Not all apples are created equal! Whether you’re looking for the perfect crisp bite or the ideal variety for pies, sauces, or snacking, choosing the right apple makes all the difference. From sweet and juicy to tart and firm, here’s your complete guide to the best apples for baking, cooking, and eating fresh—plus a few easy Misfits Market recipes to make the most of every apple (even the scraps!).
Best Apples for Cooking & Baking
These apples hold their flavor and texture when exposed to heat, making them perfect for pies, crisps, sauces, and more.
- Granny Smith: Tart, firm, and dependable—our go-to for apple pies and crisps.
- Jonagold: A balanced sweet-tart flavor that shines in baking.
- Braeburn: Sweet and aromatic, holds its shape beautifully in tarts or turnovers.
- McIntosh: Softens easily, ideal for applesauce, muffins, or cakes.
- Golden Delicious: Mild and versatile—great for baking or making smooth sauces.
For a warm, bakery-style treat, try our Apple Fritters with Maple Glaze. They’re crisp, cozy, and the perfect excuse to put your favorite baking apples to good use.
Best Apples for Snacking
For fresh, juicy, and crunchy bites, these apple varieties are made for snacking straight out of the box:
- Honeycrisp: Sweet, juicy, and satisfyingly crisp—basically everyone’s favorite.
- Fuji: Extra sweet with a firm crunch and long shelf life.
- Rockit: Small, portable, and perfectly crisp for on-the-go snacking.
- Gala: Mild, sweet, and easy to love—great for kids or casual snacking.
- Pink Lady: Balanced between sweet and tart, with a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Red Delicious: Soft and sweet for that classic apple snack.
- Jazz: Crisp with a punchy sweet-tart flavor that’s hard to beat.
Some varieties, like Golden Delicious and Pink Lady, are true multitaskers—great for both baking and snacking.
I Want Apples For…
Sauce: Choose apples with both sweetness and crunch, like Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Pinova. They cook down beautifully into smooth, flavorful applesauce.
Cider: Blend sweet (Fuji, Gala) and tart (Pink Lady, McIntosh) apples for balanced flavor. Add warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom for a cozy homemade cider.
Pies & Baked Treats: Look for apples that keep their shape while baking—Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Braeburn are classic pie favorites.
Savory Dishes: Gala adds just the right amount of sweetness to savory recipes without overpowering them. Perfect for salads, roasted veggies, or grilled cheese with apple slices.
Snacking: Rockit apples are ideal for snacking thanks to their crisp bite, small size, and long shelf life.
Don’t Toss Those Scraps!
Got apple peels and cores left over? Turn them into something delicious! Try our Tart Apple Scrap Shrub—a tangy, zero-waste drink base made from apple scraps, vinegar, and a touch of sweetness. It’s refreshing on its own or mixed into sparkling water and cocktails.
More Apple Recipes You’ll Love
Keep the apple inspiration going with these reader favorites:
- Apple Cheesecake Jars – Perfect for fall brunch.
- Apple Butter Latte – Cozy up with this autumn-inspired drink.
- Granny Smith Apple Cheddar Scones – The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and flaky.
Make the Most of Every Apple
At Misfits Market, we love a good apple—especially one that might have been overlooked. Whether it’s a quirky shape or a tiny bruise, we know it still tastes amazing. From baking to sipping, rescuing produce never looked (or tasted) this good.
Shop heirloom and organic apples—and all your baking and snacking essentials—at Misfits Market.