or butterscotch pudding instead, or even white chocolate for a twist. Swap in Twix, Mars, or Milky Way bars if you like. Layer on chocolate drizzle, scatter mini chocolate chips, or shower over some walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
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Simple Storing & Serving Tips
Stick leftovers in a tightly closed container and chill for up to one day. Serve cold (40°F/4°C is best). Freezing doesn't work here. For the crunchiest apples and best look, try to make it no more than 8 hours ahead to keep things fresh and not watery.
Common Questions
- → Is there a trick to stopping apples from browning?
The pudding usually keeps them looking fresh, but giving your apple pieces a quick toss in lemon juice does the trick if you want extra help.
- → Can I prep this ahead?
For sure! Pop it together up to a whole day early. The whipped topping keeps apples bright and tasty.
- → How long will this last chilled?
Stash it covered in your fridge for two or three days. It’s yummiest the day you make it, though.
- → Are other apples okay to use?
Granny Smith gives the best tang, but any nice, firm apples are fine. Just skip soft ones so it doesn’t get mushy.
- → Can I swap in other candy bars?
Absolutely, go for Twix, Mars, or Milky Way if you like. Snickers just gives that perfect bite and nuttiness.