When it comes to baking, its important to choose the right type of apple. The best apples for baking are those that are firm, crisp, and sweet-tart, and can hold their shape while baking. Here are some of the best apples for baking, according to various sources:

• Granny Smith: This is a popular choice for baking due to its tart flavor and firm texture. Its widely available year-round and is great for mixing with sweeter varieties for a balanced apple pie filling.

• Honeycrisp: This apple is crunchy and sweet, and will hold its shape when baked. Its a great choice for baking whole.

• Braeburn: This apple has a sweet-tart flavor and bakes up juicy but not mushy. It pairs well with warm spices and is a great choice for pies, crisps, and cobblers.

• Jonagold: This sweeter apple holds its shape well and pairs nicely with tart apples to create perfectly balanced baked goods.

• Pacific Rose: This apple has a crisp, firm texture and a sweet-tart flavor, making it a great choice for baking.

• Pink Lady: This apple is tarter than Honeycrisp apples, but just as crisp. Its a great choice for baking and pairs well with other apple varieties.

Its also important to avoid apples that are soft, mealy, or creamy-fleshed, such as Red Delicious, Gala, and McIntosh, as they will soften up too quickly in the baking process and wont provide ideal texture. For best results, use a combination of apples to add depth of flavor to your baked goods.