The Best Caramel Apples in Iowa, According to Iowa Road Trip Followers
There’s a big difference between an ordinary caramel apple and one that people will drive across Iowa to find.
We asked Iowa Road Trip followers to name their favorite places in Iowa for caramel apples. Several businesses appeared repeatedly, including longtime candy shops, family orchards and seasonal fall destinations.
One name received more recommendations than any other: Lillie Mae Chocolates in Marshalltown and Clear Lake. Lagomarcino’s, The Chocolate Haus, Betty Jane Candies and Piper’s also received plenty of enthusiastic support.
This isn’t a formal ranking. The list is based on recommendations submitted by Iowa Road Trip followers, with the most frequently mentioned businesses near the beginning.
Caramel apples are seasonal at many of these locations and can sell out. Check the business’s Facebook page or call ahead before making a special trip.
1. Lillie Mae Chocolates, Marshalltown and Clear Lake
Addresses:
- 209 N. 13th St., Marshalltown, IA 50158
- 423 Main Ave., Clear Lake, IA 50428
Facebook:
No business received more recommendations from Iowa Road Trip followers than Lillie Mae Chocolates.
The company’s caramel apples are made with homemade caramel and are available at its Marshalltown and Clear Lake stores during the fall season. Followers repeatedly praised the double-dipped caramel apples, including varieties covered with nuts, chocolate and other toppings.
Lillie Mae has been making small-batch candy since 1939. In addition to caramel apples, its stores carry handmade chocolates, caramels, fudge and flavored popcorn.
Availability can change quickly during caramel-apple season, so check the appropriate store’s Facebook page before visiting.
2. Lagomarcino’s, Davenport
Address: 2132 E. 11th St., Davenport, IA 52803
Facebook: Lagomarcino’s
Lagomarcino’s was another clear favorite in the Facebook discussion.
Located in the Village of East Davenport, the shop carries seasonal caramel apples in several varieties. Previous selections have included classic caramel, peanut caramel, sea-salt caramel and apples covered with chocolate pecan buttercrunch.
Lagomarcino’s has been making chocolates and other confections since 1908. The business also has its original store in Moline, Illinois, but the Davenport location is the one included in this Iowa roundup.
Caramel apples are a seasonal item and may sell out, especially as Halloween approaches.
3. The Chocolate Haus, Amana
Address: 4521 220th Trail, Amana, IA 52203
Facebook: The Chocolate Haus
The Chocolate Haus makes chocolates, caramel and fudge inside its shop in the Amana Colonies.
Followers specifically praised the homemade caramel used on its apples. One commenter described it as a caramel that doesn’t stick heavily to your teeth.
Caramel apples are generally available during the fall, along with the shop’s chocolates, truffles and scratch-made fudge. Because hours vary by season and during Amana festivals, check Facebook before making the trip.
The shop’s downtown Amana location also makes it easy to combine your caramel-apple stop with restaurants, shops and other attractions throughout the Amana Colonies.
4. Betty Jane Candies, Dubuque
Address: 1785 John F. Kennedy Road, Dubuque, IA 52001
Facebook: Betty Jane Candies
Betty Jane Candies describes its caramel apple as its most popular seasonal product.
The Dubuque candy shop uses locally sourced apples hand-spun in homemade caramel. Along with its traditional caramel apples, Betty Jane has offered decorated varieties with toppings and flavors such as s’mores and red velvet.
Caramel apples typically return around the beginning of fall and remain available for a limited time. Check the store’s Facebook page for the season’s starting date, flavors and possible sellouts.
Betty Jane is also known for its handmade chocolates and Gremlins, a combination of caramel and pecans covered in chocolate.
5. Piper’s Grocery and Homemade Candies, Chariton
Address: 901 Braden Ave., Chariton, IA 50049
Facebook: Piper’s Grocery and Homemade Candies
Piper’s is both an old-fashioned neighborhood grocery store and a destination for handmade candy.
Its caramel apples are made with scratch-made caramel using the store’s own recipe. Several Iowa Road Trip followers singled out Piper’s, with one describing the apples as large and delicious.
The store has operated since 1903 and has made candy on-site since 1947. Visitors will also find hand-dipped chocolates, caramels, toffee, popcorn and homemade ice cream, along with a traditional grocery and deli counter.
Caramel apples are seasonal, so call or check Facebook before driving to Chariton specifically for one.
6. Pokey’s Caramel Apples, Carroll
Address: No dedicated retail storefront
Facebook: Pokey’s Caramel Apples
Pokey’s caramel apples have been a Carroll-area fall tradition for generations.
Unlike most businesses in this roundup, Pokey’s doesn’t appear to operate a conventional storefront. Its caramel apples are distributed seasonally through participating Carroll-area retailers, including local grocery stores.
Followers who recommended Pokey’s didn’t hesitate. Comments included “hands down the best,” “only Pokey’s” and references to the apples as a longtime Carroll tradition.
Check the Pokey’s Facebook page for current retailers and availability before heading to Carroll. Because store participation can change, we don’t recommend relying on an older pickup address.
7. Iowa Orchard and Pie Bakery, Urbandale
Address: 9875 Meredith Drive, Urbandale, IA 50322
Facebook: Iowa Orchard and Pie Bakery
Iowa Orchard makes its caramel apples fresh during apple season. The orchard has recently promoted apples made exclusively with Honeycrisp apples rather than the tart Granny Smith variety commonly used for caramel apples.
The farm market also carries more than 20 varieties of apples, homemade pies, cider, fudge and other seasonal products. A pumpkin patch and family activity area operate during the fall.
Iowa Orchard has a separate property near Granger for some of its pick-your-own activities. Visitors looking for the farm market, bakery and caramel apples should use the Meredith Drive address in Urbandale.
Fresh batches and daily availability are frequently announced on Facebook.
8. Mincer Orchards, Hamburg
Address: 2548 Waubonsie Park Road, Hamburg, IA 51640
Facebook: No verified official Facebook page found
Phone: 712-382-1014
Mincer Orchards is a century-old family orchard located near Waubonsie State Park in southwest Iowa.
The orchard is known for fresh apples, cider and caramel apples made during the fall season. Multiple Iowa Road Trip followers recommended its freshly made caramel apples.
Mincer is a small seasonal operation with limited information online. Call before visiting to confirm its current hours, apple supply and caramel-apple availability.
Its location makes it easy to combine an orchard visit with a fall drive through Waubonsie State Park and the southern Loess Hills.
9. Deal’s Orchard, Jefferson
Address: 1102 244th St., Jefferson, IA 50129
Facebook: Deal’s Orchard
Deal’s Orchard is a fifth-generation family farm that has grown apples near Jefferson since 1917.
Caramel apples are sold inside the Apple Barn along with fresh apples, cider doughnuts, homemade pies, fudge and cider. Visitors don’t need to purchase admission to shop inside the Apple Barn.
The larger Apple Acres area includes farm activities, play areas, a corn maze and seasonal entertainment. Admission is charged for that portion of the orchard, but shopping and several other activities remain separate.
Deal’s is generally open daily during its fall season, although weather can affect outdoor activities and apple picking.
10. Chocolate Storybook, West Des Moines
Address: 1000 Grand Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50265
Facebook: Chocolate Storybook
Chocolate Storybook takes caramel apples well beyond the traditional apple-and-caramel combination.
The West Des Moines candy shop makes hand-dipped chocolate caramel apples with numerous toppings and flavor combinations. Its annual Apple Days promotion has featured more than 25 varieties, although the selection changes.
Chocolate Storybook has made hand-decorated chocolates in West Des Moines since 1998. The store also carries truffles, caramels, toffee, chocolate-covered treats and its Fairy Tale Cotton Candy.
Some caramel apples can be ordered online, but seasonal specials and in-store availability should be confirmed through the company’s website or Facebook page.
11. Center Grove Orchard, Cambridge
Address: 32835 610th Ave., Cambridge, IA 50046
Facebook: Center Grove Orchard
Center Grove Orchard is one of central Iowa’s largest fall attractions.
Iowa Road Trip followers specifically mentioned its decorated or “fancy” caramel apples. The orchard also offers fresh apples, cider doughnuts, baked goods and other seasonal treats.
Visitors can shop for food and fall products or purchase admission to the Farmyard, which includes rides, animals, play areas and numerous family activities.
Center Grove operates seasonally, and its hours, admission prices and available products can change during the year. Check Facebook before visiting, especially if caramel apples are the main reason for your trip.
12. The Community Orchard, Fort Dodge
Address: 2237 160th St., Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Facebook: The Community Orchard
The Community Orchard is a 50-acre destination with thousands of apple trees, a farm market, bakery, café and seasonal attractions.
A follower recommended its caramel apples along with the orchard’s homemade fudge, pies and apple dumplings.
Visitors can stop for food and shopping or spend more time exploring the orchard’s family activity area. Available attractions, products and hours change throughout the season.
The orchard typically opens for its fall season in August. Check its Facebook page for its current hours and caramel-apple availability.
13. Appleberry Farm, Marshalltown
Address: 2402 W. Main St., Marshalltown, IA 50158
Facebook: Appleberry Farm
Appleberry Farm offers caramel apples daily during its apple season, according to its current visitor information.
The farm also has apple picking, cider doughnuts, slushies, baked goods, pumpkins, a gift shop and farm animals. Weekend offerings may include hayrides, concessions and an on-site food truck.
General admission to the farm is free, although individual activities and products may have separate charges.
Appleberry Farm remains open with reduced services outside the main fall season, but apple picking and caramel apples depend on the annual crop. Check Facebook for current picking conditions and product availability.
This Marshalltown farm should not be confused with Appleberry Orchard in Donnellson.
14. Ultimate Chocolates, Bettendorf
Address: 2309 Cumberland Square Drive, Bettendorf, IA 52722
Facebook: Ultimate Chocolates
Ultimate Chocolates starts with Granny Smith apples and dips them three times in homemade caramel.
The caramel apples can then be rolled or covered with toppings such as peanuts, Butterfinger pieces, sprinkles, milk chocolate, white chocolate, dark chocolate or apple-pie seasoning.
Unlike the strictly seasonal offerings at many orchards, Ultimate Chocolates has promoted caramel apples at different times of the year. Availability can still vary, so check Facebook or call ahead before visiting.
Ultimate Chocolates relocated to Cumberland Square Drive, so older addresses found online may no longer be correct.
15. Goodies Handmade Candies, Spirit Lake
Address: 2321 30th St., Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Facebook: Goodies Handmade Candies
Goodies Handmade Candies is a family-run candy shop that has served the Iowa Great Lakes area since 1985.
The store makes chocolates, caramels, fudge and other candy using family recipes. It also carries ice cream, coffee, baked goods and gifts.
An Iowa Road Trip follower recommended Goodies for caramel apples, although the store’s current website doesn’t list them among its regular online products. Contact the store or check Facebook to confirm that whole caramel apples are available before making a special trip.
Honorable mentions
- Allen’s Orchard, Marion
- The Chocolate Shop, Marion
- Czipar’s Orchard, Dubuque
- Appleberry Orchard, Donnellson
- Midwest Old Threshers Reunion, Mount Pleasant
- Woodbine Applefest, Woodbine
- Pierce’s Pumpkin Patch, Knoxville area
- Osborne Heritage Days, Elkader
- Muscatine Humane Society fundraiser, Muscatine
Before you make the drive
Caramel apples are seasonal at most of these locations. Some businesses make them only on certain days, while others stop production when the local apple supply runs out.
Popular varieties can also sell out during fall weekends. Check the business’s Facebook page or call ahead before making a long drive.
Where do you get your favorite caramel apple?
Did your favorite Iowa caramel apple make the list? Leave a comment with the name of the business and town.
