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The leaves are changing to beautiful shades of orange, yellow, and red. There is a crisp chill in the air. Fall is definitely here and that can only mean one thing: homemade apple pie!
Apple pie is the quintessential fall dessert. If you’re interested in learning how to make apple pie, then you need to learn about the different kinds of apples first!
The best types of apples for apple pie are firm and slightly tart with just a hint of sweetness. They keep their structure when they’re cooked. And they have enough flavor to not be overwhelmed by cinnamon spice. Keep reading to earn more about some of the best apples for apple pie.
Envy – A Firm, Non-Browning Apples
The crisp Envy apples have a high vitamin-C content, which slows down the browning process. They have a sweet taste that works perfectly in pies and cakes. They’re also a great snack to eat raw!
Braeburn – Best Balance of Flavors
Braeburn apples have a concentrated sweet and tart apple flavor that is enhanced when it’s cooked. They have a natural cinnamon-y, nutmeg-y flavor that works perfectly in fall baking. Plus, their crisp and firm texture makes them one of the best apples for apple pie, because they won’t turn your pie into a mushy mess.
Jonagold – Best of Two Worlds
Jonagold apples are good apple pie apples. They are a cross between the mild-flavored Golden Delicious and Jonathan apples. They have a sweet, bold honey flavor but a firm crisp structure. This acidic apple is perfect for oven-baked desserts as it holds up well in the heat of the oven. Be sure to use them early though because they don’t store well.
Cortland – Extra Juicy Apples
The crisp Cortland apple has a slightly start yet sweet flavor. It does fade soon after harvest so you want to use them quickly. They hold their color well and don’t turn brown after being sliced. And they’re extra juicy texture is perfect for making pies.
Honeycrisp – The Perfect Snacking Apple
The Honeycrisp apple has become quite popular in recent years and it’s easy to see why. They’re sweet, honeyed flavor is a favorite for snacking on and only intensifies when baked. They’re extremely crisp and firm, giving them a good structure in your favorite apple pie recipe.
McIntosh – A Classic Apple Pie Apple
This classic looking apple is a staple with many bakers. While early in the harvest they’re more acidic, they become sweeter later in the season. Overall they have a warm, spicy flavor that’s perfect for baking. They will break down a bit more than some of the others on this list, so you may want to blend them with other varieties that are a bit firmer, to help them keep their texture in a pie. Or, save them to try in something a little different like this apple gingerbread cake!
Granny Smiths – The Best Types of Apples for Apple Pie!
The bright green Granny Smith apples are the go-to apple for almost every pie baker. Their firm and acidic texture keeps its shape in the hot oven. Their tart almost sour flavor balances perfectly with the sweet ingredients in your pie. It’s about as perfect of a baking apple as you could ask for.
Finding the Best Apple for Your Pie
There are over 7,000 varieties of apples! And, while they’re all delicious and perfect in their own way, not all of them are perfect for baking. The best types of apples for apple pie will keep their structure and be just tart enough to hold their flavor after baking.
Explore our blog to learn more about other fruits and how to use them in your baking!
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