Snickers Salad might have “salad” in the name, but it’s really a creamy, candy-filled dessert that tastes like a caramel apple sundae. Tart Granny Smith apples balance the sweetness of the Snickers and pudding, making it both refreshing and indulgent.
We love that this no-bake treat is quick AND simple too; ready to dive into in only 10 minutes! It can also be made a day in advance and chilled to make it even quicker. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for potlucks, holidays, or casual get-togethers.
If you love this, try other creamy favorites like Ambrosia Salad, Pistachio Salad or Banana Pudding.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Like a caramel apple. If you love the flavors of caramel apples, you’ll love this easy dessert salad!
- Great for outings. Everyone goes nuts for this at potlucks, family get-togethers, BBQs in the summer, or even when celebrating caramel apple weather in the fall.
- It can be made ahead. Make this up to 1 day in advance to save time!
Snickers Salad Ingredients
- Instant vanilla pudding (1 box, 3.4 ounces): The creamy base that ties everything together. Be sure to buy INSTANT vanilla pudding mix. Also, note that when you combine the dry pudding mix with the ½ cup of milk, it will resemble more of a paste texture rather than a soft pudding mixture.
- Milk (½ cup): Helps set the pudding and keep it smooth. We use whole or 2% milk.
- Cool Whip (8 ounces): Adds a light, fluffy texture. We love homemade Whipped Cream, but Cool Whip works great.
- Granny Smith apples (4 large): Tart and crisp, they balance out the sweetness. We prefer the added tartness, but the type entirely depends on your preference. Choose apples that are firm and bruise-free.
- Snickers bars (4–5): The star ingredient, adding caramel, chocolate, and peanut crunch. Try changing the candy bar type to Milky Way, Mars Bars, or Twix.
- Caramel sauce: For drizzling on top and that final sweet touch – homemade Caramel Sauce or from the bottle.
- optional toppings – Chocolate Syrup, mini chocolate chips, or sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans
How to Make Snickers Salad
COMBINE. In a large bowl, whisk the milk and the box of instant pudding mix, then fold in the whipped topping.
CUT. Cut up apples and Snickers candy bars into bite-size pieces, and mix the chopped apples and candy pieces in.
TOP. Drizzle Caramel Sauce on top. Serve cold or layer and serve cold.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Do NOT use the cook-n-serve pudding; it will not set, and it will make the salad runnier.
- Fold ingredients gently so the whipped topping stays fluffy.
- Chill before serving to let the flavors come together.
- Change the pudding flavor to white chocolate, cheesecake, or butterscotch pudding for different variations.
- We like using tart granny smith apples to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Snicker Salad Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding
- ½ cup milk
- 8 ounces cool whip
- 4 large Granny Smith apples
- 4-5 Snickers Bars
- caramel sauce
Instructions
- Mix milk and pudding, then fold in the cool whip.
- Cut up apples and Snickers into bite-size pieces and mix in. Drizzle the caramel sauce on top. Serve cold or layer and serve cold.
Notes
- Do NOT use the cook-n-serve pudding; it will not set, and it will make the salad runnier.
- Change the pudding flavor to white chocolate, cheesecake, or butterscotch pudding for different variations.
- We like using tart granny smith apples to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Make this up to a day in advance. The coating of the Whipped Cream will help keep the apples from browning, but to be extra cautious, pretreat the apples (with previous suggestions), before mixing up the recipe.
Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for 2-3 days. Over time, the extra moisture from the apples will cause the whipped cream to separate. It is still safe to eat. Give it a good stir or add extra whipped cream to help smooth it out.
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This recipe was originally published June 2014.
This dessert wonderful…I used gala apples which worked great and I also added some mini marsh mellows…It was delicious….
Hello, could you substitute the vanilla pudding for a white chocolate or cheese cake flavor?
I love this salad/dessert! I came across it a few years ago while looking for a recipe that could pass as a salad but yet could be put on the dessert table for a family gathering we were planning. This filled the bill! It had the flavor of fresh crisp apples but the sweetness of pudding along with the taste of a caramel apple. What more could you ask for in a recipe?
I am down with dessert as salad. When I was a child, a balanced meal was a hot dog, blue box mac and cheese, and a “salad” made with a box of either jello or pudding. Miss those days.
I’ve made this recipe for years. Many times I only add half the vanilla pudding and substitute the other half with butterscotch pudding…so yummy!! It’s a family favorite. I also freeze the snickers for a few minutes before chopping them. It makes it a lot easier to cut it!
That’s a great suggestion. So glad to hear you love the salad! It’s a great one, isn’t it? 🙂
Very good but did granny and honeycrisp apples, diced and salted. A vanilla and butterscotch pudding with milk, added coolwhip and crushed butterfingers. Excellent
THANK YOU
You’re welcome! Thanks for sharing what you did.
This is a solid recipe. I added about 1/2 C regular fat sour cream. This cut down a bit of the sweetness, but not too much. I tossed the chopped apples in some Ball brand Fruit-Fresh to help prevent browning. Very tasty
Sounds delish!! Thanks for sharing what you did. So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe.
We love this salad and I’ve made it for years however the past couple times making this exact recipe the pudding cool whip mixture is way more runny and not thick like your video is. I’m not sure of the change but tips on how to thicken it once all ingredients are combined would be great.
Hmmm… I would suggest maybe adding a bit more cool whip to help thicken it a bit. Starting with cold ingredients helps too so it doesn’t start melting as you mix. I’m glad to hear you love the salad! Hope this helps.
My daughters best friend was unable to go home to Wisconsin for Christmas due to the weather so she spent the day with us. Food is my love language so I asked if there was something I could make for her. She shared this recipe and everyone loved it. Most importantly, Hannah said it was just like her grandmother’s.
Can make this salad the night before?