The crunchier, the better — here’s how to pick the perfect apple for your fairground treat.
Making toffee apples isn’t just about bubbling sugar and shiny coatings. The apple itself is the star of the show — it’s what gives you that satisfying crunch, that sweet-tart balance, and a fresh contrast to the sticky toffee shell.
Choose the wrong apple, and your toffee apple could be too soft, too sweet, or just plain boring. Let’s fix that!
🎯 What Makes a Great Toffee Apple?
Before we dive into specific varieties, here’s what you’re looking for in an ideal toffee apple base:
✅ Firm & Crisp
You want that satisfying “snap” when you bite in — not a mealy mush.
✅ Tart or Sharp Flavour
Toffee is very sweet, so a slightly tart apple balances things out.
✅ Smaller Size
Easier to dip, easier to eat — and less risk of sugar overload. Small-to-medium apples are ideal.
✅ Matte, Wax-Free Skin
Supermarket apples often have wax coatings that can stop the toffee from sticking. A quick scrub with hot water helps — but fresh, unwaxed apples are best.
🍏 Top 5 Apples for Toffee Apples
Granny Smith – 🏆 The Fairground Favourite
Crisp, tart, and bright green — these apples were practically made for toffee.
Why they work:
- High acidity = great contrast with sweet toffee
- Firm texture holds up to hot sugar
- Iconic colour pops under red coating
Braeburn – 🍎 Balanced & Beautiful
A fantastic all-rounder. Slightly sweeter than Granny Smith, but still tangy.
Why they work:
- Crisp with a juicy bite
- Sweet-tart balance for broader appeal
- Natural reddish blush looks great with toffee
Cox’s Orange Pippin – 🇬🇧 Traditional British Choice
One for the purists! A smaller apple with complex flavour.
Why they work:
- Strong apple aroma
- Firm and juicy
- Grown in the UK = seasonal & local!
Pink Lady (Cripps Pink) – 💗 Sweetheart of the Supermarkets
If you’re after a sweeter bite and a beautiful finish, Pink Ladies are your pick.
Why they work:
- Firm and crunchy
- Gorgeous colour under clear or golden toffee
- Good shelf life
Jazz Apples – 🎷 Flavour With a Twist
Jazz apples are snappy, juicy, and have a deep sweetness that can stand up to extra toppings like nuts or chocolate.
Why they work:
- Naturally firm
- Slightly exotic flavour
- Holds up well after dipping and decorating
❌ Apples to Avoid
- Red Delicious – Beautiful but too soft and bland
- Golden Delicious – Same story, too sweet and mealy
- Soft dessert apples – Will turn to mush under hot toffee
🧽 Prepping Apples for Perfect Toffee
Even the right apple won’t hold toffee if the skin is waxy.
Quick Wax-Removal Tip:
- Fill a bowl with hot (not boiling) water
- Dip each apple for 10–15 seconds
- Rub dry with a rough towel or cloth
- Make sure they’re totally dry before dipping
📦 Best Place to Buy Toffee Apple Apples?
- Supermarkets: Look for smaller Granny Smiths or Braeburn multipacks
- Farm shops or markets: Better for seasonal varieties like Cox’s
- Fruit box deliveries: Many now offer “toffee apple” bundles in autumn
🍭 Want to Try Something Different?
- Use mini apples for party-size toffee bites
- Try apple slices on lollipop sticks dipped in toffee or chocolate
- Mix & match varieties in one batch for a taste-test game!
