Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by washing your apples thoroughly. Slice the apples into bite-sized chunks, removing the cores and seeds. You can either leave the peel on for texture or peel the apples according to your preference. To keep the apples from browning quickly, toss them with a tablespoon of lemon juice right after cutting.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding Mix
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla instant pudding mix with 1 cup of milk. Whisk until the pudding begins to thicken, which should take 1-2 minutes. Unlike regular pudding, you don’t need to prepare this as a fully set pudding—just the dry mix combined with the milk will form a creamy base for your salad.

Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Next, fold the whipped topping into the pudding mixture. Use a spatula to gently combine the two until smooth and fluffy. This will create a creamy texture that coats the Snickers and apples perfectly.

Step 4: Add the Snickers and Apples
Once the pudding and whipped topping are combined, fold in the chopped Snickers bars and prepared apples. Be sure to coat everything evenly, so each bite has a bit of Snickers and apple. The candy bars provide a perfect contrast of chocolate, caramel, and peanuts, which enhances the salad’s texture and flavor.

Step 5: Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
For a rich finish, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the salad. You can also mix a bit of the caramel into the salad if you want a more evenly distributed flavor. If you’re using store-bought caramel, warm it slightly in the microwave for about 20 seconds so it’s easier to drizzle.

Step 6: Refrigerate and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together and the salad to chill. You can also prepare it a day ahead for better flavor. Before serving, garnish with chopped peanuts for extra crunch if desired.