Finding the Best Apples for Apple Pie Ain't Complicated... Yes, I said Ain't

 

What says comfort and warmth like a freshly baked apple pie other than a nice warm blank and a cup of hot chocolate on a cool, relaxing fall day, while drinking your juice in the hood? Some of y'all will get that. He He. 

The combination of fresh, sweet, tangy apples and a buttery, flaky crust is a timeless classic. But when it comes to making the perfect apple pie, not all apples are created equal. Your choice of apples can significantly impact the flavor and texture of your pie. Today we will explore the best apples for apple pie and help you create a dessert that will have errrbody hittin you up for more… I mean, have everyone begging for seconds.

The Sweet and Tart Balance

The key to a great apple pie lies in achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. You want apples that will hold their shape during baking, provide a juicy filling, and offer a harmonious blend of flavors cause don’t nobody want no flat, sweet mushy tasting pie. The following apple varieties are renowned for their ability to strike this ideal balance:

a. Granny Smith:

These bright green apples are known for their tartness, which provides a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the pie's filling. They hold their shape well and release just the right amount of juice when baked.

b. Honeycrisp:

Honeycrisp apples are prized for their crisp texture and sweet, slightly tart flavor. They bring a refreshing crunch to your pie and a natural sweetness that enhances the overall taste.

c. Jonagold:

Jonagolds are sweet, slightly tart, and have a firm texture. They bake beautifully and add a depth of flavor to your pie. If you’ve never heard of Jonagold, it is a cross between a “Golden Delicious Apple” and a Johnathan Apple”. Kind of like, if a man named Johnny had a baby with a lady named Rose and they named the baby “Johnny Rose”.... You get the picture.

The All-Purpose Option

If you're looking for an all-purpose apple that can handle both baking and eating, consider the following:

a. Fuji:

Fuji apples are naturally sweet and maintain their firmness even after baking. They add a pleasant sweetness to your pie without being overly sugary.

The Traditional Favorites

For those who prefer the tried-and-true classics, don't overlook these traditional apple varieties:

a. Golden Delicious:

Known for their sweet and mellow flavor, Golden Delicious apples are a favorite choice for apple pies. They soften nicely when baked and add a rich, buttery taste.

b. Cortland:

Cortland apples are slightly tart and maintain their shape during baking. They are less sweet than some other options, which allows you to control the sweetness of your pie filling.

A Mix of Flavors and Textures

Sometimes, the best apple pies come from combining different apple varieties to create a complex flavor profile and varied textures. Experiment with a mixture of sweet, tart, and crisp apples to discover your own unique signature pie. See, I bet you thought people just slapped a coupla granny smith’s in their pie and called it a day. Well, maybe some do but the professionals know how to blend. So, next time you want to beat 'em at the bake sale get yourself a blend of apples going and they won’t know what hit them. Oh, and don’t forget to add the “good” butter like “Land of Lakes”, some brown sugar, vanilla and a little lemon juice or lime in there to make the flavor pop. 

 -Happy Baking!

 

APPLE PIE RECIPE ARTICLE