From Bon Appétit · Chris Morocco · · 1m 20s
Best Apples for Baking
Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and other apples hold up best in pies and cakes.
In brief
Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and other apples hold up best in pies and cakes. Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Mutsu, and Winesap are top apples for baking. Originally reported by Bon Appétit.
Best Baking Apples
The best apples for baking have firm flesh that softens without turning to mush.
Firm Apples for Baking
Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Mutsu, and Winesap are top choices.
Thumb Test for Apples
Press your thumb against the apple; if no indent, it’s firm enough for baking.
Granny Smith
Granny Smith apples have tartness, firm texture, and year-round availability for baking.
Pink Lady
Pink Lady apples balance sweet, tart, and tannic notes and hold shape in baking.
Braeburn
Braeburn apples are crisp, juicy, and hold shape well in baked desserts.
Honeycrisp
Honeycrisp apples are crisp, juicy, and hold shape but can be expensive for baking.
Golden Delicious
Golden Delicious apples soften in baking and are good for tender fillings.
Jonagold
Jonagold apples are tart with honeyed sweetness and hold up well in baking.
Mutsu
Mutsu apples are juicy, crunchy, and hold shape well in baking.
Winesap
Winesap apples have intense flavor and resist breaking down in baking.
The takeaway
Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Mutsu, and Winesap are top apples for baking.
