If you’re ready for a crowd-pleasing, nostalgic treat that brings together crisp apples, fluffy whipped topping, and plenty of chocolatey, nutty flavor, Snickers Salad is here to steal the show. This playful “salad” isn’t your typical bowl of greens, but rather a decadent dessert mash-up that manages to be both creamy and crunchy. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, every bite feels like a mini celebration. Whether you grew up eating this Midwestern classic or you’re trying it for the first time, Snickers Salad is guaranteed to spark smiles and second servings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Salad:
- 6 Snickers bars (chopped)
- 4 Granny Smith apples (cored and chopped)
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- ½ cup chopped peanuts (optional)
- caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
How to Make Snickers Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl: whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it thickens, which usually takes about two minutes. This forms the creamy, sweet foundation that will tie all the mix-ins together. Don’t rush it—making sure it thickens up is key to a luscious final salad.
Step 2: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Once your pudding base is ready, gently fold in the whipped topping. Go easy here! You want to keep everything light and airy, so use a spatula to carefully combine until no streaks remain. This is what gives Snickers Salad its irresistible mousse-like texture.
Step 3: Add Apples and Chopped Snickers Bars
Toss in your chopped Granny Smith apples and those divine Snickers pieces. Stir just enough to coat everything in that creamy mixture. The apples bring crunch and tartness, while the candy bars infuse each bite with gooey caramel, peanuts, and chocolate—total bliss!
Step 4: Chill to Let the Flavors Mingle
Pop a lid or some plastic wrap on your bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chill time allows the flavors to blend, the apples to stay snappy, and the whole salad to become wonderfully refreshing. Trust me, the wait is so worth it!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle on some chopped peanuts and drizzle with creamy caramel sauce if you’re feeling fancy. These optional toppings really amp up the wow factor and make this Snickers Salad look as fabulous as it tastes. Serve it chilled, and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Snickers Salad
Garnishes
For a truly irresistible finish, scatter extra chunks of Snickers bars, a handful of chopped peanuts, or an artful drizzle of caramel sauce over the top just before serving. Not only do these garnishes make Snickers Salad extra special to look at, but they also add even more texture and flavor to every scoop.
Side Dishes
Snickers Salad makes an unforgettable dessert at cookouts, but it also shines as part of a celebratory brunch spread alongside fresh berries, buttery pastries, or even salty snacks like pretzels for a sweet-and-salty combo. It’s fantastic as a stand-alone treat, but feel free to pair it with other sweets for a true dessert buffet!
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, layer Snickers Salad in clear mason jars or parfait glasses—perfect for parties or picnics. Or, nestle scoops inside baked puff pastry shells or top with extra apple slices for elegant individual servings. You can even try serving it as a dip with crisp apple or pear slices for a fun, interactive dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Transfer any extra Snickers Salad into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It’s freshest and crispiest within a day—after that, the apples may start to soften, but the flavors will still be delicious. Always store it cold!
Freezing
Freezing Snickers Salad isn’t recommended. The fresh apples lose their crunch, the whipped topping changes texture, and the candy bars may become unpleasantly hard. It’s best to enjoy this treat as fresh as possible for the ultimate experience.
Reheating
No need to reheat—Snickers Salad is made to be enjoyed chilled! If it’s been in the fridge for a little while, just give it a gentle stir and serve cold. It’s all about that cool, creamy, refreshing bite.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are classic for their tartness and crunch, but feel free to swap in Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or your favorite crisp apple variety if you prefer a sweeter or milder flavor in your Snickers Salad.
Is there a way to make Snickers Salad ahead for a party?
Yes—prepare the pudding and whipped topping base a few hours in advance, then chop and add the apples and Snickers bars no more than an hour before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
What can I use instead of whipped topping?
If you’d rather skip store-bought whipped topping, homemade whipped cream works well! Just whip heavy cream with a touch of sugar until it’s fluffy—not too stiff—to mimic that light, mousse-like texture.
Are there other candy bars that work in this recipe?
Definitely! While Snickers is classic, other caramel-and-nut-heavy bars like Milky Way or Baby Ruth can be fun alternatives. Just keep in mind that it won’t technically be Snickers Salad anymore, but it will still be tasty!
Can I make Snickers Salad nut-free?
You sure can. Simply use a different candy bar without nuts, leave out the chopped peanuts, and skip the caramel sauce if it contains nut products. The salad will still be dreamy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
Snickers Salad is that magical blend of comfort food and party treat—fun, indulgent, and so easy to make. If you’re looking for a dessert that always gets happy reactions (and usually a few recipe requests), give this a try. I can’t wait for you to share the joy and flavor of Snickers Salad with your favorite people!
Print
Snickers Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful and easy-to-make dessert with this Snickers Salad recipe. Crunchy apples and chopped Snickers bars are combined with a creamy vanilla pudding mixture, topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 Snickers bars (chopped)
- 4 Granny Smith apples (cored and chopped)
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- ½ cup chopped peanuts (optional)
- caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined. Add the chopped apples and Snickers pieces to the mixture and stir until coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped peanuts and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best contrast to the sweet candy and cream.
- This salad is best eaten the same day it’s made to keep the apples crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
