Best Taffy Apple Salad Recipe (Easy, Sweet, & Creamy!)
Have you ever had Taffy Apple Salad? It’s perfect for fall gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet treat any time of year. It’s a total crowd-pleaser made with a delightful mix of crunchy apples, creamy pudding, Snickers bars, and caramel sauce! DELISH!
I wasn’t sure I would be a fan of this combination the first time I heard of this dessert salad, but I was instantly hooked after the first bite! Taffy Apple Salad is an old fashioned “retro” recipe from the 1980s and there’s a reason people are still making it today – it’s DELISH!
3 Reasons You’ll Love Taffy Apple Salad:
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: The combination of sweet, creamy vanilla pudding, rich caramel, and crunchy tart apples is delicious and the Snickers and peanuts add that extra decadent layer!
Quick and Easy to Make: With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this no-bake dessert salad comes together in just minutes, making it a go-to for busy days, potlucks, or last-minute gatherings.
A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: This Taffy Apple Salad has all the flavors of a caramel apple with added fun from the marshmallows and Snickers, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion, from fall parties to holiday feasts!
This no-bake Taffy Apple Salad goes by many names and there are many variations out there as to the ingredients as well. This is the version I love the best, and I know you’ll love it too! It’s also known as candy apple salad, dessert Snickers salad, caramel apple salad, and more. Whatever you call it, it’s DELISH!
Ingredient Notes and Swaps
pineapple tidbits: The pineapple adds a tropical sweetness and balances out the caramel and chocolate! You can use crushed pineapple too.
mini marshmallows: They have the perfect soft and sweet texture to this salad!
vanilla pudding mix: Be sure you buy instant vanilla pudding mix. It acts as a creamy base that holds everything together!
whole milk: It’s rich, creamy and perfect for thickening the pudding. In a pinch, feel free to use another variety of milk like reduced fat, etc.
cool whip: You can use homemade whipped cream, but I like store bought for this recipe because it keeps it easy! Just make sure it’s thawed.
apples: I like to use 4 apples total, 2 red and 2 green but you can use 4 red or 4 green. Use any variety you prefer like Fuji, Gala, Honey Crisp, Granny Smith, etc)
Snickers bars: Chop the Snicker bars up for that perfect addition to this dessert salad!
peanuts: These are optional but I love the extra crunch they bring to this dish!
caramel sauce: Drizzle it on top for a fancy finish! Or you can also stir it into the creamy base of this taffy apple salad. Make your own homemade caramel sauce or your favorite store-bought sauce.
Tips for Making the Best Taffy Apple Salad
Ingredient Swaps:
If you don’t have Cool Whip, try using homemade whipped cream or a dairy-free whipped topping if you’re catering to dietary restrictions.
Make Ahead Tip:
Prepare the base of the salad a few hours ahead of time, but wait to fold in the apples and Snickers bars until just before serving to keep them crisp.
Apple Varieties:
While Granny Smith and Honey Crisp are classic choices, feel free to mix in your favorite apple varieties like Pink Lady or Golden Delicious for extra sweetness.
Extra Flavors:
Want to add more dimension? Swap the vanilla pudding for butterscotch or caramel pudding to amplify the caramel flavor in the salad. Feel free to toss in some dried cranberries, raisins, or even crushed pretzels for added texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the apples from browning?
The whipped topping and pudding mixture will coat the apples, which helps reduce browning. You can also toss the apple pieces in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
Storage and Leftovers:
Taffy Apple Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh as the apples can become soggy over time. I do actually recommend making it at least a few hours in advance as I think it sets up nicely in the refrigerator and the flavors have a chance to all come together.
Want more easy salad recipes? Check out my 5-Cup Salad, Rosa Marina Salad, and Michigan Salad Recipe!
Taffy Apple Salad
Ingredients
- 1 3.4 ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces cool whip
- 8 ounces pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 1/3 cup mini marshmallows
- 4 apples 2 granny smith, 2 gala or honey crisp
- 5 snickers bars
- 1/2 cup peanuts
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce homemade or store-bought
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk until it starts to thicken (about 2-3 minutes).
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip or whipped topping until fully combined.
- Stir in the drained pineapple tidbits and mini marshmallows.
- Core and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces and immediately fold them into the mixture to prevent browning.
- Chop the Snickers bars and fold them in along with the peanuts.
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top just before serving for a finishing touch. Chill until ready to serve. Can serve right away also.
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