Taffy Apple Salad is one of those classic recipes that takes me way back! Sweet + Tart apples, whipped topping, Snickers, marshmallows, pineapple and peanuts all mixed together is so delicious!
It's a summertime staple dessert and perfect side dish. You've likely had this at family gatherings, Potluck dinner or holiday event if you're from the Midwest.
If you haven't had this easy recipe, you're in for a treat. The Snickers candy bar pieces are my favorite part of this dessert.
I didn't always add Snickers candy bars to my Taffy Apple Salad recipe.
I first saw them added into the recipe at a restaurant I worked at when I was 19. The same restaurant I met my husband at, where we were both cooks.
After the first bite, I thought this is a no brainer. I'm adding Snickers to my recipe from now on! If you're ever in need of a dish to pass, you can count on this classic recipe being a huge hit.
I usually start making this apple recipe during summer and the beginning of fall when it's apple season!
If you love Old Fashioned desserts then you'll also love my Best Chocolate Covered Cherries Recipe, Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie, Peaches and Cream Pie, Soft Molasses Cookies and Easy Coconut Cream Pie!
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Taffy Apple Salad is quick and easy just like Peach Burrata Salad!
- It's great for Potlucks, BBQ's and parties.
- No special equipment required!
What is Taffy Apple Salad?
It is a mixture of apples, peanuts, pineapple, marshmallow and a sauce made with pineapple juice, vinegar, egg, flour and cool whip. It sometimes has caramel sauce added as well.
This dessert salad is a combination of the traditional version and Snickers Taffy Apple Salad. It uses Snickers but the sauce is not the same as the traditional apple salad.
I do not use egg, vinegar or flour. This is how I grew up making it plus the addition of Snickers bars.
This version of Taffy Apple Salad is gluten free.
Recipe Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
- Kosher Salt - It makes a difference if you're using kosher salt, table salt or any other type. This Taffy Apple Salad recipe was measured using Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt.
- Caramel Sauce - I love adding a little caramel sauce to this dessert salad recipe. You can use a sauce like Ghirardelli Caramel Sauce (found at your local grocery store) or you can easily make your own. Use the caramel sauce recipe from my Caramel Apple Snack Cake recipe!
- Honey Crisp Apples - Honey crisp apples are both sweet and tart with a nice crunch. Try them in Kale Apple Salad!
Substitutions & Variations
- You can use Rolo candy pieces instead of Snickers if you're looking for nut free. In that case, you would leave the peanuts out as well.
- Make homemade caramel sauce instead of using store bought. I have an easy caramel sauce recipe in my Caramel Apple Snack Cake recipe. We also like to call this, Caramel Apple Salad!
- Use crushed pineapple instead of pineapple tidbits.
- You can make this recipe without the pudding and milk. I used to just use cool whip in a rush.
- Use whatever kind of apple is your favorite apple. Pink Lady apples are a popular choice for this recipe. If you're using one type of apple instead of two types then use four apples.
How To Make Taffy Apple Salad
Step 1: Mix pineapple and marshmallow together in a bowl.
Step 2: Whisk vanilla pudding with milk and salt in a large mixing bowl. Fold in whipped cream.
Step 3: Fold apples, Snickers pieces and peanuts into the whipped cream mixture. Fold pineapple mixture in. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Step 4: Drizzle Taffy Apple Salad with caramel sauce before serving.
This recipe is fun to make in the fall after a trip to the apple orchard. If you love a cozy fall dessert then Pecan Upside Down Cake is definitely worth checking out!
Expert Tips + Tricks
- Make this dessert 4 hours to 1 day ahead of time. It's best to let the apple salad sit for a bit for the flavors to blend but it starts to get a bit watery if it sits too long.
- You can cut and store the apples ahead of time but be sure to coat them in lemon juice, apple juice or pineapple juice. The acidity will keep the apples from turning brown.
- Make homemade caramel sauce! It's really easy and delicious. You can use the caramel sauce recipe from my Caramel Apple Snack Cake recipe!
- This recipe is great for Potlucks! So is Apple Cranberry Crisp!
Storage
Store this easy Taffy Apple Salad recipe in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The salad starts to get a little watery the longer it sits so it's best eaten within 3 days.
If you're storing the cut apples before mixing them with the whipped cream then make sure to coat them in lemon juice, pineapple juice or apple juice so they don't turn brown.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can! To a certain extent. I like to make it at least 4 hours ahead of time and up to 24 hours ahead of time.
I always think it tastes better the next day. This gives the flavors time to blend together and become even tastier! If you let it sit too long it starts to get a little watery.
Give it a good mix if that happens but it will start to effect quality after a couple days. I store it for up to 3 days but would serve it within the first 24 hours.
I do not peel my apples. You could but that takes away from the color and nutrients in the skin of the apples.
I like to see the bits of red and green in there. It is perfectly edible and recommended to serve with the apple skins on.
I prefer a crisp apple over a mealy texture any day. Sweet or tart apples work well for this recipe.
So I like to use a mixture of both green apples and red apples for color and flavor. I use Granny Smith Apples which are tart then I also use Honey Crisp Apples which are slightly sweet and slightly tart.
Ultimately you could use whatever your favorite apple is!
You can! If you have a peanut allergy then you can leave the peanuts out. Keep in mind, you would also have to leave the Snickers out. You can substitute Rolos, Carmello, or chopped chocolate bar in that case.
More Desserts You'll Love
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📖Recipe
Taffy Apple Salad
Equipment
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 whisk
- 1 rubber spatula
Ingredients
Taffy Apple Salad
- 8 oz pineapple tidbits canned, with juice
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 3.4 oz vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz cool whip thawed
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 honey crisp apples cut into ½ inch chunks
- 2 granny smith apples cut into ½ inch chunks
- 5 snickers bars cut into bite size pieces
- 1 cup peanuts
- ½ cup caramel sauce store bought or homemade
Instructions
Making Taffy Apple Salad
- Mix the pineapple tidbits and marshmallows together in a medium bowl then set aside
- Whisk the vanilla pudding mix with the milk in a medium bowl
- Fold the pudding mix and whipped cream together in a large bowl. Mix in the salt
- Fold the apples, snickers pieces and peanuts into the whipped cream mixture
- Fold in the pineapple and marshmallow mixture then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving and up to 24 hours
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving
Notes
- Make Taffy Apple Salad 4 hours to 1 day ahead of time. It's best to let the apple salad sit for a bit for the flavors to blend but it starts to get a bit watery if it sits too long.
- You can cut and store the apples ahead of time but be sure to coat them in lemon juice, apple juice or pineapple juice. The acidity will keep the apples from turning brown.
- Make homemade caramel sauce for the Taffy Apple Salad! It's really easy and delicious. You can use the caramel sauce recipe from my Caramel Apple Snack Cake recipe!
Syndee
Loved the ease of this recipe. I, too, am used to the traditional version of this, but needed something quick to make for a work function. This recipe is a KEEPER! Easy, fast, delicious! Thank you!
Krista Stechman
So glad to hear that!
Krista
A Midwest classic! Quick, easy and so good. Love the Snickers in this recipe!
Dotty
this sounds much easier than the version with vinegar, flour, sugar & egg. For the peanuts, do you use salted/unsalted & unroasted/roasted?
admin
I use the salted roasted peanuts. Unsalted would work too!