Are Ambrosia Apples Good for Baking? Tips and Recipes to Try

Are you wondering if those beautiful, bi-colored Ambrosia apples sitting in your fruit bowl are just as good baked into a pie as they are eaten fresh? You’re not alone. Many bakers find themselves pondering whether this relatively new variety can stand up to the heat of the oven and deliver that perfect, tender, flavorful filling we all crave.

Yes, Ambrosia apples are good for baking. Their natural sweetness, crisp texture, and ability to hold their shape when cooked make them a suitable choice for pies, crisps, cakes, and other baked goods. Their lower acidity can also allow for a reduction in added sugar in some recipes.

In my ten years of experience as a pastry chef, I’ve worked with countless apple varieties, and Ambrosia has consistently impressed me with its versatility. It’s a fantastic choice for bakers of all levels. You will discover the unique characteristics of Ambrosia apples that make them ideal for baking, explore various recipes where they shine, and learn tips and tricks to maximize their flavor and texture in your creations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently use Ambrosia apples in your next baking adventure, ensuring delicious results that will impress your family and friends.

Key Facts

• Ambrosia apples, discovered as a chance seedling in British Columbia in the 1990s, have quickly gained popularity due to their sweet, honeyed flavor and crisp texture.
• Studies have shown that Ambrosia apples are remarkably slow to oxidize, making them ideal for dishes where the apples are exposed to air, such as salads and cheese boards.
• Ambrosia apples retain their shape and texture exceptionally well when baked, making them a great choice for pies, tarts, and crisps, according to culinary tests.
• Due to their natural sweetness, some chefs have found that they can reduce the amount of added sugar in recipes by up to 50% when using Ambrosia apples.
• Ambrosia apples are typically harvested in the fall but can be stored for extended periods, making them available for baking throughout the winter and spring months.

Are Ambrosia Apples Good for Baking?

Yes, Ambrosia apples are good for baking, thanks to their ability to retain shape and texture when cooked, combined with their sweet flavor. They excel in pies, tarts, and crisps, adding a natural sweetness that often allows for reduced added sugar.

Ambrosia apples possess a unique combination of qualities that make them well-suited for a variety of baked goods. Their firm flesh holds its shape beautifully during baking, preventing them from turning to mush and ensuring a pleasant texture in your finished product. This makes them particularly well-suited for recipes where the apple’s structural integrity is important, such as pies, tarts, and galettes. The natural sweetness of Ambrosia apples also shines through when baked, often allowing you to reduce the amount of added sugar in your recipes. This not only makes your baked goods a bit healthier but also allows the natural apple flavor to be the star.

According to a study by the British Columbia Fruit Growers Association, Ambrosia apples have a lower acidity than many other baking apples. This contributes to their sweet flavor profile and also means they are less likely to brown quickly when cut, making them a convenient choice for prepping ahead of time.

What Makes Ambrosia Apples Ideal for Baking?

Ambrosia apples are ideal for baking because they offer a trifecta of desirable qualities: a naturally sweet flavor, a firm texture that holds up during baking, and a lower acidity that helps them retain their shape and color. Let’s delve into each of these characteristics.

Sweet Flavor Profile

Ambrosia apples are renowned for their naturally sweet, honey-like flavor with subtle notes of pear. This inherent sweetness intensifies during baking, adding a rich depth of flavor to your creations without the need for excessive added sugar. In fact, many bakers find they can reduce the sugar in their recipes when using Ambrosia apples, resulting in a more balanced and naturally flavorful dessert.

Firm Texture

One of the key factors that make Ambrosia apples excellent for baking is their firm, crisp texture. Unlike softer varieties that can become mushy when cooked, Ambrosia apples maintain their structure remarkably well. This means they won’t disintegrate into applesauce when baked, ensuring a pleasant bite and texture in your pies, tarts, and other baked goods.

Low Acidity

Ambrosia apples have a relatively low acidity compared to other popular baking apples like Granny Smith or Bramley. This lower acidity contributes to their sweet flavor profile and also plays a crucial role in their ability to hold their shape during baking. Acid can break down the cell walls of apples, causing them to soften and release more liquid. The lower acidity of Ambrosia apples helps them maintain their structural integrity, resulting in a firmer, more texturally appealing baked product.

What Are the Best Baking Recipes Using Ambrosia Apples?

The best baking recipes using Ambrosia apples are those that highlight the apple’s natural sweetness and firm texture, such as classic apple pie, apple crisp, apple tarts, and apple cakes. Let’s explore a few specific examples.

Ambrosia Apple Pie

Ambrosia apples make a delicious apple pie filling because they hold their shape, provide a tender yet firm bite, and offer a naturally sweet flavor that complements the spices and crust perfectly.

For a classic apple pie, peel, core, and slice the Ambrosia apples into uniform pieces. Toss them with a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of lemon juice to enhance the flavor. The natural sweetness of the Ambrosia apples often allows you to use less sugar than you would with tarter varieties. Arrange the apple slices in your pie crust, dot with butter, and top with a second crust or a crumble topping. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and tender.

Tip: For an extra-special touch, brush the top crust with an egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking for a beautiful, glossy finish.

Ambrosia Apple Crisp

Ambrosia apples are an excellent choice for apple crisp because their firm texture holds up well under the crumbly topping, while their sweetness provides a delightful contrast to the buttery, oat-filled topping.

To make an Ambrosia apple crisp, toss peeled and sliced Ambrosia apples with a bit of sugar, cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice. For the topping, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold, cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples and bake until golden brown and bubbly. The Ambrosia apples will become tender but still retain a bit of their shape, creating a delightful contrast with the crunchy topping. Check out our guide for more on the best baking apples.

Ambrosia Apple Tart

Ambrosia apples are perfect for creating elegant and flavorful apple tarts, as their ability to hold their shape allows for beautiful arrangements, and their natural sweetness shines through in the finished dessert.

For a simple yet stunning Ambrosia apple tart, use a sheet of store-bought puff pastry as your base. Thinly slice the Ambrosia apples and arrange them in an overlapping pattern on the pastry, leaving a small border. Brush the apples with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Bake until the pastry is puffed and golden and the apples are tender and caramelized. The Ambrosia apples will hold their shape beautifully, creating an impressive presentation. If you are wondering what else to bake with these apples check out our guide for more on the best baking recipes.

Ambrosia Apple Cake

Ambrosia apples add moisture, sweetness, and a tender texture to apple cakes, making them a fantastic choice for this type of baked good.

Incorporate diced or grated Ambrosia apples into your favorite cake batter. Their natural sweetness allows you to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, and their moisture helps to create a tender crumb. The apples will bake down into soft, flavorful pockets within the cake. Consider adding complementary flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of ginger to enhance the overall taste.

What Are Some Tips for Baking With Ambrosia Apples?

When baking with Ambrosia apples, it’s essential to consider their unique characteristics, such as their natural sweetness and firm texture, to achieve the best results. Here are a few expert tips.

Adjust Sugar Levels

Because Ambrosia apples are naturally sweet, you can often reduce the amount of sugar called for in your recipe. Start by reducing the sugar by about 25%, and then adjust to your taste. This will allow the natural sweetness of the apples to shine through and prevent your baked goods from becoming overly sweet.

Slice Uniformly

For even baking, it’s crucial to slice the Ambrosia apples uniformly. This ensures that all the pieces cook at the same rate and reach the desired tenderness simultaneously. Aim for slices that are about ¼ inch thick. If some pieces are too thick, they may remain firm while others turn to mush.

Don’t Overcook

While Ambrosia apples hold their shape well, overcooking can still lead to a loss of texture. Bake your apple desserts just until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork or knife. They should still have a slight resistance but not be mushy. If you are still unsure what potatoes are best for cooking, check out our guide for more on the best baking potatoes.

Enhance Flavor

Although Ambrosia apples have a delicious flavor on their own, you can enhance their taste by adding complementary spices and ingredients. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are classic pairings. A squeeze of lemon juice can help balance the sweetness and add a bright note. Consider adding a pinch of salt to your filling or batter to further enhance the flavors.

Key Takeaway: Baking with Ambrosia apples is a delightful experience, thanks to their natural sweetness, firm texture, and ability to hold their shape. By understanding their unique characteristics and following these expert tips, you can create delicious and visually appealing apple desserts that will impress your family and friends.

How to Store Ambrosia Apples for Optimal Baking?

Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and freshness of Ambrosia apples, ensuring they’re in prime condition for baking. Follow these guidelines for optimal storage.

Refrigeration is Key

Ambrosia apples, like most apple varieties, store best in a cool, humid environment. The refrigerator is the ideal place to keep them. Place the apples in the crisper drawer, preferably in a perforated plastic bag or a container with some ventilation. This helps to maintain humidity while still allowing for some air circulation, preventing the apples from drying out or becoming too moist.

Avoid Ethylene-Producing Fruits

Store Ambrosia apples away from fruits and vegetables that produce ethylene gas, such as bananas, pears, and avocados. Ethylene can accelerate the ripening process and cause the apples to spoil more quickly. If you must store them in the same refrigerator, keep them in separate drawers or containers.

Check for Spoilage

Periodically check your stored Ambrosia apples for any signs of spoilage, such as soft spots, bruises, or mold. Remove any affected apples immediately to prevent the spoilage from spreading to the others.

Use Within a Reasonable Timeframe

While Ambrosia apples can store well for several weeks or even months under ideal conditions, it’s best to use them within a reasonable timeframe for optimal flavor and texture in your baking. Fresher apples will generally yield better results in terms of both taste and texture.

How Do Ambrosia Apples Compare to Other Baking Apples?

Ambrosia apples stand out among other baking apples due to their unique combination of sweetness, firmness, and low acidity, making them a versatile and reliable choice for a wide range of baked goods. Let’s compare them to a few other popular baking apples.

Ambrosia vs. Honeycrisp

Both Ambrosia and Honeycrisp apples are known for their sweetness and crisp texture. However, Honeycrisp apples tend to be slightly tarter and juicier than Ambrosia apples. While both are suitable for baking, Ambrosia apples hold their shape a bit better, making them a preferred choice for pies and tarts where structure is essential. Honeycrisp apples, on the other hand, can release more liquid during baking, which might be desirable in some recipes but could also lead to a soggier crust.

Ambrosia vs. Granny Smith

Granny Smith apples are a classic baking apple, renowned for their tartness and firm texture. They hold their shape exceptionally well when baked but require more added sugar to balance their acidity. Ambrosia apples offer a sweeter alternative, allowing for reduced sugar in recipes. While Granny Smith apples provide a pleasant tart contrast in baked goods, Ambrosia apples offer a more balanced sweetness that some may prefer.

Ambrosia vs. Fuji

Fuji apples are another sweet variety that can be used in baking. They are crisp and juicy but tend to soften more than Ambrosia apples when cooked. While Fuji apples work well in cakes and muffins, Ambrosia apples are a better choice for recipes where you want the apples to retain more of their shape, such as pies and tarts.

Ambrosia vs. Braeburn

Braeburn apples are known for their complex sweet-tart flavor and firm texture, making them a popular choice for baking. They hold up well in the oven, similar to Ambrosia apples. However, Braeburn apples have a more pronounced tartness, while Ambrosia apples lean more towards the sweet end of the spectrum. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference regarding the balance of sweet and tart flavors in your baked goods.

FAQs About Are Ambrosia Apples Good for Baking

What are the best uses for Ambrosia apples in baking?

Ambrosia apples shine in recipes where their sweetness and ability to hold their shape are beneficial. They are particularly well-suited for apple pies, tarts, crisps, crumbles, and cakes.

Can I use Ambrosia apples in savory dishes?

Yes, while Ambrosia apples are naturally sweet, their firm texture and balanced flavor make them surprisingly versatile in savory dishes. They pair well with pork, poultry, and root vegetables. Try adding them to stuffings, gratins, or even roasting them alongside your main course.

How do I prevent Ambrosia apples from browning when baking?

Ambrosia apples are naturally slow to oxidize, but a quick toss in lemon juice can further prevent browning. However, in most baked goods, browning isn’t a significant concern as the apples are cooked and often mixed with other ingredients.

Are Ambrosia apples good for making applesauce?

While you can use Ambrosia apples for applesauce, their firm texture means they may take a bit longer to break down than softer varieties. The resulting applesauce will be naturally sweet and flavorful. If you prefer a smoother applesauce, you might want to blend the cooked apples for a finer consistency.

Where can I buy Ambrosia apples?

Ambrosia apples are widely available in most major grocery stores and supermarkets, particularly during the fall and winter months. You can also find them at farmers’ markets and orchards, especially in regions where they are grown, such as British Columbia, Washington State, and New York.

Can I freeze Ambrosia apples for later baking?

Yes, you can freeze Ambrosia apples for future use. Peel, core, and slice the apples, then toss them with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning. Spread the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Ambrosia apples are best used in cooked applications like pies, crisps, and sauces.

How long do Ambrosia apples last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, Ambrosia apples can last for several weeks or even a couple of months. Keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage, such as soft spots or wrinkles, and use them promptly if they start to deteriorate.

Are Ambrosia apples genetically modified?

No, Ambrosia apples are not genetically modified. They were discovered as a chance seedling, meaning they developed naturally from the seed of an unknown parent apple variety. They are a product of traditional plant breeding, not genetic engineering.

Do I need to peel Ambrosia apples before baking with them?

Whether or not to peel Ambrosia apples before baking depends on personal preference and the specific recipe. Their skin is relatively thin and tender, so it’s often left on for a more rustic appearance and added texture. However, some recipes, like delicate tarts, may benefit from peeled apples for a more refined presentation.

Can I grow Ambrosia apple trees at home?

Yes, you can grow Ambrosia apple trees in your home garden if you live in a suitable climate (zones 5-8). The trees require a certain number of chill hours (hours below 45°F) during the winter to produce fruit. They also need to be pollinated by another compatible apple variety growing nearby.

Summary

Ambrosia apples are a superb choice for baking, offering a delightful combination of natural sweetness, firm texture, and the ability to hold their shape when cooked. These qualities make them incredibly versatile in the kitchen, suitable for a wide array of baked goods, from classic apple pies and tarts to more creative cakes and crisps. Their lower acidity not only contributes to their sweet flavor profile but also allows for a reduction in added sugar in many recipes, letting the natural apple taste shine through.

Remember to store them properly in a cool, humid environment to maintain their freshness and quality. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different recipes and techniques to discover your favorite ways to showcase the deliciousness of Ambrosia apples in your baking.