Easy Candy Apple Dessert Recipe

This dessert is one of our family’s favorite fall treats and we think you’ll love it too. It’s packed with apple-y goodness and a great way to use up all your leftover Halloween candy!

Looking for a dessert that’s both scrumptious and simple?

Try this easy Candy Apple Dessert (it’s also frequently referred to as Snickers Apple Salad, but we all know it’s not a salad!)

This creamy, crunchy treat combines tart apples, sweet candy, and fluffy pudding to create a dessert that’s perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, potluck, or just as a fun family dessert, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The best part about this dessert is how flexible the ingredients are. Feel free to tweak and adapt it based on what you have in the house, what’s on sale at the store, or whatever chocolatey candy your kids bring home after trick-or-treating!

NOTE: a Candy Countdown Chain is another great use for extra holiday candy!

Ingredients for Candy Apple Dessert:

• one 3.4 oz. box Instant Pudding mix (I like vanilla)
• 1 cup milk
• 8-16 oz. Cool Whip (depending on how creamy you want it to be)
• 3 medium Granny Smith apples; chopped (no need to peel them)
• 1 c. mini marshmallows
• 1 c. salted peanuts (optional)
• 4-5 full size candy bars, chopped (or 12-15 fun-size candy bars)
• any other candy or mix-ins you want to add

Ingredient Variations

There are so many ways you can tweak this recipe… here are just a few ideas:

• use butterscotch pudding for a more “caramel” taste
• use white chocolate pudding mix for a richer taste
• use almond or oat milk if you can’t do dairy
• make your own whipped cream if you don’t have Cool Whip in the house
• use more Cool Whip to make it extra creamy (I usually use 16 ounces)
• use chocolate chips instead of candy bars if you’re in a pinch
• omit the peanuts if you have an allergy
• try peanut M&M’s for the chocolate and peanut crunch
• add crushed pretzels for a nice salty crunch
• use crushed Oreos (or any crushed cookie or brownie) in place of the candy bars
• use a combination of candy bars (Snickers, Twix, Reeses, Rolos, Milkyway, 3 Musketeers, etc.
• drizzle 1/4 cup of caramel topping over the dessert for a nice presentation

You can’t mess this up… and it’s really fun for kids to help!

The Best Apples for Candy Apple Dessert

The most important thing (in my apple-loving opinion) is to use very tart, crisp Granny Smith apples.

You can make this recipe with any apple variety, but I’ve tried several different apples over the years and nothing tastes nearly as delicious as when I make it with Granny Smith apples.

I think you just need that tart to balance out ALL the sugary sweet!

How to Make Candy Apple Dessert

1. In a medium bowl, mix pudding mix and milk until the pudding thickens.

2. Fold in Cool Whip until combined.

3. Stir in apples, marshmallows, and nuts.

4. Add chopped candy (and transfer to a bigger bowl because you added too much candy!) 😬

5. (optional) drizzle with caramel sauce and top with extra chopped candy.

6. Eat immediately or cover and refrigerate for later.

One “word of warning” if you bring this dessert to a potluck, you probably won’t come home with leftovers — so save a bit at home to enjoy later! 🤣

Can You Make this Dessert Ahead?

Yes! If you’re short on time, this dessert will easily keep in the fridge for 24-36 hours.

However, if you use homemade whipped cream, you’ll want to add a 1/8 teaspoon of Cream of Tartar to your whipped cream so it stays light and fluffy and doesn’t turn soupy in the fridge (I use this trick all the time with homemade whipped cream).

Also, you might want to wait to add any crunchy items until closer to serving time, just so they don’t get soggy.

More Delicious Apple Recipes!

• Whole Grain Apple Cake with Cinnamon Yogurt Whipped Topping
• Apple Zucchini Bread
• Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars
• Dutch Apple Pie
• Cinnamon Applesauce
• Apple Butter
• Apple Bacon Pecan Salad

What are your favorite easy desserts?

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