From strawberry shortcake to cinnamon bear, this St. George caramel apple business is sweet to the core

Written by Jessi Bang
April 15, 2023

ST. GEORGE —Why be a plain apple when you can be covered in caramel?

Laura Clark and her daughter Katelyn make caramel apples for their business, St. George, Utah, March 30, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Laura Clark and her daughter Katelyn make caramel apples for their business, St. George, Utah, March 30, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

From chopped toppings to abundant red apples and buttery caramel, Laura’s Gourmet Apples offer everything from traditional flavors to out-of-the-box varieties like Fruity Pebbles cereal. Not only is it local, but it’s also a female-run business that includes a mom and her two young daughters.

“Carmel apples are amazing,” owner Laura Clark told St. George News. “I was excited to make them unique and slightly different than what the normal caramel apple is. The way we apply our candies, the way we mix up our candies, the apples that we use, there are just different things that we do that really make them an upgrade.”

Staple flavors at Laura’s Gourmet Apples include strawberry shortcake, strawberry lemonade and cinnamon bear. But that’s just the beginning of their full-flavor menu. Try Samoa Girl Scout cookies, white fudge Oreo, Reese’s, Heath Bar, or sweet apple pie, to name a few.

Clark and her family moved from Ohio to St. George five years ago. As a full-time blogger for years, she wore many hats and was ready for a simpler business model that would allow her to prioritize her family. New to the area, she also wanted a business that would allow her to meet new people and connect with the community.  

A variety of caramel apples by Laura's Gourmet Apples are pictured, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Laura Clark, St. George News
A variety of caramel apples by Laura’s Gourmet Apples are pictured, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Laura Clark, St. George News

Raising two daughters, she said she wanted them to learn the value of hard work, how to communicate properly with the public and how to budget – real-life skills she felt were important for their success.

Combining all of her business goals into one, she started Laura’s Gourmet Apples four years ago, and it took off. From local markets to a feature on ABC4 Utah, Clark said it’s been an amazing experience. She’s enjoyed connecting with the members of the community as well as other small business owners.

“I feel like when you can build each other up, that’s the best way to grow the business,” Clark said about the small business community. “It’s been really fun to see people in the community work in this way. We’re all in it together.”

Clark’s daughter Katelyn, who’s in middle school, said the ability to talk to people and make her own money are her two favorite things about participating in the business. And she loves that it keeps her busy. Despite not being a fan of “regular” cinnamon bears, she said the cinnamon bear caramel apples are her favorite flavor.

“I hope that I have been a good example of how to run a business and be a hard worker,” Laura Clark said about working with her daughters. “I love the idea of them being out in the community talking with people and gaining confidence in themselves.”

Laura Clark and her daughter Katelyn sell their caramel apples at a local market, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Laura Clark, St. George News
Laura Clark and her daughter Katelyn sell their caramel apples at a local market, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Laura Clark, St. George News

Most of Laura’s Gourmet Apple recipes have been created through trial and error as well as increased creativity over the years. Because she never liked caramel apples made from green apples, Clark said the business prides itself in only using varieties of red apples. 

Caramel apples are available in two sizes: large and “cutie” size. Clark said their extra-large apples set them apart and make for eye-catching gifts, but what’s even more — the toppings don’t fall off when sliced, and the chocolate stays intact.

Laura’s Gourmet Apples offer event and party orders, wedding favors, business bulk orders and private ordering. 

Visit their booth at the upcoming Mod Market on Saturday, April 15. Order from them directly by visiting their website. Keep up with the latest by following @laurasgourmetapples on Instagram. Their gourmet apples can also be seen inside Tifiny’s Creperie and Rodworks.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessi Bang was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She graduated from Kaplan University in California with a degree in criminal justice. She has extensive experience in marketing, content creation, photography and copywriting. You can find her showcasing outdoor adventures through her blog, “The Rambling Raccoon.” In her free time, she enjoys climbing mountains, trail running, working out and cuddling her two lovable pups.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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