Introduction
A Classic Apple Pie with Lattice Crust is one of the most iconic desserts in American baking. It’s a timeless recipe that brings together tender, flaky pastry with a sweet-tart apple filling, warm spices, and a beautifully woven lattice top that makes the pie both delicious and visually stunning.
The scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples baking together is pure comfort, evoking memories of holidays, family gatherings, and cozy fall evenings. The lattice crust not only adds charm but also allows the apples to vent and caramelize perfectly, creating a golden, glossy finish.
Why I Love This Recipe
A Timeless Classic
I love this recipe because it’s more than just dessert—it’s tradition. Classic apple pie is one of those bakes that never goes out of style, and every time I make it, I feel connected to generations of bakers who have shared it at family tables and celebrations.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
The sweet-tart apples mingling with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of brown sugar create a warm, fragrant filling that feels like comfort in every bite. I adore how the flavors are simple yet so satisfying, never too heavy but always indulgent.
The Buttery, Flaky Crust
The crust is my favorite part—the way it turns golden, crisp, and perfectly flaky while holding in the bubbling apple filling. Paired with the lattice design, it looks beautiful and adds a touch of elegance to a humble, homey dessert.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This apple pie is a must-try because it’s:
- A classic dessert that never goes out of style.
- Crowd-pleasing—everyone loves a slice of apple pie, whether plain, with whipped cream, or à la mode.
- Perfect for any season—autumn when apples are abundant, or anytime you crave something cozy.
- A skill-builder—making a lattice crust gives you the joy of baking something beautiful and homemade.
It’s not just dessert—it’s an experience worth sharing with family and friends.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 40 minutes (including dough rolling and lattice weaving)
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 55–60 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
Servings and Calories
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories per serving: ~380–420 kcal (varies by crust thickness and sugar amount)
Course and Cuisine
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust (double crust)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
For the Apple Filling
- 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp mix recommended)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Assembly
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Cooking Directions
Step 1: Make the Pie Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter (or food processor) until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water gradually, mixing until dough holds together.
- Divide into 2 discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Peel, core, and slice apples into thin wedges.
- In a bowl, toss apples with sugars, flour, spices, lemon juice, and vanilla. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out one disc of dough and line a 9-inch pie pan. Trim edges.
- Add apple filling evenly.
- Roll out second disc of dough and cut into strips (about ½–¾ inch wide).
- Create a lattice pattern over the apples: lay half the strips vertically, then weave the remaining strips horizontally.
- Trim excess dough and crimp edges.
- Mix egg and milk for egg wash, brush over crust, and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
- Reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 35–40 minutes until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.
- Cool at least 2 hours before slicing to allow filling to set.
How to Serve
Serve warm or at room temperature with:
- Vanilla ice cream (classic choice)
- Freshly whipped cream
- A drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence
Recipe Tips
- Mix tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor.
- Chill dough well before rolling to ensure a flaky crust.
- Place pie on a baking sheet to catch any bubbling juices.
- If crust browns too quickly, cover edges with foil.
- Let pie cool before slicing to prevent runny filling.
Variations
- Caramel Apple Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over apples before adding top crust.
- Dutch Apple Pie: Replace lattice with a crumb streusel topping.
- Boozy Apple Pie: Add 2 tbsp bourbon or rum to apple filling for extra depth.
- Mini Apple Pies: Use muffin tins to make individual servings.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezing (Unbaked): Assemble pie, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 extra minutes.
- Freezing (Baked): Freeze baked pie slices wrapped in foil for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Special Equipment Needed
- 9-inch pie pan
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Pastry cutter or food processor (for dough)
- Sharp knife or pastry wheel (for lattice strips)
Conclusion
The Classic Apple Pie with Lattice Crust is more than just dessert—it’s tradition, warmth, and joy baked into every slice. From the buttery, flaky crust to the fragrant spiced apple filling, it’s a dish that captures the essence of comfort baking. Whether served at holidays, special dinners, or simply to treat yourself, this pie is always a showstopper and a recipe worth keeping for generations.
Classic Apple Pie with Lattice Crust
Description
A Classic Apple Pie with Lattice Crust is one of the most iconic desserts in American baking. It’s a timeless recipe that brings together tender, flaky pastry with a sweet-tart apple filling, warm spices, and a beautifully woven lattice top that makes the pie both delicious and visually stunning.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust (double crust)
For the Apple Filling
For Assembly
Instructions
-
Step 1: Make the Pie Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter (or food processor) until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water gradually, mixing until dough holds together. Divide into 2 discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
-
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and slice apples into thin wedges. In a bowl, toss apples with sugars, flour, spices, lemon juice, and vanilla. Set aside.
-
Step 3: Assemble the Pie: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one disc of dough and line a 9-inch pie pan. Trim edges. Add apple filling evenly. Roll out second disc of dough and cut into strips (about ½–¾ inch wide). Create a lattice pattern over the apples: lay half the strips vertically, then weave the remaining strips horizontally. Trim excess dough and crimp edges. Mix egg and milk for egg wash, brush over crust, and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
-
Step 4: Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. Reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 35–40 minutes until crust is golden and filling is bubbling. Cool at least 2 hours before slicing to allow filling to set.
