10 Best Apples For The Perfect Apple Pie

Baking the perfect apple pie starts with choosing the right apples. Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking, and some hold their shape and flavor better than others.

The best pies combine apples that balance tartness, sweetness, and texture to create that unforgettable bite everyone craves.

1. Granny Smith

Granny Smith apples reign supreme in the pie world thanks to their bright, tangy flavor that cuts through all that sugar and butter. Their firm flesh holds up beautifully during baking, never turning into mushy apple sauce.

Plus, that signature green color makes them easy to spot at any grocery store. Bakers love how these tart champions balance sweet crusts perfectly!

2. Honeycrisp

If apples were superheroes, Honeycrisp would wear the cape for crunch power. This modern variety brings incredible sweetness and a satisfying snap that stays put even after oven time.

Though slightly softer than Granny Smith, Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness, meaning you can dial back the sugar. Your pie will thank you with layers of complex, honey-like flavor that tastes like autumn itself.

3. Pink Lady (Cripps Pink)

Pink Lady apples pack a sweet-tart punch that makes taste buds dance. Originally from Australia, these beauties maintain their shape and texture through high heat, making them ideal for structured pies.

Their slight tartness balances sugary fillings without overwhelming delicate spices. Bonus points for that gorgeous pink blush that hints at the flavor explosion waiting inside your golden crust!

4. Braeburn

Braeburn apples bring serious spice-friendly vibes to your pie game. Their balanced sweet-tart profile pairs beautifully with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, creating harmony in every forkful.

Firm and crisp, Braeburns resist turning mushy, keeping that perfect bite texture. Originally from New Zealand, this variety has conquered bakeries worldwide because it simply refuses to disappoint when the oven heats up.

5. Jonagold

Jonagold apples are like the friendly giant of the apple world, big, sweet, and incredibly reliable. Born from a Jonathan and Golden Delicious pairing, they inherited the best traits from both parents.

Their honey-sweet flavor with a hint of tartness creates depth in pies. Though slightly softer, Jonagolds release just enough juice to create that perfect saucy filling everyone fights over.

6. Northern Spy

Northern Spy apples are the secret weapon professional bakers whisper about. This heirloom variety delivers intense tartness and holds its shape like a champion, never surrendering to heat.

Though harder to find than mainstream varieties, tracking down Northern Spy pays off big time. Your pie will boast restaurant-quality texture and that old-fashioned apple flavor grandma remembers from childhood kitchen adventures.

7. Golden Delicious

Golden Delicious apples soften beautifully during baking, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture some pie lovers crave. Their mild, sweet flavor plays well with others, making them perfect for mixing with tarter varieties.

While not super firm, Golden Delicious adds natural sweetness and smooth texture. Think of them as the peacekeeper apple, bringing harmony when combined with bolder, tangier teammates in your filling.

8. Cortland

Cortland apples possess a superpower that makes pie prep easier: they resist browning like nobody’s business. Their white flesh stays bright even after slicing, giving you more time to assemble your masterpiece.

Slightly tart with soft texture, Cortlands break down gently during baking, contributing to a tender filling. Originally from New York, these apples understand what American pie perfection truly means.

9. Rome Beauty

Rome Beauty apples were practically born for the oven. Their thick skin and firm flesh handle high temperatures without flinching, maintaining structure when other apples would wave the white flag.

Though not the sweetest for snacking, Rome Beauty transforms during baking, developing rich, complex flavors. Grandmothers across America have trusted this variety for generations, and that reputation speaks volumes about reliability.

10. Winesap

Winesap apples pack bold, spicy-sweet flavor into a small package. This heirloom variety brings complexity that modern apples sometimes lack, with wine-like undertones that deepen during baking.

Their firm texture ensures structural integrity through long oven times. Though smaller than trendy varieties, Winesap delivers big personality, turning ordinary pies into conversation starters that guests remember long after dessert disappears.