What's the Best Apple for Apple Pie?

There are over 7,000 varieties of apples worldwide, and over 2,500 varieties grown in the U.S. Fortunately you don’t have to be an apple expert to decide which apples to buy for your apple pie—most orchards will tell you. Many produce sections at the grocery store have signs indicating what their apples are best used for, as well. 

While it’s easy enough to purchase a ready-made pie, there’s a certain satisfaction to baking your own. And it’s pretty easy once you know the basics. You can mix different varieties of apples. You just want to make sure they are all have similar textures and are cut in roughly the same size pieces. Don’t cut them too small or you’ll have applesauce pie. Peeling the apples is a personal preference. Tapioca, cornstarch or flour will most likely be needed to thicken your filling, so look for that in a recipe. 

On to the apples!

Granny Smiths are easy to find year-round and have the perfect tartness and firmness for pies. Be sure to team them up with a sweeter apple, or even a pear!

Golden Delicious apples are very popular and because they’re a little on the sweet side, feel free to reduce any added sugar.

Galas are another sweet apple but are a little firmer than Golden Delicious. 

Jonathan apples have a tart and tangy flavor. You might prefer Jonagolds, which are a mix of Jonathans and Golden Delicious—they’re a little sweeter.

Honey Crisp apples are sweet and are firm enough to keep your pies from getting too juicy.

Pink Lady apples are perfectly suited for pies, with that crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor.

McIntosh can be crisp when first harvested but will get mushy quickly—be sure to mix them with firmer apples.

Happy baking!