Description
Crunchy caramel apple salad celebrates harvest season’s sweet and tangy flavors. Crisp apples, creamy dressing, and nutty toppings create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream)
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix (or butterscotch for extra flavor!)
- 1 cup (240 ml) cold milk (for the pudding mix)
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (100 g) chopped pecans or walnuts (for a nutty crunch!)
- 1 cup (100 g) crushed pretzels or granola (salty-sweet contrast!)
- 1 cup (100 g) crushed Butterfinger, toffee bits, or graham crackers (extra crunch!)
- 1 cup (150 g) chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) (adds a crisp bite!)
- 1 cup (150 g) sliced strawberries or pineapple chunks (optional, for sweetness!)
- ½ cup (40 g) shredded coconut (optional, for extra texture!)
- Extra crushed pretzels, nuts, or caramel drizzle (optional but delicious!)
Instructions
- Cream Preparation: Whip cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Flavor Foundation: Blend powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and instant pudding mix into the cream cheese, mixing thoroughly until fully incorporated.
- Liquid Integration: Gradually pour cold milk into the mixture, whisking consistently to create a rich, velvety texture that holds its shape perfectly.
- Aeration and Fruit Fusion: Gently fold in Cool Whip, then delicately mix in diced apples, sliced strawberries, and optional shredded coconut, distributing evenly throughout the creamy base.
- Textural Enhancement: Carefully fold in pecans, pretzel crumbles, and crushed Butterfinger or toffee pieces, maintaining their crisp texture and ensuring even distribution.
- Chilling and Setting: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing flavors to meld and develop complexity.
- Finishing Touches: Before serving, sprinkle additional crunchy elements on top and optionally drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra layer of indulgence.
Notes
- Cream Cheese Mastery: Ensure room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending, avoiding lumps and achieving a silky texture.
- Prevent Liquid Separation: Whisk milk and pudding mix slowly to prevent watery consistency, maintaining the dessert’s creamy structure.
- Preserve Crunch Factor: Add crunchy elements like pretzels and nuts just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and prevent sogginess.
- Flexible Flavor Customization: Swap fruits or nuts based on dietary preferences or seasonal availability, keeping the core creamy base consistent.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg