# Best Apples for Baking

> Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and other apples hold up best in pies and cakes.
- Title: Best Apples for Baking · Bon Appétit | Shortify
- Summary: Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and other apples hold up best in pies and cakes. Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Mutsu…
- Keywords: granny smith, pink lady, braeburn, honeycrisp, golden delicious, jonagold, mutsu, winesap, apple pie, baking, apple cake, apple crumb bars
- Source: Bon Appétit — https://bonappetit.com/story/best-apples-for-baking-and-pie
- Author: Chris Morocco
- Published: 2013-01-25T13:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: granny smith, pink lady, braeburn, honeycrisp, golden delicious, jonagold, mutsu, winesap, apple pie, baking, apple cake, apple crumb bars
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Mutsu, and Winesap are top apples for baking.