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Home - Cooking - Substitutes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

5 BEST Substitutes for Honeycrisp Apple

Swap Honeycrisp Apple with Ambrosia Apple, SweeTango Apple, Jazz Apple, Pink Lady Apple, and Enterprise Apple.

Ambrosia Apple

Ambrosia is a type of apple that is known for its sweet taste and crisp texture.

SweeTango Apple

The SweeTango apple is a cross between the Honeycrisp and the Zestar.

Got a craving for that sweet, crisp Honeycrisp apple goodness but found the fruit bin in your local grocery store bare?

It seems like everyone's snagging those juicy beauties, leaving us scrambling for alternatives.

Is, there's a bunch of other apples (and fruit!) that'll do the trick.

5 BEST Substitutes for Honeycrisp Apple Save for Later!

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • 5 Top Alternatives to Honeycrisp Apples
    • 1 - Ambrosia Apple
    • 2 - SweeTango Apple
    • 3 - Jazz Apple
    • 4 - Pink Lady Apple
    • 5 - Enterprise Apple
  • Frequently Asked Questions

5 Top Alternatives to Honeycrisp Apples

If you're looking for a delicious, crisp apple to add to your fruit bowl, you can't go wrong with the Honeycrisp.

This variety of apples is sweet and juicy, with a thin skin that's easy to bite through.

But what if you can't find Honeycrisp apples at your local grocery store? Or what if they're out of season?

Here are five of the best substitutes for Honeycrisp apples:

For a low-carb side to serve with apple-forward salads and dishes, explore low-carb pasta alternatives for lighter meals.

1 - Ambrosia Apple

5 BEST Substitutes for Honeycrisp Apple Save for Later!

Ambrosia is a type of apple that is known for its sweet taste and crisp texture.

While it can be enjoyed fresh, it is also often used in recipes such as pies and applesauce - or paired with apple jelly substitute options for spreads.

If you are looking for a Honeycrisp apple substitute, ambrosia is a good option.

Its sweetness means that you won't need to add as much sugar to your recipe, and its firm flesh will help to keep your pie or sauce from turning to mush.

So if you're looking for an apple that will add sweetness and crunch to your baking, ambrosia is a great choice.

2 - SweeTango Apple

5 BEST Substitutes for Honeycrisp Apple Save for Later!

The SweeTango apple is a cross between the Honeycrisp and the Zestar.

It was developed by the University of Minnesota in 2009.

The SweeTango has a very distinctive taste; it is both sweet and tangy, with a crisp texture.

This makes it perfect for snacking, baking, or even just eating out of hand.

The SweeTango is also a great substitute for the Honeycrisp apple in recipes.

Its unique flavor will add an extra zing to any dish, and its crisp texture will hold up well in cooking.

So if you're looking for something a little different, give the SweeTango a try.

When making preserves or spreads with SweeTango apples, consider apple butter substitute ideas for fall flavors that complement their sweet-tart profile.

3 - Jazz Apple

5 BEST Substitutes for Honeycrisp Apple Save for Later!

Jazz apples are a type of apple that is perfect for those who are looking for a tart and juicy fruit.

The skin of a Jazz apple is thin and green, with a pinkish-red blush.

The flesh of the fruit is white and crisp, with a slightly tart flavor.

Jazz apples are great for snacking, as well as baking and cooking.

They can be used as a substitute for Honeycrisp apples in recipes or simply enjoyed on their own.

When choosing a Jazz apple, look for one that is firm and free of blemishes.

Store the apples in a cool, dark place, and enjoy them within a few days of purchase.

For recipes that call for a touch of acidity with Jazz apples, see apple cider vinegar substitute choices and uses to match the tartness.

4 - Pink Lady Apple

5 BEST Substitutes for Honeycrisp Apple Save for Later!

The Pink Lady apple is a popular variety that is known for its slightly tart flavor and crisp texture.

While it can be enjoyed on its own, it is also often used as a substitute for the Honeycrisp apple in recipes.

The Pink Lady apple has a thin skin that is easy to peel, making it a good choice for applesauce or other cooked dishes.

It is also a good choice for baking, as it holds its shape well and doesn't turn to mush when cooked.

When substituting Pink Lady apples for Honeycrisp apples, you may want to add a bit more sugar to counteract the tartness.

Otherwise, the two varieties are very similar and can be used interchangeably in most recipes.

If a recipe pairs Pink Lady apples with peppery notes, consult pink peppercorn substitute ideas for similar heat to keep the balance of flavors.

5 - Enterprise Apple

5 BEST Substitutes for Honeycrisp Apple Save for Later!

While the Honeycrisp apple is one of the most popular varieties out there, it's not the only option when it comes to delicious and healthy fruit.

The Enterprise apple is another excellent choice that offers a unique taste and texture.

Here's what you need to know about Enterprise apples, including how they compare to Honeycrisp apples.

Enterprise apples are similar to Honeycrisp apples in that they are crisp and juicy.

However, they have a slightly different flavor.

Enterprise apples are slightly less sweet than Honeycrisp apples and have a hint of tartness.

They also have a sharper aroma. As for texture, Enterprise apples are slightly softer than Honeycrisp apples.

They also have thinner skin, which makes them easier to eat.

So, how can you use Enterprise apples as a substitute for Honeycrisp apples? The key is to use them in recipes where you want the apple flavor to be more subtle.

For example, try using them in an Apple crisp or apple pie recipe.

You can also use them in savory dishes, such as pork chops with apple sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Honeycrisp Apple?

Ambrosia Apple Ambrosia is a type of apple that is known for its sweet taste and crisp texture. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for Honeycrisp Apple.

Is there a good swap for this ingredient?

You have several options. Ambrosia Apple matches the original closely, while SweeTango Apple brings a slightly different character.

Either works at a 1:1 ratio.

Are there any substitutes that are easier to find?

Yes. Check your grocery store's international or health food aisle for widely available options.

Many substitutes are pantry staples that are easier to source than the original.

What dishes work best with a substitute?

Forgiving dishes - soups, stews, casseroles, and sauces - are the best starting point. They mask small texture or flavor differences better than dishes where the ingredient is the star.

Delicious Choices: Delicious Choices: 5 BEST Substitutes for McIntosh Apple complements many apple-focused recipes. Add Flavor to Dishes: Add Flavor to Dishes: 5 Best Braeburn Apple Substitutes provides swaps that hold up in baking.

Explore more: This post is part of our Ingredient Substitutes Guide.
Andrew Gray

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Restaurant industry veteran sharing real recipes, honest substitutes, and tips that actually work in a home kitchen.

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