Pin It My neighbor showed up at a backyard barbecue with a bowl of this, and I honestly thought she was joking. Apples and candy bars in whipped cream? It sounded like something a kid would dream up after raiding the pantry. But one spoonful in, I got it—the tart crunch of the apples against the chewy, nutty sweetness of those chopped Snickers was ridiculously good. I went back for seconds before I even finished my burger.
I brought this to a potluck once, mostly because I forgot to plan ahead and needed something fast. It sat next to a three-layer cake and a tray of brownies, and I figured it would get ignored. Instead, it was gone before the main course was even cleared. A couple of kids hovered near the bowl like hawks, and one of them asked if I could make it again next week.
Ingredients
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness keeps this from being cloyingly sweet, and they stay crisp longer than softer varieties—dont skip the coring or youll be fishing out seeds later.
- Snickers bars: The magic ingredient here, chopped into bite-sized chunks so you get caramel, nougat, and peanuts in every scoop.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: This thickens the base without any cooking, turning milk and whipped topping into a luscious, creamy coating.
- Cold milk: Use it straight from the fridge so the pudding sets up quickly and stays smooth.
- Whipped topping: Thawed Cool Whip or similar gives you that cloud-like texture without the effort of whipping cream by hand.
- Chopped roasted peanuts: Optional, but they add extra crunch and double down on that candy bar vibe.
- Caramel sauce: A drizzle on top makes it look fancy and tastes like youve been cooking all day.
Instructions
- Mix the pudding base:
- In a large bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk for about two minutes until it thickens and turns smooth. Dont rush this or youll have lumps hiding in the cream.
- Fold in the whipped topping:
- Gently stir the thawed whipped topping into the pudding until everything is blended and fluffy. Use a spatula and fold rather than beating it to keep the texture light.
- Add the apples and candy:
- Toss in the chopped apples and Snickers pieces, stirring just enough to coat them evenly in the creamy mixture. Try not to break up the candy too much or it will melt into streaks.
- Garnish and chill:
- Transfer the whole thing to a serving bowl, sprinkle with peanuts if you like, and drizzle caramel over the top. Pop it in the fridge for at least thirty minutes so the flavors meld and the texture firms up a bit.
Pin It My sister made this for her kids one Saturday afternoon when they were bored and whiny, and it turned into an impromptu kitchen party. They helped chop the candy bars (with supervision), licked the spatula, and declared it the best thing theyd ever made. She told me later it bought her two hours of peace and a spotless bowl.
Choosing Your Apples
Granny Smiths are my go-to because their tartness balances all that sugar, but Ive also tried mixing in a sweeter variety like Honeycrisp for a little contrast. Just make sure whatever you use is firm and crisp—mealy apples will ruin the texture and turn this into mush. If youre prepping ahead, keep the chopped apples in a bowl of cold water with a splash of lemon juice until youre ready to mix.
Making It Your Own
You can swap the Snickers for almost any candy bar you have lying around—Milky Ways, Twix, or even peanut butter cups all work. Ive seen people use sugar-free pudding and light whipped topping to cut some calories, and honestly, it still tastes great. If youre feeding a crowd, double the recipe and serve it in a trifle dish with layers of pudding and candy so it looks impressive without any extra effort.
Serving and Storage
This is best served cold, straight from the fridge, ideally within a few hours of making it. If you have leftovers, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and keep it chilled, but know that the apples will start to soften and release juice after a day. When I bring this to a gathering, I prep everything separately and mix it just before serving so it stays fresh and crunchy.
- Serve it in individual cups for easy grab-and-go portions at picnics.
- Add a handful of mini marshmallows for extra nostalgia and texture.
- Drizzle extra caramel and a pinch of sea salt on top for a grown-up twist.
Pin It This is the kind of recipe that makes people smile before they even taste it, and it never fails to surprise them. Keep it in your back pocket for days when you need something fun, fast, and guaranteed to disappear.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of apples work best?
Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and crunch, balancing the sweetness of the Snickers.
- → Can I substitute the candy bars?
Yes, chocolate bars other than Snickers can be used, though the flavor and texture will vary.
- → Is chilling necessary?
Yes, chilling for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and improves the creamy texture.
- → How can I adjust for allergies?
Consider using dairy-free pudding, nut-free toppings, or allergy-friendly candy alternatives to suit dietary needs.
- → How long can it be stored?
Best enjoyed the same day to prevent apples from browning and maintain freshness.