Classic Apple Pie with Lattice Crust

Introduction

Classic Apple Pie with Lattice Crust is the ultimate symbol of home baking — warm, sweet apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, baked under a buttery, flaky crust with a beautiful lattice top. The aroma alone feels like a hug, filling your kitchen with coziness. This timeless dessert is beloved across generations and is often the centerpiece at Thanksgiving tables, holiday dinners, or Sunday family gatherings.

The lattice crust not only adds elegance but also allows steam to escape, ensuring the filling thickens beautifully. With every slice, you get tender, juicy apples nestled in a rich, golden crust — pure comfort and nostalgia in dessert form.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of tradition and taste. The filling is sweet but not overly so, letting the natural apple flavor shine through. The lattice crust adds a homemade touch that always impresses guests, yet it’s easier to make than it looks. The combination of tender apples, flaky pastry, and warm spices is so comforting that one bite instantly transports me to cozy fall days and holiday memories.

It’s not just a pie — it’s a tradition, a celebration, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Timeless dessert that never goes out of style.
• Perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors.
• Beautiful lattice crust makes it look bakery-worthy.
• Customizable — works with different apple varieties and spice blends.
• Ideal for gatherings — loved by kids and adults alike.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling time for dough)
• Cooking Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust (makes top and bottom):

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon allspice (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Top:

• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Prepare pie dough and chill.
2. Toss apples with sugar, spices, and lemon juice.
3. Roll out bottom crust, fill with apples.
4. Make lattice crust and cover pie.
5. Bake until golden and bubbly.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Make the Pie Dough

• In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and sugar.
• Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Add ice water gradually, mixing until dough comes together.
• Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

• In a bowl, combine sliced apples, sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and vanilla.
• Toss until apples are evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Roll out one disk of dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim edges.
• Pour apple filling into crust.

Step 4: Make the Lattice Crust

• Roll out the second dough disk. Cut into ½-inch strips.
• Lay strips over the pie in a crisscross lattice pattern.
• Trim excess and crimp edges to seal.

Step 5: Finish and Bake

• Brush top with beaten egg wash.
• Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
• Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce to 375°F (190°C) and bake another 35–40 minutes, until crust is golden and filling is bubbly.

Step 6: Cool

• Let pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow filling to set.

How to Serve

• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Top with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.
• Perfect centerpiece for holiday meals or Sunday dessert.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use a mix of apples for the best flavor — sweet and tart varieties together.
• Chill dough properly for a flaky crust.
• Cover crust edges with foil halfway through baking if they brown too quickly.
• Let pie rest before slicing to avoid runny filling.

Variations

• Caramel Apple Pie: Add ¼ cup caramel sauce to filling.
• Crumble Topping: Replace lattice with a streusel topping.
• Bourbon Apple Pie: Add 1 tablespoon bourbon for depth of flavor.
• Mini Apple Pies: Make in muffin tins for individual servings.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store covered for 1 day.
• Refrigerator: Keeps for 4–5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze baked pie for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F until warm.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie dish
• Rolling pin
• Pastry cutter or knife (for lattice strips)
• Pastry brush (for egg wash)

Conclusion

Classic Apple Pie with Lattice Crust is the definition of comfort baking — a timeless dessert that combines flaky pastry with warm, spiced apples in every bite. It’s elegant yet rustic, simple yet impressive, and it always brings people together. Whether served at a festive holiday dinner or as a treat on a cozy weekend, this pie will always hold a special place at the table.