Picking the Best Apple for Cooking, Baking, & Beyond
July 09, 2025
There’s nothing like the crisp snap of an apple as you bite into it. And while they make the perfect healthy snack, they’re also delicious cooked. Today we’re going to unpack (or should we say… unpeel) the best apple for cooking, baking, and more.
7 Types of Apples for Cooking
There are over 7,500 varieties of apples, and all of them are unique. Learning the best apple for cooking, baking, or eating fresh is important if you want to add them into your recipe books. Below, we’ve outlined the seven most common types of apples you can use in a variety of recipes, ranked from sweetest to tartest.
#1. Fuji
Fuji apples are one of the most popular varieties. With a light pink speckled color over a yellow-green base, these types of apples are known to be delicious and refreshing. If you’ve ever wondered, “What is the sweetest apple?” Fuji takes the cake.
This makes them great for snacking, cooking, baking, adding to salads, turning into pies, or creating sauces. But when you’re using them in recipes, consider adding a little less sugar. Their natural sweetness is strong, and you don’t want to overpower your food. Below we’ve shared some of our favorite Fuji recipes.
Expert Tip: Fuji apples are in season in late September through late October.
#2. Gala
Their crisp texture and sweet, pear-like flavor make Gala apples a fan favorite. You can eat them plain or in a variety of dishes that need a hint of sugar. We use them (along with our favorite cheeses) to top salads to balance out the tang of a vinaigrette. Spot them by their golden yellow and orange skin with red stripes.
The U.S. grows more Gala apples than any other type. This means finding a go-to Gala apple recipe you and your family love shouldn’t be too difficult. Below we’ve shared some ideas to get you started.
Expert Tip: Gala apples are in season mid-July through September.
#3. Honeycrisp
Extra large and extra juicy, Honeycrisp apples are deliciously sweet and store extremely well compared to other types of apples. They have a light green-yellow background with a red-orange flush. Their balance of tart and sweet make them one of the best snacking apples.
Take advantage of some of these Honeycrisp apple recipes to begin making irresistible dishes for any occasion.
Expert Tip: Honeycrisp apples are in season from September through November.
#4. Red Delicious
These apples are classic for a reason. Famous for their bright red color, their thick skin keeps them from bruising, so they can be stored longer than other varieties. However, they tend to have a mild flavor with a mix of sweet and tart.
Most people eat Red Delicious alone or add them to a salad. We’ve found they’re also great for juicing and dehydrating. Ready to give them a shot? Check out some satisfying Red Delicious apple recipes below.
Expert Tip: Red Delicious apples are in season from late September through early October.
#5. Golden Delicious
And now we have Red’s sister, Golden Delicious. These varieties are unique in their bright yellow color. They’re crisp, juicy, and known for their mild honey-sweet flavor. They also resist browning, making them perfect to be used raw in salads and other dishes.
Here are a few of our favorite recipes that you can try today!
Expert Tip: Golden Delicious apples are in season from September through October.
#6. Pink Lady
Both sweet and tart, Pink Lady apples give you a little bit of everything. They are named for their smooth, rosy skin and are not only delicious, but also a great source of Vitamin C. If you’re a fan of Honeycrisp, then Pink Lady might be a good alternative for something a little less sweet (and less expensive).
Pink Lady apples have become one of the most popular varieties. Below we’ve listed some simple recipes to get you started cooking.
Expert Tip: Pink Lady apples are in season from late October through early November.
#7. Granny Smith
Don’t let the name fool you—Granny Smiths are strong and vibrant. This iconic, bright green apple has been loved since it emerged in the U.S. in the 1970s. For years, people have praised its strong (and slightly sour) taste. Granny Smith apples are popular for their tart flavor and low-sugar content, making this the best apple for cooking healthier treats.
There are many recipes you can serve that will make your family and friends’ mouths water. Start by exploring some of our favorites below.
Expert Tip: Granny Smith apples are in season from late April through early May.
Best Apples For Cooking
Apples are the perfect addition to a savory dish, especially in fall favorites like stuffing and pork. When searching for the best apple for cooking, look for one that’s firm and can withstand the heat of your oven, while also complementing the other ingredients in your meal. For tarter apples, you can balance them with sweeter varieties or pair them with herbs, onions, and more.
- Granny Smith: for something tart and acidic
- Honeycrisp: for something juicy that can be sweet or savory
- Fuji: for something sweet and versatile
- Gala: for something more mild with a subtle apple flavor
Expert Tip: Gala apples have a softer texture, so be careful they don’t lose their shape when cooking.
Best Apples for Baking
Whether you’re whipping up an apple pie, crumble, crisp, or cobbler, the best apples for baking all have a few things in common. First, texture matters! You don’t want a pie filling that has turned to mush, so make sure your apples hold their shape when cooked. Second, your sweet treats are already full of sugar, so the best apples are a little bit tart and have a strong flavor.
- Granny Smith: for something tart and citrusy (can be paired with sweeter apples for more complex flavor)
- Honeycrisp: for something sweet, juicy, and crisp
- Pink Lady: for something that’s both sweet and tart and holds its shape well
- Fuji: for a mild flavor and firm texture (mix with more flavorful apples for a well-rounded dessert)
- Golden Delicious: for a rich, buttery flavor and soft slices
Expert Tip: Avoid baking with Gala and Red Delicious since they both lack flavor and firmness when cooked.
Best Apples for Applesauce
If you’re in search of the best apple for cooking applesauce, we recommend using a mix of sweet and tart. You want an apple that’s on the softer side, but isn’t too mealy. This is a great time to use those end-of-season apples that aren’t too crispy. Choose two or three of your favorites for the best result.
- Golden Delicious: for a classic applesauce that’s pleasantly sweet
- Gala: for a mild and floral flavor
- Pink Lady: for a sweet, pink-hued mixture
- Granny Smith: for a chunkier sauce that’s best balanced with a sweet apple
Expert Tip: Avoid using Red Delicious because it doesn’t do well when cooked.
Best Apples for Snacking
The best snacking apples depend on your taste. Do you prefer sweet or tart? And what are you pairing it with? If you’re looking for an apple to munch on with a bit of peanut butter, want a fresh salad topper, or need fruit for your charcuterie boards, here are our favorite suggestions.
- Fuji: for an ultra-sweet and refreshing crunch
- Honeycrisp: for a balance of sweet and tart
- Red Delicious: for a slightly sweet, classic apple flavor
- Golden Delicious: for a sweet, mellow bite
Grab your favorite type of apple—even try a new one—at our produce market! We work with local farms to get you the freshest apples around.