There’s something almost magical about the aroma of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through the kitchen. As the sweet scent of spiced apples mingles with the buttery notes of a flaky crust, I’m transported back to family gatherings filled with laughter and warmth. This Classic Lattice Crust Apple Pie is the dessert that never fails to impress, making it a must-have for Thanksgiving celebrations. Not only is it relatively quick to prepare, but it also brings everyone together, inviting a symphony of compliments at the dinner table. With its perfectly woven lattice crust and luscious apple filling, this pie is sure to become a beloved tradition in your home. Are you ready to make this comforting classic that will have everyone asking for seconds?
Why is Apple Pie So Beloved?
Nostalgic Comfort: The aroma of this classic pie baking will transport you back to cozy gatherings filled with warmth and joy.
Deliciously Versatile: You can easily use a variety of apples to customize your pie’s flavor, making it a unique creation each time.
Unforgettable Presentation: The beautiful lattice crust is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, perfect for impressing guests.
Quick to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready in no time!
Looking for another warm dessert? Try my delicious Apple Bubble Casserole or keep it savory with these tasty Sausage Pineapple Appetizer Kabobs.
Apple Pie Ingredients
For the Crust
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the foundation of the crust with a tender texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust; brown sugar offers a deeper flavor.
• Salt – Enhances the overall taste; can be omitted for low-sodium diets.
• Unsalted Butter – Creates a rich, flaky texture; margarine is an alternative but may differ in flakiness.
• Vodka, Water, or Bourbon – Adds moisture to the crust for extra flakiness; any clear alcoholic spirit works well.
• Egg (for wash) – Gives a beautiful golden color and shine to the finished crust.
For the Filling
• Peeled, Cored, and Diced Apples – The heart of the apple pie; opt for Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith for the best flavors.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the apple filling; feel free to adjust based on the tartness of the apples.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the filling, ensuring it sets perfectly; flour can substitute in a pinch.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice, Cloves, and Salt – Adds warmth and spice; adjust to your taste preferences.
For Topping
• Turbinado Sugar – Gives a lovely crunch on top of the crust; regular sugar is a suitable alternative for sweetness.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Classic Lattice Crust Apple Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
In a food processor, combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Pulse in 1 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 6 tablespoons of vodka or water until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
While the crust chills, prepare the filling by mixing 6 to 8 peeled and diced apples in a large bowl with ¾ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes to let the apples release their juices and then cook over medium heat in a saucepan for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 3: Roll the Crust
Remove the first dough disk from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to fit into a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully fit the rolled dough into the pan, ensuring it covers the sides. Refrigerate this crust while you roll out the second disk to about 12 inches in diameter. Cut the second disk into strips for the lattice top, about 1-inch wide.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pour the apple filling into the chilled bottom crust, ensuring an even distribution. Arrange the cut strips over the filling in a lattice pattern. To do this, lay half the strips horizontally, then weave the remaining strips vertically across them. Pinch the edges to seal the pie and brush with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Place the assembled Classic Lattice Crust Apple Pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 375°F and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling bubbles. Keep an eye on the crust; if it darkens too quickly, cover edges with foil.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove the apple pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This cooling period helps the filling set properly and prevents it from running. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade apple pie!
What to Serve with Classic Lattice Crust Apple Pie?
There’s nothing quite like pie night to elevate your family gatherings, seamlessly blending comfort and nostalgia into your meal.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing adds a creamy richness that perfectly complements the warm spiced apple filling, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. There’s nothing like the first scoop melting into the warm pie, letting those flavors swirl together.
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Fresh Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream brings a lightness and airy quality that balances the dense pie, enhancing each bite without overwhelming it.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over a slice of apple pie adds a luscious sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spiced apples, deepening the dessert’s warm flavors.
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Cinnamon Sugar Dust: Sprinkling a bit of cinnamon sugar over the warm pie adds a touch of extra sweetness and a warm spice kick that amplifies the classic apple pie aroma, making it even more inviting.
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Spiced Hot Cider: Serving hot apple cider infused with mulling spices creates the perfect cozy beverage to enjoy alongside your pie, evoking cherished seasonal memories and warming you from the inside out.
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Coffee or Espresso: A cup of rich coffee or a shot of espresso enhances the pie’s flavors, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and bitterness, rounding out the meal beautifully.
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Cheddar Cheese Slice: For the adventurous, a sharp slice of cheddar cheese complements the sweetness of the pie, creating a surprising yet harmonious balance of flavors that many find irresistible.
Expert Tips for Classic Lattice Crust Apple Pie
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Chill Your Ingredients: Start with very cold butter for a flakier crust. Grating or cubing it and chilling further can enhance the texture.
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Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the spices in the filling based on your personal taste; a little more cinnamon or nutmeg can create that perfect apple pie flavor.
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Prevent Soggy Bottom: To avoid a soggy crust, consider pre-baking the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the apple filling. This ensures that the final bake yields a crisp base.
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Cooling is Key: Allow the apple pie to cool completely after baking to ensure the filling sets properly. This prevents the delicious flavors from running when sliced.
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Use Quality Apples: Choosing the right variety of apples makes a difference in flavor. Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith apples will enhance the overall taste of your apple pie.
How to Store and Freeze Apple Pie
Fridge: Store your apple pie in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or foil to maintain freshness and moisture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the apple pie for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s tightly wrapped in plastic and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This brings back that freshly baked flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the crust and filling up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate them separately. Assemble just before baking for a fresh, homemade taste.
Apple Pie Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this classic apple pie recipe—your taste buds will thank you for the adventure!
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
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Brown Sugar Boost: Substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for the crust and filling, adding a rich, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with apples.
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Vegan Twist: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flaxseed egg for the wash to create a delicious dairy-free version that’s still flaky and satisfying.
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Different Apples: Mix Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji apples for a delightful medley of sweetness and tartness in every bite. Each apple will contribute to a well-rounded flavor profile.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the apple filling for a subtle warmth that will surprise your guests with its complexity. This unexpected twist will elevate your classic recipe.
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Cinnamon Roll Crust: For a fun twist, roll out cinnamon roll dough instead of traditional pie crust. It adds sweetness and a wonderful swirl that complements the apple filling perfectly.
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Toffee Crunch: Top your pie with crushed toffee bits before baking for a delightful caramelized crunch that provides a delicious contrast to the soft apple filling.
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Slow Cooker Option: Want to skip the oven? Layer your apple filling and crust in a slow cooker for a cozy dessert without the fuss. Just make sure to cover it with a cloth to catch condensation.
Looking for more delightful desserts? Don’t miss my tasty Apple Bubble Casserole or the savory goodness of Sausage Pineapple Appetizer Kabobs.
Make Ahead Options
These Classic Lattice Crust Apple Pies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the pie crust and apple filling up to 3 days in advance. Simply make the crust as instructed and wrap the disks tightly in plastic wrap, placing them in the refrigerator. For the filling, mix the diced apples with sugar and spices, then refrigerate in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, roll out the dough, assemble the pie by filling it with the chilled apple mixture, and weave the lattice on top. Bake as directed, and you’ll enjoy a delicious pie that feels freshly made, yet requires minimal effort on the day of serving!
Classic Lattice Crust Apple Pie Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best apples for my apple pie?
Absolutely! For your apple pie, I recommend using a mix of Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith apples. Honeycrisp offers sweetness and crunch, Gala provides a tender texture, while Granny Smith adds a delightful tartness. This combination creates a well-rounded flavor profile that will elevate your pie to perfection.
How should I store my apple pie after baking?
You should store your classic lattice crust apple pie in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to lock in moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Can I freeze my apple pie for later use?
Yes, you can freeze your apple pie for up to 3 months! To do this, allow the pie to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, simply bake it straight from the freezer at 350°F for about 50-60 minutes, or until heated through.
What should I do if my pie crust is too tough?
Very often, a tough crust is a result of overworking the dough or using warm butter. If this happens, don’t worry! For the next time, try to keep your ingredients chilled and mix the dough only until the ingredients come together. If you’ve made the crust already, try rolling it out gently without applying too much pressure, and it may relax slightly!
Can I make this pie nut-free or gluten-free?
Yes, you can! If you’re looking to make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Additionally, if you have nut allergies, you don’t have to worry since this recipe doesn’t include nuts. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
How do I prevent the filling from being too runny?
To avoid a runny apple filling, allow the diced apples to sit with sugar and spices for about 15 minutes before adding cornstarch and heating them. This allows the apples to release their juices, which you can then incorporate back into the filling. Cooking the apples briefly in a saucepan also helps thicken them up before assembling your pie. Enjoy!
Irresistible Apple Pie with Lattice Crust: Your Cozy Classic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a food processor, combine 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Pulse in 1 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 6 tablespoons of vodka or water until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- While the crust chills, prepare the filling by mixing 6 to 8 peeled and diced apples in a large bowl with ¾ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes to let the apples release their juices and then cook over medium heat in a saucepan for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Remove the first dough disk from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to fit into a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully fit the rolled dough into the pan, ensuring it covers the sides. Refrigerate this crust while you roll out the second disk to about 12 inches in diameter. Cut the second disk into strips for the lattice top, about 1-inch wide.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pour the apple filling into the chilled bottom crust, ensuring an even distribution. Arrange the cut strips over the filling in a lattice pattern. To do this, lay half the strips horizontally, then weave the remaining strips vertically across them. Pinch the edges to seal the pie and brush with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Place the assembled Classic Lattice Crust Apple Pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 375°F and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling bubbles. Keep an eye on the crust; if it darkens too quickly, cover edges with foil.
- Once baked, remove the apple pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This cooling period helps the filling set properly and prevents it from running. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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