Guide to the Best Apples for Baking

In the world of baking, choosing the right apple can make all the difference between a mediocre dessert and a spectacular one. And with literally thousands of apple varieties in the world, it can be overwhelming to pick which are the best apples for baking. So after testing dozens and dozens of apple varieties and recipes, I've created this comprehensive guide.

Whether you're craving a classic apple pie, a decadent crisp, or a moist apple cake, understanding the characteristics of different apple varieties will help you make the perfect dessert every time!

Growing up in Germany, we lived near a forest that had a lot of apple trees. We'd often go into the forest searching for hedgehogs, since they like to eat the fallen apples. It's kind of a random parallel, but that's why apples remind me of childhood in Germany. 🙂

Types of Apples

There are over 7,500 varieties of apples throughout the world! And each variety offers its own unique flavor and characteristics.

The type you choose will depend on the rest of the flavors in your recipe. For example, I personally love tart apples with sweet caramel dip. But I prefer sweet apples for apple pie.

Tart Apples

On the tart side, varieties like Granny Smith, Braeburn, Jonathan, and Pink Lady are widely known for their sharp (sometimes sour) flavor profiles.

Sweet Apples

Some popular sweet apple varieties include Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Golden Delicious.

The Best Apples to Bake With

When it comes to baking, you want to pick apple varieties that taste yummy but also hold their shape as they bake. You don't want to pick a variety that breaks down quickly in the oven, which will result in a mushy mess.

Some of the best apple varieties for baking include:

• Granny Smith: The tried and true baking apple! This is probably one of the most tart varieties you'll find in the store or farmer's market.
  If your recipe is already sweet, Granny Smith apples provide a delicious burst of tart contrast, like in caramel apples.
  
• Honeycrisp: These are my favorite! They taste great fresh and baked. With its sweet flavor and crisp flesh, Honeycrisp apples add a delightful sweetness and juiciness.
  
• Braeburn: Braeburn apples offer a nice sweet-tart flavor combo. And their firm texture make them ideal for pies, crumbles, and baked apple dishes, since they won't become mushy.
  
• Jonagold: This variety is a cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious, and they have a nice sweet-tart flavor combination.
  
• Fuji: Fuji apples are my second-favorite, after Honeycrisp. They're known for their sweet flavor, as well as their crisp texture.

Other apple varieties that work well in most baked recipes include Pink Lady & Gala. These varieties are softer so they don't hold their shape quite as well as the others in this list. I usually use them for bakes that have a softer texture like muffins, crisps, and cakes.

These tasty apple varieties are versatile and widely available, which I think makes them excellent choices for any of your baked apple treats! 🙂

Worst Apples for Baking

While delicious when eaten fresh, you want to avoid soft or extremely juicy apple varieties that can become mushy or lose their shape when baked.

Some apple varieties that aren't great for baking include:

• Red Delicious: Red Delicious apples are one of my favorites for eating fresh, however they tend to become mushy when baked.
  
• Golden Delicious: These apples can become overly soft and lose their shape when cooked. Which can be great for recipes like homemade applesauce, but no so great for baked treats.
  
• McIntosh: McIntosh apples have a tender texture and could break down when baked, resulting in a soft, less structured final dessert.
  
• Cortland: Cortland apples are super juicy and can release too much moisture when baked. This could create a sad, soggy texture in your baked dish.

While these apples may not be the best choice for baking on their own, they can still be used when you mix them with other firmer varieties.

Or use them in recipes where a softer texture is desired like apple butter or apple sauce.

How to Store Apples

Apples can either be stored at room temperature or in the fridge, depending on how soon you plan to use them.

How long do apples last in the fridge?

Apples can be stored in the refrigerator for several months. When we go apple picking in September or October, we store apples in the fridge for 6 months, all the way to March.

I recommend placing them in the crisper drawer or in a perforated plastic bag to maintain humidity and prevent them from absorbing odors from other foods.

How long do apples last unrefrigerated?

Apples can be stored at room temperature for about 1 week. Store them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

And since apples emit ethylene gas which causes other produce to ripen, keep them away from any fruits and vegetables you don't want to ripen too quickly like bananas, avocadoes, and tomatoes.

Delicious Baked Apple Recipes