Butterscotch Apple Delight
This Butterscotch Apple Delight is a sweet and creamy salad that perfectly blends tart apples with rich butterscotch flavors. A beloved recipe from my little sister, it offers a refreshing twist on traditional fruit salads by omitting pineapple and incorporating roasted peanuts for a satisfying crunch. The fluffy texture from whipped topping and the sweetness from mini marshmallows make it an irresistible treat! Ideal as a delightful side dish for gatherings or as a light dessert, this salad can be enjoyed chilled or frozen, making it versatile for any occasion. I recommend using Granny Smith or other tart apples to balance the sweetness, but feel free to use whatever apples you have on hand.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cool Whip
1 (8-ounce container)
Instant butterscotch pudding mix
1 (4-ounce box)
Diced apples
3 (cups)
Roasted peanuts
1 (cup)
Mini marshmallows
1 (cup)
Chopped peanuts (for garnish)
as needed (optional)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the 8-ounce container of Cool Whip with the 4-ounce box of instant butterscotch pudding mix. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully blended. Do not prepare the pudding as you are only using the dry mix.
2
In a large mixing bowl, add the 3 cups of diced apples, 1 cup of roasted peanuts, and 1 cup of mini marshmallows. Gently mix the ingredients together.
3
Pour the Cool Whip and butterscotch pudding mixture into the large bowl of apple mixture. Carefully fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated without breaking the apples or marshmallows.
4
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Alternatively, if you prefer a frozen treat, scoop the mixture into a lightly greased baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze until firm.
5
To serve frozen, allow it to defrost for a few minutes to half an hour for easier cutting into squares. Before serving, garnish with additional chopped roasted peanuts on top for an extra crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Butterscotch Apple Delight?
It is a sweet and creamy fruit salad that combines tart apples with butterscotch pudding, mini marshmallows, and roasted peanuts.
Which apples work best for this recipe?
Granny Smith or other tart apples are recommended to balance the sweetness of the butterscotch and marshmallows.
Do I need to cook the pudding mix?
No, you use the dry instant butterscotch pudding mix directly from the box without preparing it with milk.
How do I make the salad fluffy?
The fluffy texture is achieved by mixing dry pudding mix into a container of Cool Whip before folding in the other ingredients.
Is there pineapple in this recipe?
No, this specific recipe omits pineapple to offer a different flavor profile than traditional fruit salads.
What provides the crunch in the salad?
Roasted peanuts are added to provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy base.
How long should I refrigerate the dish?
It should be chilled for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together properly.
Can I serve this as a frozen dessert?
Yes, you can scoop the mixture into a greased baking dish and freeze it until firm to serve it as a frozen treat.
How do I serve the frozen version?
Allow the frozen dish to defrost for a few minutes to half an hour for easier cutting into squares.
What size Cool Whip container is required?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce container of Cool Whip.
What size pudding mix box is used?
You will need one 4-ounce box of instant butterscotch pudding mix.
Can I use different nuts?
While roasted peanuts are traditional for this recipe, you can substitute them with walnuts or pecans if preferred.
Should the apples be peeled?
The recipe does not specify peeling, so you can leave the skins on for extra color and texture or peel them if you prefer a softer bite.
Is this a side dish or a dessert?
It is versatile and can be served as a delightful side dish for gatherings or as a light dessert.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe uses 6 main ingredients: Cool Whip, butterscotch pudding mix, apples, roasted peanuts, mini marshmallows, and optional garnish peanuts.
Can I use sugar-free ingredients?
Yes, you can use sugar-free instant pudding and sugar-free whipped topping to reduce the sugar content.
How do I prevent the apples from breaking?
Carefully fold the ingredients together using a spatula rather than stirring vigorously.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, serve it within 24 hours to ensure the peanuts remain crunchy.
What kind of marshmallows should I use?
One cup of mini marshmallows is the standard measurement for this recipe.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is an easy, no-cook recipe that involves simple mixing and chilling steps.
How do I garnish the dish?
You can sprinkle additional chopped roasted peanuts on top before serving for extra crunch.
Can I use sweet apples instead of tart ones?
Yes, you can use whatever apples you have on hand, though tart apples provide the best flavor balance.
Is the pudding mix instant or cook-and-serve?
You must use instant butterscotch pudding mix for this recipe to set correctly.
How many cups of apples are needed?
The recipe requires 3 cups of diced apples.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Cool Whip is recommended for stability, but stabilized homemade whipped cream may work as a substitute.
Should I grease the pan for the frozen version?
Yes, use a lightly greased baking dish to make it easier to remove the frozen squares.
Does this recipe contain gluten?
While most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, always check the labels on the pudding mix and whipped topping to be certain.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is a beloved family favorite from the creator's little sister.
Can I add extra fruit?
While this version focuses on apples, you could experiment with adding grapes or bananas, though it may change the texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer depending on your preference.