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What is the best cooking apple for apple crisp?


Apple crisp is a classic American dessert that typically consists of sliced apples baked with a crispy oat topping. When making apple crisp, the type of apple used can hugely impact the texture and flavor of the finished dish. Choosing the right apple for baking is important to get the best results. The best apples for crisps are ones that hold their shape when cooked but also soften up enough to create a delicious saucy filling. Additionally, the apples should be flavorful but not overpoweringly tart or sweet. With hundreds of apple varieties to choose from, it can be difficult to know which make the best apple crisp. This article will examine the most important factors in choosing an apple for crisp and recommend the top varieties.

What Makes a Good Apple Crisp Apple?

There are a few key criteria that the best apple crisp apples should meet:

Texture – The apples should be crisp and firm so they maintain their shape during baking. Varieties that turn mushy result in a disappointingly soggy crisp. However, they also need to soften up and release some juices to meld with the topping.

Tart/Sweet Flavor – You want apples that are mildly tart and sweet. Too tart, and the crisp will be sour. Too sweet, and the flavors become one-dimensional. The best apples have a good balance of sweetness and tartness.

Aroma – Apple crisp shines when you can smell the vibrant apple aroma wafting from the oven. Varieties with strong apple flavor produce the best aroma.

Juiciness – The apples need enough juice to create a nice sauce but not so much that the crisp becomes soupy. Moderately juicy varieties work best.

Availability – Choose varieties that are in season and widely available where you live so they are easy to find and affordably priced.

The Best Apple Varieties for Crisps

Based on the criteria above, here are the top apple choices for apple crisps:

Honeycrisp

Honeycrisp is a hugely popular apple prized for its exceptionally crisp and juicy texture. It has a mild, sweet-tart honeyed flavor. When baked, Honeycrisp keeps its shape very well while developing a lovely saucy juice. It hits all the marks for being the perfect apple crisp apple.

Jonagold

Jonagold has a pleasingly crispy texture and holds up well during baking. It has a slightly tart flavor with vanilla-like overtones that intensify when cooked. Jonagold strikes a nice balance of juiciness, texture, and taste.

Braeburn

Originally from New Zealand, Braeburn apples have a satisfying crunch and hold their shape perfectly during baking. Their flavor is a win, with both sweet and tart notes. Braeburns also develop a wonderful aroma as they bake.

Golden Delicious

As their name suggests, Golden Delicious apples have a signature sweet, mellow flavor. They retain their form impressively well when cooked and soften into a smooth, saucy filling. Golden Delicious makes a classic base for any apple crisp.

Granny Smith

Granny Smith apples are prized for baking because they stay nice and firm. They have an assertive, tart flavor that balances the sweetness of a crisp topping. Granny Smiths break down into a chunky sauce with some texture.

Other Good Options

While the above are ideal, there are a few other varieties that work well:

  • Fuji – Very crisp and sweet
  • Pink Lady – Tart and firm
  • Jonathan – Spicy, tart flavor
  • Rome – Holds shape nicely
  • Stayman – Smooth, mild taste

Avoid These Apple Varieties for Crisp

On the flip side, the following apples are less suitable for apple crisps:

  • McIntosh – Breaks down too quickly
  • Cortland – Gets mushy when baked
  • Red Delicious – Can turn mushy and bland
  • Empire – Prone to softening too much
  • Gala – Too mild-flavored

Mixing Apple Varieties

Feel free to mix two or more different apple varieties in your crisp to get the best qualities of each. Good combinations include:

  • Honeycrisp and Braeburn – Super crisp and saucy
  • Jonagold and Granny Smith – Great texture and balanced flavor
  • Golden Delicious and Pink Lady – Sweet and tart

Choosing Apples Based on Seasonal Availability

The peak seasons for the best apple crisp apples are:

Apple Variety Peak Season
Honeycrisp Early Fall
Jonagold Early Fall
Braeburn Mid Fall into Winter
Golden Delicious Late Summer into Fall
Granny Smith Fall into Winter

Choosing apples in their peak season means you’ll get optimal flavor, texture, and juiciness.

How to Store Apples for Crisp

Proper storage preserves the crisp texture of apples. Follow these tips:

  • Keep unwashed apples in the crisper drawer of your fridge
  • Place them in a perforated plastic bag to retain moisture but allow air flow
  • Consume within 2-3 weeks for best quality
  • Avoid storing near odorous foods like onions

Washed apples spoil faster. Only rinse right before using. Also avoid refrigerating apples once cut. Prepare your crisp the same day you slice the apples.

Prepping Apples for Crisp

When you’re ready to bake your crisp, follow these steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Rinse and dry the apples thoroughly.
  3. Peel if desired, then core and slice into 1/2 inch chunks.
  4. Toss apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, flour or cornstarch, and sugar per your recipe.
  5. Add the apple mixture to a buttered baking dish.
  6. Top with your crisp/crumble topping.
  7. Bake for 40-50 minutes until apples are tender and topping is browned.
  8. Allow to cool 15 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

Apple crisp is a cherished autumn tradition in many homes. With so many apple varieties, choosing the right ones can make or break the dessert. Stick to crisp apples that hold their shape during baking but also soften up. The best flavors are moderately sweet with some tart notes. Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Braeburn, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith are prime varieties. Mix two kinds for extra flavor. Check seasonal availability and store apples properly. With the right baking apples, you’ll achieve the perfect apple crisp with fork-tender apples and a crispy topping.