Inside BruCrew Life

bake. eat. repeat.

You are here: Home / Recipes / Desserts / Cakes & Cupcakes / Apple Snickers Cake with Pudding Frosting

Apple Snickers Cake with Pudding Frosting

By · PUBLISHED · UPDATED · 80 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Snickers salad meets apple cake in this delicious homemade cake recipe.  This Apple Snickers Cake is loaded with apple chunks and candy bars and topped with a fluffy pudding frosting! One bite and you will declare this your new favorite fall dessert.

A close up picture of a piece of apple Snickers cake topped with chopped up Snickers candy bars

How you ever had Snickers salad before?  It always makes me laugh when I hear Snickers and salad in the same sentence because they normally don’t go together.  But that fall fluff salad will change your mind in a hurry. It’s that good.

That amazing apple salad was the inspiration behind this delicious apple Snickers cake! The combination of flavors will have your mouth watering after one bite! It’s a great way to eat an apple a day…wink, wink!

Why We Love this Apple Cake

This apple cake recipe is different from all the rest. It has an extra special topping that makes it stand out in the crowd. Not just any topping… Snickers salad frosting!

That’s right, this apple cake is topped with a fluffy cloud of pudding frosting and candy bars. Yum! Once you try this recipe, you won’t want to go back to your old way of making apple cake ever again. 

It’s so easy to make, so you can whip this up in no time at all. And the best part is that your friends and family will be so impressed when they find out that this amazing dessert is actually made from scratch.

Two squares of apple Snickers cake on white plates with a pan of cake beside them

Ingredient List

A homemade apple cake is quite easy to make.  The ingredients can be found easily in any grocery store or local market. Most may be ones you already have in your pantry or refrigerator.

  • Applesauce – Takes the place of oil and adds more apple flavor.
  • Sour Cream – Adds a rich flavor and moist texture to cakes.
  • Sugar – A mixture of granulated and brown sugar sweets this homemade cake.
  • Eggs – Adds moisture and binds all the ingredients together.
  • Vanilla Extract, Salt, & Cinnamon – Adds flavor.
  • Flour – We use all purpose flour in most of our recipes. Make sure you are measuring the flour properly using the spoon and sweep method. Read our tutorial on how to measure flour.
  • Baking Soda – Allows the cake to rise as it bakes.
  • Apples – It is the most important ingredient in an apple cake! 
  • Snickers Candy Bars – Chopped large one up into bite sized pieces.
  • Instant Vanilla Pudding – Make sure you buy the instant pudding. The cook & serve will not work at all. 
  • Milk – The best milk to use for instant pudding is 2% or whole milk. You can try using other milks, but they may not set up as well.
  • Cool Whip – Gives the pudding frosting a light and fluffy texture. Feel free to use 3 cups of homemade whipped cream, if you prefer.

An overhead picture of a pan of apple cake topped with a fluffy frosting and Snickers bars

How to make an Apple Snickers Cake

This homemade apple cake has a unique twist on a classic favorite. It comes together in just a few steps. Once you try it, we know you won’t be able to resist making it again and again!

Step One: Make Apple Cake.

  1. Mix the applesauce, sour cream, and sugars in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix again.
  2. Slowly beat the dry ingredients into the mixture.
  3. Add the chopped apples and chopped Snickers pieces and stir gently.
  4. Pour into a greased 9×13 cake pan and bake. Remove and place on a wire rack.
  5. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Step Two: Make Snickers Salad.

  1. Whisk together instant pudding mix and milk. Let it thicken.
  2. Fold in thawed Cool Whip gently and spread on top of the cake.
  3. Decorate the top of the apple cake with chopped candy bars.

CLICK HERE TO PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER!

A white plate with a piece of apple Snickers cake on it and a fork beside it

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of apples are best for baking?

You want to use a variety that holds up well when baked. I usually use Gala apples or Honeycrisp apples in our baked goods, but feel free to use your favorite apple.

Other apples that are great for baking are Winesap, Jonagold, Granny Smith, and Braeburn

Do you have to peel the apples?

It depends on your preference.I have made this apple cake both ways, and it’s delicious either way.

What can I use in place of Cool Whip?  

A stabilized whipped cream will also work for the pudding frosting. Use 3 cups of this homemade whipped cream in place of the Cool Whip. 

Does this cake need to be refrigerated?

Yes, this Snickers cake needs to be kept in the refrigerator because of the milk in the frosting. Keep it in a tightly sealed container, so it doesn’t dry out.

A piece of apple Snickers cake with fluffy frosting on a white plate with a bite take out of it

More easy apple recipes

 Love a recipe you tried from Inside BruCrew Life?

Please consider leaving a 5 star ⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further below. 

Apple Snickers Cake Recipe

Apple Snickers Cake Recipe

Yield: 24 pieces of cake
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 38 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes

Snickers salad meets apple cake in this delicious homemade cake recipe.  This Apple Snickers Cake is loaded with apple chunks and candy bars and topped with a fluffy pudding frosting! One bite and you will declare this your new favorite fall dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1/3 cup applesauce
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 3 cups peeled and diced apples
  • 2 cups chopped Snickers bars, divided

For the Topping

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) box Jello instant vanilla pudding
  • 1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Spray a 9x13 pan with nonstick baking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, sour cream, and sugars. Beat until creamy.
  3. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix again.
  4. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly add to the mixture until thoroughly combined.
  5. Stir in diced apples and 1 cup of chopped Snickers by hand.
  6. Pour the apple cake batter into prepared pan. Bake the cake for 38-40 minutes.
  7. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Cool completely.
  8. Whisk together the milk and pudding mix. Fold in the Cool Whip gently.
  9. Spoon the frosting on top of the cooled cake and spread it out evenly. Place the cake in the refrigerator for about one hour to thicken.
  10. Sprinkle with extra candy bar pieces before serving.

Notes

*You can also use 3 cups of this homemade whipped cream in place of the Cool Whip.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 211Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 166mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 1gSugar: 26gProtein: 4g

Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

© Jocelyn @ Inside BruCrew Life
Cuisine: American / Category: Cakes & Cupcakes
Two pictures of Apple Snickers cake collaged together with a red text box

Apple Snickers Cake(original photo from 2013)

*This Apple Snickers Cake recipe was first published February 27, 2013.  The pictures were updated October 2016, and the post was updated and republished September 10, 2020.

Related Posts:

Comments

  1. Marysue says

    This sounds oh, SOOO yummm! Quandary: do I file it under “cake” or “sweet bar”? I know it says cake, bit it’s so dense (looking), it looks like it could be called a bar. Either way, can’t wait to try it!

    Reply

  3. Lori says

    Ok let’s just say I don’t wanna be healthy. I want the butter or oil, not the applesauce and yogurt. How much? 2/3 cup softened butter?

    Reply

    • Jocelyn Brubaker says

      Haha! So your comment made me laugh today 🙂 Yes, if you want to go full fat, I would use 2/3 cup butter. But I have to tell you that you would never know this was a “healthy” cake because it is rich and full of moisture!

      Reply

      • Lori says

        Thank you Jocelyn! I’m sure it’s great either way! I have apples, and Snickers I can pick up at cvs tomorrow before work, but I’m trying to avoid a grocery run, that’s all! If I can use butter, I’m good to go!

        Reply

  7. Alicia says

    This looks so delicious! I’m dying over it! Snickers are my hubby’s favorites, and I love baking with apples. As soon as I get my new kitchen set up, I’m making this!

    Reply

    • Jocelyn Brubaker says

      Small or big kids alike will go crazy over the fun candy cake! I can see making this for Easter for sure!!!

      Reply

  12. Brenda @ChattingOverChocolate.blogspot.com says

    WOW! I’ll take a slice (or 3 ;)) I giggled when I read you saying it really was healthy…well, technically it IS a serving of fruit … & I really should to add more chocolate…I mean FRUIT to my diet! 😉 Thanks for another delicious recipe, Jocelyn! (Pinned, OF COURSE ;)) Happy Friday!!

    Reply

    • Jocelyn Brubaker says

      Hahaha…any time I add fruit or yogurt I say it is healthy. Drives my husband nuts when I say that 🙂

      Reply

    • Jocelyn Brubaker says

      The ideas are swirling here too! I can’t wait to see what yummy creations you come up with!!!

      Reply

    • Jocelyn Brubaker says

      I really do enjoy using Chobani in baked goods. That yogurt makes such a difference in texture. Of course Snickers added a great crunch this time too!!!

      Reply

  27. Jennifer @ Mother Thyme says

    I have a weakness for snickers. I can’t help but devour an entire bag if I have them around. I have never heard of Snickers salad before. What a genius idea of adding Snickers to this cake. This would not last long in our house! 🙂

    Reply

    • Jocelyn Brubaker says

      I am surprised at how many have never heard of the salad…it is such a fun one to share!!! I have problems around candy bars in general 🙂 The cake was gone pretty quickly here too!

      Reply

    • Jocelyn Brubaker says

      Yes, definitely try the salad…it is a huge favorite around here and always one of the first things to go at potluck dinners!!!

      Reply

    • Jocelyn Brubaker says

      Never had snickers salad? Girl, you need to make the salad first…it really is pretty awesome. Then definitely make the cake…it’s equally as awesome 🙂

      Reply

  30. sally @ sallys baking addiction says

    I had my first taste of snickers salad last summer. and I must say…. it’s definitely my favorite dessert “salad” ever!! Jocelyn, I love that you used it on top of a homemade apple cake. 🙂 That’s so creative! Apple cakes will always be one of my very favorite flavors. I love apple desserts!

    Reply

    • Jocelyn Brubaker says

      It is a salad that I can get behind each and every time! It was so fun to pair it with an apple cake for a fun twist!

      Reply

  33. Diane {Created by Diane} says

    Oh my dad would just LOVE me to pieces if I made him this cake, he LOVES Snickers and any fruity type of cake. What a great combo. Maybe I’ll surprise him next week and invite him over jus to present him with this 🙂

    Reply

    • Jocelyn Brubaker says

      He is going to be so surprised when you cut him a huge piece of cake with apples and snickers then!!! Hope he likes it!!!

      Reply

    • Jocelyn Brubaker says

      It amazes me every time I bake with apples at how moist things turn out! The topping was obviously the best part!!!

      Reply

  37. Kelley Jose says

    Oh my..I was just going through my stash of candy last night and found one lonely little bag of Snicker’s minis leftover from Christmas! Now I know exactly what to do with them 🙂 This recipe looks great! And I just happen to have some Chobani in the fridge as well! Thank you! Can’t wait to make this cake!

    Reply

    • Jocelyn Brubaker says

      Sounds to me like apple snickers cake should have been in your house this weekend 🙂 I hope you had a chance to make it!!!

      Reply

    • Jocelyn Brubaker says

      I know…my hubby has had quite a few winner recipes lately. Maybe he should be food blogging 🙂 You will have to let me know what your family thinks of this one!!!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Skip to Recipe