Snickers Salad
Description of this Recipe
Snickers Salad is a delightful and unexpectedly delicious dessert that combines the creamy comfort of vanilla pudding with the satisfying crunch of apples and the rich, chocolatey-caramelly goodness of Snickers bars. This isn’t your typical leafy green salad; instead, it’s a sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply when you’re craving a unique and crowd-pleasing dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, Snickers Salad is a breeze to whip up, even for novice cooks.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Its unique combination of flavors and textures makes it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite types of apples, candies, or toppings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Snickers Salad can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for entertaining.
- Unexpectedly Delicious: The combination of sweet, tart, and crunchy elements creates a surprisingly addictive dessert experience.
Introduction
Snickers Salad is a whimsical concoction that has been gracing potluck tables and family gatherings for decades. Its origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it’s believed to have emerged from the Midwest, where sweet salads are a beloved culinary tradition. While the name might conjure images of leafy greens, this “salad” is all about indulgence.
The beauty of Snickers Salad lies in its simplicity and the delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The creamy vanilla pudding provides a smooth base, while the Granny Smith apples add a refreshing tartness and satisfying crunch. Of course, the star of the show is the Snickers bars, which contribute their signature blend of chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and nougat. A dollop of whipped topping or Cool Whip adds an extra layer of creaminess, and a drizzle of caramel sauce is the perfect finishing touch.
This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a conversation starter and a nostalgic reminder of simpler times. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, Snickers Salad is a fun and easy way to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Ingredients:
- 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 8 ounces Cool Whip or 1 cup heavy whipping cream, beat to stiff peaks
- 6 Granny Smith apples divided, reserve 1 for garnish
- 6 Snickers bars full size bars, divided, reserve 1 for garnish
- ¼ cup caramel sauce optional
Prep:
Step 1:
In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps for a perfectly smooth base. The instant pudding mix will thicken quickly, so whisk vigorously.
Step 2:
Fold in the whipped topping (Cool Whip) or whipped cream. If using Cool Whip, gently fold it in until just combined. If using whipped cream, beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Sweeten with a tablespoon of sugar and a splash of vanilla extract, if desired. Then, gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture.
Step 3:
Core and chop all but one of the apples. For the best texture, cut the apples into bite-sized pieces. If you’re making the salad in advance, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice or 7-Up to prevent browning. The acidity of the lemon juice or the citric acid in 7-Up will help keep the apples crisp and fresh. Pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the salad.
Step 4:
Chop all but one Snickers bars into bite-sized pieces. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly distributed the Snickers flavor will be throughout the salad. Save one Snickers bar for garnish.
Step 5:
Fold in the chopped apples and Snickers into the pudding mixture. Gently fold until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6:
Just before serving, top with remaining apple and Snickers and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired. Thinly slice the reserved apple and Snickers bar and arrange them artfully on top of the salad. Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
COOK Rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Snickers Salad chilled as a dessert at potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings.
- Pair it with grilled burgers or sandwiches for a casual summer meal.
- Offer it as a sweet treat after a barbecue.
- Serve it in individual cups or bowls for easy serving.
- Garnish with extra Snickers pieces, caramel sauce, or chopped nuts.
Tips:
- For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt instead of pudding.
- Add other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas.
- Use different types of candy bars like Milky Way or Twix.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- If you don’t have caramel sauce, use chocolate syrup or hot fudge.
- For a festive variation, add red and green sprinkles during the holidays.
- To prevent the Snickers from sticking together, lightly dust them with powdered sugar before chopping.
- If you’re using canned whipped cream, add it just before serving to prevent it from deflating.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat pudding and whipped cream.
- If you don’t have Granny Smith apples, use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (+ 30 minutes chilling time)
Nutrition Information:
(Per serving, approximate)
Calories: 320
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 188mg
Conclusion
Snickers Salad is a delightful dessert that is so easy to make. With so many variations, it’s a crowd pleaser that you’ll make over and over.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I make Snickers Salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, Snickers Salad is a great make-ahead dessert. In fact, it’s best to prepare it at least 30 minutes in advance to allow the flavors to meld together. You can even make it a day ahead of time. However, keep in mind that the apples may soften slightly over time, so it’s best to add the garnish just before serving.
Q2: Can I use different types of apples?
A: Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are traditionally used for their tartness and crispness, you can experiment with other varieties. Honeycrisp apples offer a similar balance of sweetness and tartness, while Fuji apples are sweeter and less tart. If you prefer a softer apple, consider using Gala or McIntosh.
Q3: Can I substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream?
A: Yes, homemade whipped cream is a delicious alternative to Cool Whip. To make whipped cream, beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with a tablespoon of sugar and a splash of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture. Homemade whipped cream will give the salad a richer flavor and a lighter texture.
Q4: Can I add other ingredients to Snickers Salad?
A: Absolutely! One of the great things about Snickers Salad is its versatility. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Some popular additions include:
- Other types of candy bars (Milky Way, Twix, Butterfinger)
- Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, peanuts)
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate chips
- Coconut flakes
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Q5: How long does Snickers Salad last?
A: Snickers Salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. However, the apples may soften over time, so it’s best to consume it within 24 hours for the best texture. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out
Snickers Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps for a perfectly smooth base. The instant pudding mix will thicken quickly, so whisk vigorously.
- Step 2:
- Fold in the whipped topping (Cool Whip) or whipped cream. If using Cool Whip, gently fold it in until just combined. If using whipped cream, beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Sweeten with a tablespoon of sugar and a splash of vanilla extract, if desired. Then, gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture.
- Step 3:
- Core and chop all but one of the apples. For the best texture, cut the apples into bite-sized pieces. If you’re making the salad in advance, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice or 7-Up to prevent browning. The acidity of the lemon juice or the citric acid in 7-Up will help keep the apples crisp and fresh. Pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the salad.
- Step 4:
- Chop all but one Snickers bars into bite-sized pieces. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly distributed the Snickers flavor will be throughout the salad. Save one Snickers bar for garnish.
- Step 5:
- Fold in the chopped apples and Snickers into the pudding mixture. Gently fold until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Step 6:
- Just before serving, top with remaining apple and Snickers and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired. Thinly slice the reserved apple and Snickers bar and arrange them artfully on top of the salad. Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
