Blog Posts | The Ultimate Ontario Apple Baking Guide
The Ultimate Ontario Apple Baking Guide
There is nothing quite like October in Ontario. The air gets crisp, the sweaters come out of storage, and our kitchens are suddenly filled with the incredible smell of cinnamon and baked apples.
But if you’ve ever spent hours baking a beautiful apple pie only to cut into it and find a watery, mushy apple soup (and you’re not alone there!), you know a hard truth: Not all apples are created equal in the oven!
Ontario grows a spectacular variety of world-class apples, thanks to our perfect climate and dedicated local growers, who work hard to preserve a supply of fresh apples for us year-round. The secret to a perfect fall dessert isn’t just the recipe; it’s choosing the right apple for the job.
Whether you’re baking a pie that needs to hold its shape, tossing together a cosy crisp on a fall night, or preparing a smooth applesauce to have on-hand through the year, this guide will help you pick the perfect Ontario apple on your next grocery run. Just look for the Foodland Ontario logo at your favourite retailer, and you’ll be off to the races!
The Firm Bakers (Best for Pies, Tarts and Dumplings)
When you are making a pie or a tart, you need apples that can take the heat. These varieties maintain their structure when baked, giving you those distinct, tender-but-firm layers instead of turning into mush.
- Northern Spy: This is the undisputed champion of Ontario pie apples. It has a robust, tart flavour that perfectly balances sweet pastry crusts and it holds its shape beautifully. If you see them, grab them!
- Crispin: Large, green and incredibly crisp…hence the name! Crispin apples offer a sweet-tart flavour with a hint of spice. Because of their size, you don’t need to peel as many to fill a pie dish!
- Cortland: A baker’s best friend. Cortland apples have a sweet, slightly tart flavour and a tender texture. Bonus: their flesh doesn’t brown as quickly as other varieties once sliced, making them perfect for those rustic tarts where the apples are visible.
The Saucy Melters (Best for Applesauce, Butters and Soups)
Sometimes, you actually want your apples to break down. If you are making homemade applesauce, apple butter or our famous savory autumn soups, you want varieties that melt into a soft, smooth texture.
- McIntosh: The classic Ontario apple. While incredible for snacking, “Macs” break down quickly when heated. They offer a beautiful white flesh and a tangy, aromatic flavour that makes the absolute best homemade applesauce; and
- Empire: A cross between a McIntosh and a Red Delicious. They bring a wonderful sweetness to sauces and break down beautifully when simmered on the stove.
The All-Purpose All-Stars (Best for Crisps, Muffins and Snacking)
If you want an apple that can do a little bit of everything, from a weekend baking project to your 15-minute lunch upgrade, keep your crisper drawer stocked with these versatile favorites!
- Honeycrisp: Famous for their explosive crunch and juicy sweetness. While they are a premium snacking apple, they also hold up beautifully in baked goods like our Cranberry Apple Bran Muffins or diced into a savory quinoa salad.
- Ambrosia: Sweet like honey with a lovely floral note. Ambrosia apples hold their shape well enough for baking but are naturally so sweet that you can often reduce the added sugar in your recipes; and
- Gala: Crisp, punchy and aromatic. Galas are fantastic for quick bakes like pancakes or fritters, where they don’t spend hours in a hot oven.
Our Top Tip for the Best Fall Baking
Don’t stick to just one variety! The absolute best apple pies and crisps use a mix of apples. Try pairing a tart, firm apple (like a Northern Spy) with a sweeter, softer apple (like a Royal Gala or Ambrosia). This gives your bake an incredible depth of flavour and a perfect texture.
Ready to start baking? Now that you know exactly which apples to buy, it is time to put them to work. Try out our favorite cosy weekend bakes:
Remember to look for the Foodland Ontario logo in the produce aisle to ensure you are getting the freshest, locally grown apples this season, and keep updated with Produce Made Simple for the best tips and tricks on buying and baking locally!
