Making an apple pie can be are really enjoyable experience. When the season is ripe for creating an apple pie there are a variety of apples to choose from that will help create that sweet apple flavor. But, to truly capture that magic, choosing the right apple is essential. The sheer variety of apples available is staggering, and each brings its own nuance to this beloved dessert. There are pros and cons for each apple. Below is a guide to help you decide which apple might go best for the baking process.
Let’s embark on a journey to find the apples that elevate your pie from good to unforgettable!
Pros: One of the best apples to use is the Granny Smith apples. They are vibrant green gems of tartness which goes well when making an apple pie. They have a very firm texture which ensures they maintain their integrity during the baking process. The sharp tartness of the apple goes really well with the sweet flavor of sugar.
Cons: The very robust tartness can be overwhelming for some. If the apple is paired with a milder apple like the Ambrosia, it will blend better as an overall apple pie.
A really good recipe using the Granny Smith apples comes from Unpeeled Journal.
The Pros: Honeycrisp apples bring a certain uniqueness to the overall flavor of an apple pie. It's sweet and has a taste with a hint of honey flavor. It's also a very crisp apple. The juicy nature infuses the pie with a sumptuous moisture, ensuring every bite as a treat.
Cons: The price of these apples are more expensive so watch out!
Pros: These apples have the deep red which then becomes a yellow gradient. Braeburn apples are bold with flavors. Their taste is a combination of sweet and tart. The Braeburn's real beauty, however, lies beneath its skin. Bite into a Braeburn and you'll discover a pale, cream-colored sweetness, brimming with a satisfying crunch. This crunch is the first sign of the delights to come, an indication of the juice that is inside the apple is sweet to eat. If you would like to learn more about the Braeburn apple read up on it here.
Cons: Finding these apples might be a challenge. Depending on where you live they may not be available in stores.
Pros: This is a relatively unknown apple that might not be known. This apple is known for it's combination of acid and sweetness. This apple will make the pie remain plum and firm.
Cons: Once again this apple is difficult to find. It's usually hidden away in the corners of the super market.
Pros: These apples are delicious and golden, they feature more of a buttery sweetness. Their mellow flavor is not a dominate taste, but instead is a complement to the sugar and spice of a pie.
Cons: The apple can be too soft when baked, so it might fall apart after it is baked in the oven. This apple is best when it's mixed with another apple.
Pros: This apple has the creaminess and sweetness all packed in one. That's Jonagold for you. This apple melts into the pie and creates a wonderful burst of flavor.
Cons: This apple is also difficult to find because it is seasonal. Depending on where you live these pies have will be availability at the farmers market during mid-September.
Pros: Their resilience against browning makes them a visual treat for pies that are open-faced or latticed. Flavor-wise, they have a delightful semi-tartness, and their tender flesh melts beautifully in the mouth.
Cons: They tend to be a tad juicier, so a touch more thickener might be required to get that perfect pie consistency.
Apple mixtures: A painter can mix colors to create a masterpiece. It gives more shade for a tree branch or more color to a sunrise over the ocean. Combining apples also creates a mixture of taste. A Granny Smith apple put with a Golden Delicious will create a delicious apple pie.
Sugar Amount: Every apple has it's own sweetness levels. Take a bite out of an apple you want to use and then decided how much sugar needs to be added.
The Apple Crunch: Picking the right apple will also determine if it is crunchy or soft.
Thicken to Perfection: Juicier apples will lend more liquid to your filling. A change in the apple pie thickener can ensure your pie isn’t as soggy but is more thick.
Overall the world of Apples provides an options of making an apple pie. Each apple, with its unique taste and texture, will be an enjoyable meal or treat. The joy is in finding which apple best resonates with your soul. So, as you peel, slice, and bake, remember – the apples you choose with make a specific kind of apple pie!
