Caramel Apple Fluff Salad

September 16, 2024
Loaded with chopped fresh apples and the flavors of sweet caramel, Caramel Apple Fluff Salad is at once all creamy, crunchy, and delicious. It's a perfect version of fluff for Fall! -- Or for anytime, for that matter.

Bowl of Caramel Apple Fluff Salad Image

Who doesn't love fluff? With its characteristically delicious and creamy mix of marshmallows, whipped cream, fruit, and pudding mix or Jell-o for flavoring, fluff is one of those comfort food dishes that's just hard to resist. Whether that be pineapple fluff, cherry cheesecake fluff, old-fashioned Seafoam Salad, or the ever-classic Pistachio Watergate Fluff, there's a fluff for any occasion.

And when it comes to fall? -- Oh, this Caramel Apple Fluff version is just perfect.

Loaded with fresh chopped apples, crushed pineapple, fluff's signature mini marshmallows and Cool Whip, and flavored with butterscotch pudding, Caramel Apple Fluff delivers up fabulous fall flavor in every bite. And as a bonus to that fabulous flavor? -- It takes just 5 simple ingredients and all of about 15 minutes hands-on time to prepare.

Now, while we don't think the age-old debate will ever be settled as to whether fluff salads count as a side dish or as a dessert, we also don't think we need to care. We say serve up and enjoy a dish of Caramel Apple Fluff as either a side dish or dessert -- whichever YOU prefer. Because though the fluff debate may never be settled on which it actually is, this apple fluff is truly tasty either way!

Loaded with chopped fresh apples and the flavors of sweet caramel, Caramel Apple Fluff Salad is at once all creamy, crunchy, and delicious.

What's to Love About This Recipe?

  • Nice mix of creamy with crunch - Caramel Apple Fluff is a beautiful mix of creamy with crunch. With crunchy fresh apples surrounded in fluff's signature creamy marshmallows and whipped cream, this fluff delivers up a textural delight with every bite.
  • Fabulous fall flavor - The combination of fresh apples surrounded with caramel-flavored fluff delivers up fabulous fall flavor.
  • Just 5 simple ingredients - It only takes 5 ingredients to make Caramel Apple Fluff, and truth be told, those 5 ingredients are all pretty simple!
  • Super easy to make - Stirring, a little chopping, and all of about 15 minutes (or less!) hands-on time is all it takes to whip up a batch of Caramel Apple Fluff. It truly is one super easy treat to make!
  • Side dish OR dessert - Or hey, both! Serve up a dish of Caramel Apple Fluff Salad as either a side dish or dessert. Truly, though the debate may never be settled on which it actually is, this fluff salad is tasty either way.

Fork Bite of Caramel Apple Fluff Image

Caramel Apple Fluff Ingredients:

It only takes 5 ingredients to make Caramel Apple Fluff, and truth be told, those 5 ingredients are all pretty simple. To whip up a batch, you'll need:

  • Red Delicious apples - Bring a crunchy textural element to the fluff, as well as serve as the fluff's apple component. Other varieties of sweet red apples can be substituted for the Red Delicious just fine.

  • Instant butterscotch puddingHelps build the caramel flavor of the salad, as well as serves as the thickener that creates the fluff's signature creaminess.

  • Crushed pineapple - Adds body to the fluff and combines with the butterscotch pudding to build the fluff's caramel flavor. The pineapple's acid also prevents the fluff's chopped apples from turning brown.

  • Mini marshmallows - It wouldn't be fluff without marshmallows, right? Mini marshmallows soften in the fluff's creamy mixture, adding to its signature texture.

  • Cool Whip - Brings the "fluffy" element to the "fluff." Three cups of homemade sweetened whipped cream can be substituted if you're not a fan of Cool Whip.

Caramel Apple Fluff Salad Ingredients Image

How to Make Caramel Apple Fluff:

A big bowl of Caramel Apple Fluff truly couldn't be much easier to make.

To get a batch started, stir together a can of undrained crushed pineapple and a package of dry instant butterscotch pudding mix in a big mixing bowl. Then stir in some mini marshmallows and chopped fresh apples.

Finish the fluff off by folding in a container of Cool Whip. That's it! -- Super easy, right?

Mixing a Bowl of Caramel Apple Fluff Image

Pop the finished fluff in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the marshmallows to soften. The acid in the fluff's crushed pineapple will prevent the chopped apples from turning brown and keep them nice and fresh as the fluff sits.

Once everything's chilled together and the marshmallows are soft, you're good to go with enjoying the creamy deliciousness! 

Loaded with chopped fresh apples and the flavors of sweet caramel, Caramel Apple Fluff Salad is all at once creamy, crunchy, and delicious. It's a perfect version of fluff for fall. -- Or for anytime.

Caramel Apple Fluff in Bowl Image

Recipe FAQs:
  • Can I substitute a different kind of apple for the Red Delicious to make Caramel Apple Fluff? - Yes, you can substitute any variety of sweet red apple. Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp would all be good options.

  • Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip to make Caramel Apple Fluff salad? - Yes, homemade whipped cream works just fine to make Caramel Apple Fluff. If you're not a fan of Cool Whip non-dairy whipped topping, substitute 3 cups of homemade whipped cream instead.

  • Can I use sugar-free instant butterscotch pudding instead of regular to make Caramel Apple Fluff? Will the recipe still work? - Absolutely, you can use sugar-free instant butterscotch pudding instead of regular. The Caramel Apple Fluff Salad recipe will still work just fine.

  • What keeps the chopped apples in Caramel Apple Fluff from turning brown? - The acid in the fluff's crushed pineapple keeps the chopped apples from turning brown. Be sure to stir the chopped apples in with the pineapple/pudding mixture and get the apples well coated in it when preparing the fluff.


Caramel Apple Fluff Topped with Apple Slice Image
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caramel apple fluff, apple fluff, apple fluff recipe, apple fluff salad, fluff salad with butterscotch pudding
Salads
American
Yield: 8-10 servings
Caramel Apple Fluff Salad

Caramel Apple Fluff Salad

Loaded with chopped fresh apples and the flavors of sweet caramel, Caramel Apple Fluff Salad is at once all creamy, crunchy, and delicious. It's a perfect version of fluff for Fall! -- Or for anytime, for that matter.
Prep time: 15 MinInactive time: 3 HourTotal time: 3 H & 15 M

Ingredients

  • 3 Red Delicious apples (unpeeled)
  • 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1 (3.4 oz.) package instant butterscotch pudding
  • 2 c. mini marshmallows
  • 1 (8 oz.) container Cool Whip non-dairy whipped topping

Instructions

  1. Stir together crushed pineapple (undrained) and dry instant butterscotch pudding mix until well combined. Stir in mini marshmallows.
  2. Core apples, leaving them unpeeled, and chop into bite-sized pieces. Stir into pineapple mixture.
  3. Fold in Cool Whip until mixture is uniform in color and well combined.
  4. Cover and chill for 3-4 hours before serving.
TRACEY'S NOTES:
  1. Other varieties of sweet red apples can be substituted for the Red Delicious just fine.
  2. Three cups of homemade sweetened whipped cream can be substituted for the Cool Whip non-dairy whipped topping if you'd prefer.
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Caramel Apple Fluff Salad ~ Loaded with chopped fresh apples and the flavors of sweet caramel, Caramel Apple Fluff is at once all creamy, crunchy, & delicious. It's a perfect version of fluff for fall! - Or for anytime, for that matter.  www.thekitchenismyplayground.com



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2 comments

  1. Tracey this looks delish I pinned it and can't wait to make it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I can't seem to find the instant butterscotch pudding, only the cook & serve. Would that work?

    ReplyDelete

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