Ingredients
1 cup milk
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup dry-roasted peanuts
1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
2 cups chopped apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work great)
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
Optional: drizzle of caramel sauce
These ingredients line up with other taffy apple salad recipes built from pineapple, instant vanilla pudding, Cool Whip, apples, marshmallows, and peanuts, often finished with optional caramel.
Step-by-step instructions
Make the pudding base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and the entire can of crushed pineapple with its juice. Whisk until the pudding begins to thicken and the mixture looks creamy and smooth. Let it sit a few minutes if needed so it fully sets; the pineapple juice plus milk replaces the usual cold milk in standard pudding directions, a shortcut used in similar recipes.
Fold in the “good stuff”
Once the pudding base is thick, stir in the mini marshmallows and dry-roasted peanuts until they are evenly distributed. The marshmallows will soften slightly as the salad chills, helping to thicken the mixture, while the peanuts add crunchy, salty bites throughout.
Add the apples
Gently fold in the chopped apples. Tart varieties like Granny Smith or sweet-tart types like Honeycrisp are commonly recommended in apple salads and taffy apple salads because they stay crisp and balance the sweetness. If you’re concerned about browning, you can toss the apples lightly with a bit of lemon juice before adding, a tip frequently suggested for apple salads and make-ahead fruit dishes.
Make it fluffy
Fold in the thawed whipped topping until the salad is creamy, light, and evenly mixed, being careful not to overmix and deflate it. This step turns the pudding–pineapple mixture into that fluffy, dessert-salad base seen in classic taffy apple salad and Cool Whip apple salad recipes.
Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling lets the flavors meld, the marshmallows soften, and the texture thicken slightly, which is why most taffy apple salad recipes recommend at least an hour—and sometimes up to 8 hours—of fridge time.
Optional topping
Just before serving, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the salad if you’d like to underline the “taffy apple” flavor. Some recipes also suggest sprinkling extra chopped peanuts on top for garnish and extra crunch.
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