Creamy Caramel Apple Delight
Introducing the Creamy Caramel Apple Delight, a light and refreshing dessert salad that's perfect for any gathering! This delightful dish combines the sweetness of fresh apples and the tropical flair of pineapple, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy dressing made from fat-free Cool Whip and butterscotch pudding. With added crunch from peanuts, this salad is not only delicious but also guilt-free at just 2 Weight Watchers points per serving. Enjoy it as a light dessert or a sweet side dish that will impress your guests and leave you wanting seconds!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fat-free Cool Whip
1 (8 ounce container)
Apples
4 (large, chopped (Gala recommended))
Pineapple tidbits
1 (8 ounce can, including juice)
Fat-free sugar-free instant butterscotch pudding mix
1 (6 ounce box)
Chopped peanuts
1/4 (cup (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and chopping the apples into small bite-sized pieces.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples with the pineapple tidbits, including their juice.
3
Sprinkle the fat-free butterscotch pudding mix over the fruit mixture and stir until the pudding is evenly distributed.
4
Fold in the container of fat-free Cool Whip gently until everything is thoroughly combined and creamy.
5
If desired, sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top for an extra crunch and mix lightly.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful dessert salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Caramel Apple Delight?
It is a light and refreshing dessert salad that combines fresh apples, pineapple, and a creamy dressing made from Cool Whip and butterscotch pudding.
How many Weight Watchers points is a serving of this salad?
This recipe is approximately 2 Weight Watchers points per serving.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe yields 8 servings.
What variety of apples is recommended?
Gala apples are recommended for their sweetness and texture.
Do I need to drain the pineapple tidbits?
No, include the juice from the 8-ounce can as it helps dissolve the pudding mix.
What kind of pudding mix should I use?
The recipe calls for one 6-ounce box of fat-free sugar-free instant butterscotch pudding mix.
What type of Cool Whip is required?
Use one 8-ounce container of fat-free Cool Whip.
Are the peanuts mandatory in this recipe?
No, the 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts is optional and used for extra crunch.
How long should the salad refrigerate?
It should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Is the pudding mix cooked beforehand?
No, the dry instant pudding mix is sprinkled directly over the fruit and stirred in.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be washed and chopped into small bite-sized pieces.
Can I use pineapple chunks instead of tidbits?
Yes, but tidbits are smaller and tend to distribute better in the creamy dressing.
Is this dish a dessert or a side dish?
It can be enjoyed as both a light dessert or a sweet side dish for gatherings.
How many apples do I need?
The recipe requires 4 large apples.
How do I combine the Cool Whip into the mixture?
Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is thoroughly combined and creamy.
Is this recipe low-calorie?
Yes, by using fat-free and sugar-free ingredients, it is designed to be a guilt-free, low-calorie treat.
What gives the salad its 'caramel' flavor?
The butterscotch pudding mix provides the characteristic caramel-like flavor profile.
Does the salad contain fat?
It uses fat-free Cool Whip and pudding mix to minimize fat content, though peanuts add a small amount of healthy fats if used.
Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, while peanuts are recommended for the 'caramel apple' feel, walnuts or pecans would also work.
How should I store the leftovers?
Keep the salad in a covered bowl or airtight container in the refrigerator.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 5 ingredients: Cool Whip, apples, pineapple tidbits, butterscotch pudding mix, and peanuts.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, its sweet and creamy flavor makes it very popular with children.
Does the pineapple juice make the salad runny?
No, the juice reacts with the instant pudding mix to create a thick, stable cream.
Can I use Granny Smith apples?
Yes, if you prefer a tarter taste, Granny Smith apples are a great alternative to Gala.
Is there any cooking involved?
No, this is a 'no-bake' assembly recipe that only requires chopping and mixing.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a few hours in advance, but it is best enjoyed within 24 hours.
Why do I need to cover the bowl in the fridge?
Covering it prevents the apples from absorbing other refrigerator odors and keeps the mixture moist.
What makes this salad 'tropical'?
The addition of pineapple tidbits adds a tropical flair to the traditional apple and caramel flavors.
How do I prevent the apples from browning?
The acidity in the pineapple juice helps slow down the oxidation process of the chopped apples.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most instant pudding mixes and Cool Whip are gluten-free, but you should check individual labels to be certain.