Caramel Apple Fluff

This creamy Caramel Apple Fluff is loaded with crisp Granny Smith apples, butterscotch pudding, fluffy whipped cream, and chunks of Snickers candy bars. Finished with caramel, chocolate ganache, salted peanuts, and toffee bits, it’s an easy no-bake dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings, potlucks, holidays, and family celebrations.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American, Southern

Keyword caramel-apple-fluff, chocolate-drizzled-caramel-apple-fluff

Prep Time 25

Chill Time 4

Total Time 4 25

Servings servings

Calories 588kcal

Author Melissa Sperka

Ingredients

1 8 oz block cream cheese softened
2 3.4 oz boxes butterscotch instant pudding mix or caramel instant pudding mix (See Cook's note)
4 cups half and half (or whole milk)
4 cups Granny Smith apples cored and diced
1 10 oz package fun size Snickers Bars unwrapped and cubed
2 1/2 cups mini marshmallows divided use
1 cup salted peanuts roughly chopped, divided use
1 16 oz container of frozen whipped topping, thawed OR 4 cups sweetened fresh whipped cream divided use
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup thick caramel ice cream topping or dulce de leche warmed slightly to drizzle consistency
1/3 cup bits-o-brickle toffee bits

Instructions

In a medium bowl use an electric mixer on medium speed to whip together the pudding mix with the half and half for 2 minutes until thickened, but still pourable.
In a separate large bowl use the mixer on medium-high speed to whip the cream cheese until creamed and fluffy.
Add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese. Continue to whip pudding mixture for 2-3 minutes or until completely smooth.
By hand fold in the apples, 2 cups marshmallows, 1/2 of cubed candy bars and 3/4 cup peanuts. Stir into the pudding mixture until evenly distributed.
To the bowl add 1/2 of the whipped topping. (Or 2 cups whipped cream) Stir to combine. Pour apple fluff mixture into a 13-inch dish or cake pan.
Frost the top with the remaining whipped topping.
Garnish the Top: Arrange the remaining cubed candy bars, 1/4 cup peanuts, bits-o-brickle and 1/2 cup marshmallows over the whipped topping.
In a microwave safe dish melt together the chocolate chips and heavy cream in 20 second increments stopping to stir each time. Repeat until smooth.
Warm caramel sauce, if needed just until it reaches pouring consistency. Drizzle top with melted chocolate and caramel.
Chill for 4 hours prior to serving.

Notes

Caramel Pudding Mix - It can be harder to find caramel instant pudding mix these days. If you're unable to find rest assured that instant butterscotch will work fine. Another option is to use two (3.4 oz) boxes of cheesecake pudding mix instead. When adapting, use 8 ounces of caramel syrup or ice cream topping in place of one cup of half and half to make the pudding mixture, then proceed with the recipe as written.
Apples - I choose Granny Smith apples in this dessert as this fluff isn't short on sweetness. A tart apple is needed to balance the flavors. You could also use honeycrisp, braeburn or your favorite variety of delicious apples.
Add Toppings Before Serving - You can wait and drizzle the caramel and warm chocolate ganache on top just before serving for a softer texture. The topping is also delicious chilled, so either way works.
Make-Ahead Tip - While this version begins with fresh apples, it's perfectly fine to prepare and assemble this caramel apple fluff the night before you'd like to serve it. The apples are coated with the pudding mixture which prevents them from oxidizing and turning brown.

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