Lattice-Topped Apple Pie

If you’re a fan of pie, nothing quite beats a slice of old-fashioned lattice apple pie. Apple pie is a favorite for many, and a lattice crust across the top adds flaky texture to every bite. A lattice crust always looks impressive, but it isn’t difficult to produce. It’s made with the same flaky pie crust as any pie (we use shortening in this recipe, but you can use an all-butter flaky pie crust, too) A few instructions are all you need to perfect that classic woven pattern. It’s literally as easy as pie (which is easy, promise).

This apple pie with a lattice crust features a mound of fruit and a touch of sugar and spice. It’s the ideal homemade pie recipe to serve after Sunday night dinner or for a special get-together with family and friends.

Ingredients for Lattice Apple Pie

• Apples: You’ll need about six medium apples, but you can choose any apple. The best apples for pie have a tart flavor with a firm texture. Consider options like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp and Braeburn.
• Sugar: Add a touch of granulated sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of the apples.
• Tapioca: Tapioca is the thickening agent here. It prevents the apple filling from being too watery. If you don’t have tapioca, use another pie filling thickener like cornstarch.
• Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are the traditional spices that flavor this pie.
• All-purpose flour: Flour provides structure for a sturdy pie.
• Baking powder: A touch of baking powder helps give this pie crust the ideal texture. It softens the dough and results in a flakier crust.
• Salt: A small amount of salt goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of the pie crust.
• Shortening: When it comes to the debate around whether butter, shortening or lard makes the best pie crust, often, it’s up to personal preference. We use shortening for this pie dough.
• Butter: Dotting the fruit filling with butter adds richness in flavor and texture.
• Milk: Brush the crust with milk before it goes into the oven to give it a golden hue. If preferred, brush the pie with an egg wash for a shinier finish.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the filling

In a large bowl, combine the apples, sugar, water, tapioca, cinnamon and nutmeg. Toss to coat the apples and let them stand for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Make the crust

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt.

Cut in the shortening until the mixture is crumbly.

Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until the dough forms a ball.

Divide the dough in half, making one half slightly larger than the other.

Editor’s Tip: Use your hands to bring the dough together until a dough ball forms.

Step 3: Roll out the pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger portion of pastry to fit a 9-inch pie plate.

Transfer the pastry to the plate, and trim it so it’s even with the edge of the plate.

Editor’s Tip: When rolling out pie dough, use plenty of flour and fix cracks in the dough as you go.

Step 4: Add the filling

Add the filling to the pie plate and dot it with butter.

Roll out the remaining pastry and make a lattice crust.

Trim, seal and flute the edge.

Brush the top with milk and sprinkle the pie with sugar.

Cover the edge loosely with foil.

Editor’s Tip: To make a lattice crust, use a pastry or pizza cutter and cut 3/4-inch to 1-inch strips into the rolled-out pastry. Lay half the strips over the pie filling in one direction, leaving about 1/2-inch space between each strip. Fold back every other pastry strip about halfway, and lay another strip perpendicular to the first strips. Fold the pieces back over the top of the perpendicular piece to start the weaving pattern, and repeat this process with the rest of the strips, alternating strips as you go.

Step 5: Bake the pie

Bake the pie at 400°F for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350° and bake the pie for 40 to 50 minutes longer, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Cool the pie on a wire rack.

Lattice Apple Pie Variations

• Try another crust pattern: A lattice crust on top is classic for apple pie, but it’s not the only choice. Get creative with other fun pie crust designs. Add cut-out pieces of pie dough or braided strips across the top.
• Go for a crumb topping: If you’re not interested in using more pie dough for the top, switch to a crumb topping instead.
• Switch up the filling: Apples are the star of the show here, but you can incorporate other fruit if desired. Add fresh berries, like blueberries or cranberries, or sliced peaches or pears to the apples for a twist on classic apple pie.

How to Store Lattice Apple Pie

Most fruit pies can be stored covered at room temperature for up to three days. Store lattice apple pie covered or in an airtight container. It will last up to five days in the fridge.

Can you freeze lattice apple pie?

You can certainly freeze pie either baked or unbaked. To freeze an unbaked pie, stop at Step 4 and freeze the pie, uncovered, until it’s slightly firm, about two to three hours. Remove the pie from the freezer, tightly wrap it in storage wrap, and place it in a freezer bag. Before baking the pie, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight, then proceed with the recipe.

To freeze a baked pie, wrap it in storage wrap and aluminum foil, place it in a freezer bag, and store it for up to three months. Allow the pie to thaw in the fridge before slicing and digging in again. You can reheat it in a 325° oven or microwave individual slices.

Lattice Apple Pie Tips

What’s the most important thing about making a lattice crust?

The key to a beautiful lattice pie crust is all in the layering. Cut your strips of dough and lay half of them across the top of the pie. Then, begin to weave to make a perpendicular pattern. Trim and flute the edges once your lattice has been weaved.

Can you use store-bought pie dough for lattice apple pie?

While this recipe walks you through making homemade pie dough to form a lattice crust, you can skip that step if you use store-bought pie dough. Make sure to buy enough for a double-crust pie.

How do you prevent a lattice top from getting too brown?

Prevent the top and edges of your lattice apple pie from burning by loosely covering the pie crust with strips of aluminum foil. Otherwise, try making a permanent foil protector from a 12-inch aluminum pie plate to use repeatedly. Cut a 7-inch diameter circle from the center of the pie plate and discard it. Center the foil protector over the pie plate so the edge is covered. Baking your pie on the bottom rack will also help crisp the bottom crust and avoid overbrowning on top.

How should you serve lattice apple pie?

You can serve apple pie warm, at room temperature or even cold. Enjoy a slice on its own or top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—some people even like apple pie with cheddar cheese!