Snickers Apple Salad Delight

This delightful Snickers Salad combines crisp apples, decadent candy bars, and creamy pudding for a crowd-pleasing dessert that walks the line between salad and dessert. The contrasting textures and flavors create a symphony in every bite that both kids and adults will love.

I first made this for a neighborhood block party where it disappeared within minutes. Ever since, it's become my most requested dish for summer gatherings and holiday celebrations alike.

Ingredients

• Instant vanilla pudding mix: creates the sweet creamy base that holds everything together
• Whole milk: adds richness to the pudding mixture
• Cool Whip or freshly whipped cream: lightens the texture and adds airy creaminess
• Granny Smith apples: provide tartness and crunch to balance the sweetness
• Snickers bars: deliver caramel chewy goodness and chocolate flavor in every bite
• Caramel sauce: optional but adds an extra touch of decadence for special occasions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Pudding Base:

Whisk together vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and creamy. This creates the foundation of your salad so make sure it's completely lump free.

Incorporate the Whipped Topping:

Gently fold in Cool Whip or freshly whipped cream using a rubber spatula with a light hand. Maintain as much air as possible for a fluffy texture.

Prepare the Apples:

Core and chop five of your Granny Smith apples into bite sized pieces. If making ahead toss with lemon juice or 7Up to prevent browning then pat dry before adding to the mixture.

Chop the Candy:

Cut five Snickers bars into small bite sized pieces ensuring you get a good mix of chocolate caramel and peanut in each chunk.

Combine Everything:

Fold the chopped apples and Snickers pieces into the creamy mixture being careful not to overmix. The goal is to coat everything evenly while maintaining distinct pieces.

Chill Thoroughly:

Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour allowing flavors to meld and the mixture to set properly.

Add Final Touches:

Just before serving chop the remaining apple and Snickers bar for garnish. Sprinkle over the top and drizzle with caramel sauce for an impressive presentation.

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The Granny Smith apples are truly the star ingredient here. Their tartness cuts through the sweetness of the pudding and candy making every bite refreshing rather than cloying. The first time I served this at a family reunion my grandmother insisted on getting the recipe before leaving claiming it reminded her of caramel apples from her childhood but in a more sophisticated form.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be prepared up to 12 hours in advance for best results. If making earlier prepare the cream mixture and store separately from the chopped apples and Snickers. Combine everything about an hour before serving for optimal texture. The apples will stay crisp longer if tossed with a little lemon juice or even 7Up soda which prevents browning without adding noticeable flavor.

Variations Worth Trying

While Granny Smith apples provide the perfect tartness Honeycrisp or Pink Lady varieties make excellent substitutions when you want something slightly sweeter. For a lighter version use sugar free pudding mix and lite whipped topping. You can also experiment with different candy bars like Milky Way for a different flavor profile or add chopped walnuts for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Snickers Salad works wonderfully as a side dish at barbecues and potlucks but can also be served as a dessert in individual serving cups for a more elegant presentation. For an extra special touch serve in martini glasses with a drizzle of chocolate sauce in addition to the caramel. This versatile dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats in summer or as a lighter alternative to heavy desserts during holiday meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh whipping cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, fresh whipping cream can be used. Beat heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks before folding it into the pudding mixture.

→ What type of apples work best for this dish?

Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the Snickers and caramel sauce.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made in advance. Toss the apples with lemon juice or 7-Up to prevent browning and refrigerate until serving.

→ How should I serve this dish?

Serve it chilled, garnished with fresh apple slices, chopped Snickers, and a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.

→ Can I include other candy bars instead of Snickers?

Certainly! You can experiment with other candy bars like Milky Way or Twix for a different flavor profile.