Caramel DeLites Apple Salad in a Jar

Hello Girl Scout cookie season! Whether you call these classic cookies Caramel deLites or Samoas, the combination of caramel, chocolate and crisp texture is hard to resist. This Caramel deLites Apple Salad is inspired by that iconic cookie. It brings the same flavor profile into a lighter, whole-food version made with chopped green apples, almonds, mini chocolate chips, chopped dates, shredded coconut and a touch of peanut butter, all mixed with creamy Skyr or Greek yogurt. Serve it in a jar for an easy, portable treat or snack—the perfect Midwest-style apple salad with a cookie-inspired twist.

I look forward to Girl Scout cookie season every year. Whether I’m browsing at a local brewery or walking past a table in town, I always enjoy spotting the classic cookie boxes and grabbing a few favorites. This apple salad started as a simple idea after seeing someone sprinkle cookie crumbles over apples; I wanted to recreate that comforting Caramel deLites flavor using whole ingredients. Instead of cookie crumbs, this version uses dates and a small amount of peanut butter to mimic caramel, coconut for the toasted coconut component, and mini chocolate chips to finish the cookie-like experience.

This salad is intentionally simple and flexible. It’s designed to be mixed in a jar for easy transport, but you can also combine everything in a bowl. The texture is crunchy from the apples and optional nuts, chewy from the dates, creamy from the yogurt and peanut butter, and lightly sweet with coconut and chocolate chips. It’s an approachable snack, a light dessert, or a fun addition to a brunch spread.

Caramel deLites Apple Salad (In a Jar!)

This apple salad blends the flavors of the beloved Girl Scout Caramel deLites cookie with simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s quick to make, portable, and customizable to taste.

By: Emily Richter

Prep: 15 mins    Total: 15 mins    Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 1 Granny Smith apple, chopped into small chunks
• ⅓ cup plain Skyr or Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon all-natural maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
• 3 dates, pitted and chopped
• 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a large mason jar or mixing bowl. If using a jar, layer the yogurt and peanut butter first, then add the chopped apple, chopped dates, shredded coconut, and mini chocolate chips.
2. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the ingredients are evenly coated and combined. If mixing in a bowl, stir until everything is well incorporated and the dressing evenly coats the apples.
3. Top with any additional coconut, extra chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of chopped almonds if desired, then serve immediately. Enjoy straight from the jar or transfer to a bowl.

Tips & Notes

• I prefer Granny Smith apples for their bright tartness, which balances the sweet elements well. You can use any apple you like—Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala will all work and will be sweeter.
• For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter and omit any nut toppings.
• If you’d like a more pronounced caramel flavor, finely chop the dates or pulse them in a food processor to create a smoother, stickier texture before mixing.
• To add crunch reminiscent of the cookie, sprinkle in crushed graham crackers or a small amount of granola just before serving.
• Make this ahead by assembling in a jar but keep crunchy toppings separate until ready to eat to preserve texture. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for 1–2 days; apples may soften slightly over time.

Variations & Serving Ideas

This recipe is versatile. Try adding a handful of chopped toasted almonds or pecans for extra crunch, a pinch of cinnamon for warmth, or a splash of vanilla extract in the yogurt mixture for more depth of flavor. Serve as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes or yogurt bowls, or pack it for a portable snack or dessert.

Nutrition

Nutrition (per serving, approximate): Calories: 297 kcal, Carbohydrates: 42 g, Protein: 7 g, Fat: 13 g, Fiber: 5 g, Sugar: 34 g.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so it should be used only as an approximation.