What are the best baking apples?

The varieties of apples that are best for baking include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, McIntosh and Mutsu apples. Granny Smith apples are the most commonly used variety in baking.

The Honey Crisp apple has a crunchy texture that allows it to hold up to baking or caramelization. The Mutsu apple is less tart than other baking apples and works well in pies. The Pink Lady apple mixes sweet and tart flavors and, when diced, keeps its shape after baking. Varieties of apples can also be combined to form complementary flavor and texture profiles. One such combination is the sweet and soft McIntosh apple joined with the tart and firm Granny Smith apple.