We’re not in the business of baking a soggy-bottomed apple pie. The Empire apple is another great option for baking. With a firm texture, it retains its shape when cooked. Windham describes its ...

Some, like Granny Smith and Empire, were great at keeping their shape, resulting in the tender-but-firm chunks I look for in good apple pie. But Granny Smiths are too tart, and Empires are too sweet.