There’s just something magical about pulling a homemade Apple Pie with Lattice Crust from the oven—the way the sweet aroma fills the kitchen, the golden latticed pastry shimmering with sugar, and, of course, the promise of that first tangy-sweet bite. With tender, syrupy apples tucked beneath a beautiful, flaky crust, this pie captures everything we love about classic American baking. If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that brings warmth, nostalgia, and just the right touch of elegance, this is the one you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Apple Pie with Lattice Crust relies on simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now, but each one truly matters. From the tart crunch of apples to the rich, buttery dough, these essentials create a dessert that sings with flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour: Floats between crust and filling to bring structure and softness to every bite.
- Salt: Just a pinch intensifies flavors, keeping the sweetness and butteriness in perfect harmony.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the dough and the filling, ensuring every layer is delicious.
- Cold unsalted butter: The secret to that gorgeously flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust.
- Ice water: Keeps your dough cold while binding it up just right; don’t skip the chilling!
- Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): These are tart yet sweet, holding up perfectly without turning mushy as they bake.
- Light brown sugar: Brings an extra layer of deep caramel-like flavor to your filling.
- All-purpose flour (for filling): Thickens the juices so your pie slices beautifully instead of running everywhere.
- Ground cinnamon: A classic warm spice that accentuates the natural flavor of apples.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a touch adds lovely autumnal notes and complexity to the spiced filling.
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything up and prevents the apples from browning as you work.
- Unsalted butter (for filling): Adds richness and helps round out the flavors in your apple mixture.
- Egg (for egg wash): Brushed over the crust, this helps your pie brown to perfection and shine beautifully.
- Coarse sugar (optional): A sprinkle over the top gives sparkle and crunch to the finished lattice.
How to Make Apple Pie with Lattice Crust
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough
Start by whisking together your flour, salt, and a touch of sugar in a large bowl. Next, add your cold, cubed butter and work it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. (Don’t worry about perfection—those little bits of butter will make your crust flaky!) Then, drizzle in the ice water a tablespoon at a time, mixing only until the dough holds together. Divide and shape it into two discs, wrap them up, and pop them in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling is non-negotiable for a crust this gorgeous.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
While your dough chills, grab a separate bowl and toss your peeled apple slices with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Every slice should be well coated to create a filling that bubbles with lively, sweet-tangy flavor as it bakes. Set this mixture aside so the apples can start releasing their natural juices—it’s those juices, thickened by a touch of flour, that make the filling luscious and not at all watery.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough and Assemble
Take one disc of dough out of the fridge, place it on a floured surface, and roll it into a big enough round to fit your 9-inch pie plate. Carefully transfer it, letting the edges hang slightly over the pan. Pour in your dressed apple filling, making sure it’s evenly piled up in the middle, and dot the top with those small pieces of butter for extra flavor. Give your second disc a roll, then cut it into strips for the lattice—nothing tricky, just simple strips laid and woven over the apples. Finish with a crimp around the edges to seal and keep those delicious juices in.
Step 4: Create the Lattice and Final Touches
Lay half of your cut strips over the pie parallel to each other, then gently fold every other strip back halfway. Lay one strip perpendicular, then unfold the folded strips. Repeat with the remaining strips, weaving an easy lattice. Once the lattice is complete, trim and tuck in (or crimp) the edges for a neat finish. Brush the entire crust with your beaten egg for that rich golden color, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you love a little sparkle and crunch.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake your Apple Pie with Lattice Crust in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling filling and a crust that’s deeply golden and crisp. If the edges are browning faster than you’d like, just shield them with some foil. Resist cutting in immediately! Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours—this resting period thickens the filling, guaranteeing clean slices and the best flavor.
How to Serve Apple Pie with Lattice Crust
Garnishes
For a dreamy finishing touch, try dusting your pie with an extra pinch of cinnamon or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A dollop of whipped cream also pairs beautifully, melting into the warm apple filling and providing a creamy contrast to that buttery crust.
Side Dishes
Apple Pie with Lattice Crust is the star of the show all on its own, but it also shines alongside homemade vanilla custard, a simple fruit salad, or a handful of toasted nuts. Keep the flavors classic and let the pie’s sweetness take center stage.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your pie into individual servings by making mini lattice pies in muffin tins—adorable and perfect for sharing. You can also cut the pie into slender slices and stack them artfully on a platter for a rustic dessert buffet, or serve warm with caramel sauce drizzled over the top for a decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with a slice or two left over, just cover the pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature. It will hold beautifully for one day, and you’ll be rewarded with a crust that stays crisp and delicious.
Freezing
For longer storage, Apple Pie with Lattice Crust freezes surprisingly well. Once completely cool, wrap the pie (whole or in slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in the freezer for up to three months. When cravings hit, you’re just a gentle thaw and reheat away from dessert bliss.
Reheating
To reheat your pie and recreate that just-baked magic, simply pop a slice or a whole pie in a 325°F (165°C) oven until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes for slices). This keeps the crust crispy, unlike the microwave, which can soften things up more than you’d want.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie dough for Apple Pie with Lattice Crust?
Absolutely! While homemade dough adds a special touch, a good-quality store-bought pie crust will still yield a delicious result and save you some time when you’re in a hurry.
What are the best apples for Apple Pie with Lattice Crust?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are fantastic for this pie because they offer a lovely balance of tartness and sweetness, and they hold their shape well when baked. Mixing a few varieties can bring even more depth to the flavor.
How do I keep the bottom pie crust from getting soggy?
Chilling the dough and making sure your oven is fully preheated before baking are both key. If you want extra insurance, sprinkle a little flour or breadcrumbs on the bottom crust before adding the filling to absorb excess juices.
Can I make Apple Pie with Lattice Crust ahead of time?
Definitely! This pie can be made a full day in advance and kept at room temperature, making it perfect for stress-free holiday feasts or gatherings.
Do I need to peel the apples for the filling?
Peeling is recommended for the best texture in your finished pie, as apple skins can toughen when baked and break up the luscious, smooth filling.
Final Thoughts
Once you experience for yourself just how irresistible Apple Pie with Lattice Crust can be, you’ll want to make it a staple for every cozy gathering or special occasion. With its inviting look and comforting flavor, don’t be surprised if it disappears in record time. Give it a try—your friends and family will be asking for the recipe before they finish their first slice!
