Caramel Apple Salad

Apples coated in a butterscotch pudding and Cool Whip mixture with marshmallows makes a creamy and fluffy Caramel Apple Salad.

Recipe For Apple Salad With Marshmallows

Always popular at the holidays and easy to whip up any day of the year we love how the creamy, fluffy, sweet and tart flavors all compliant each other so beautifully. Caramel Apple Salad is like our Cookie Salad because it becomes a dessert salad to enjoy at special occasions or a potluck.

Mini marshmallows are popular in our Pineapple Fluff and Old Fashioned Pineapple Marshmallow Dessert but we this was our first time pairing them with apples. It’s a fun duo of flavors nestled among butterscotch pudding, pineapples and peanuts.

The fresh, snappy flavor in each bite of red or green apple provides an enjoyable contrast to soft mini marshmallows as well as the brown sugar and molasses under tones in butterscotch pudding. 

Our first time testing this Apple Salad with Marshmallows and Cool Whip recipe was to share on a holiday dessert table to show teacher’s appreciation at school.

Why This Caramel Apple Salad Recipe Works:

• The combination of simple ingredients creates a fun spin on a classic no-bake fluff salad.
• Adding peanuts in the salad or garnishing the dessert salad with nuts makes a Snickers dessert that’s lighter than a candy bar or our Snickers Cake.
• Can be made a day ahead of time and is ready in less than 15 minutes.
• Caramel Apple Salad is a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter celebration.

Ingredients Needed:

• Apples – We like how the tart flavor in Granny smith apples balances out the sweeter ingredients. For a sweeter, smoother flavor start with your favorite apple that has the flavor profile you desire.
• Instant Butterscotch Pudding – Provides the buttery caramel flavor that makes salad different.
• Cool Whip – Or any brand of frozen whipped topping works great after being thawed in the refrigerator.
• Crushed Pineapple – A small can in natural juice adds a natural sweetness.
• Mini Marshmallows – Sweet and a little chewy add another type of texture.
• Peanuts – Dry roasted peanuts that are lightly salted make a nice garnish or accent to this apple salad.

A baked dessert we have with similar flavors is our Disappearing Marshmallow Brownies.

Step By Step Instructions

Using a medium sized mixing bowl combine instant pudding and can of pineapple with the juice. Stir until well blended.

Then fold in whipped topping.

Add apples and marshmallows. Stir gently until mixed.

Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour until ready to serve.

Fold in peanuts or sprinkle on top just before serving.

Add a pretty serving spoon and enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Use unpeeled crisp red or green apples for extra color. Using red apples makes the Snickers Fluff Salad sweeter with more distinct color contrast.
• We like to garnish with peanuts and serve with a small dish on the side. Making the nuts optional as opposed to stirring the whole cup in the salad typically appeals to more people.
• Store tightly covered or in a self sealing container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Fruit will loose water over time making the mixture more wet. The excess liquid will degrade the original texture of the whipped topping, so plan to use in a few days for best results.
• Smaller pieces of apples allow for more of the sweet pudding and Cool Whip mixture to coat the fruit.

More Delicious No Bake Dessert Recipes

Banana Pudding For A Crowd makes a big batch of amazingness. Sweetened condensed milk, vanilla wafers and fresh bananas is a classic!

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal Bars is one of several popular cereal bar treats.

Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark is always popular with kids.

Cranberry Relish is an old fashioned treat for sweetening savory items on the Thanksgiving table.