Lattice Topped Apple Pie Recipe (A Fall Classic to Make Every Year)
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing a storybook lattice-topped apple pie. This classic recipe combines tart Granny Smith apples with warm fall spices, all in a flaky, buttery crust. The beautiful top adds a touch of charm, making it the perfect pie recipe for a special occasion or just sharing with your family.
Be sure to choose tart apples that hold their shape during baking, like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Northern Spy.
Lattice Topped Apple Pie
Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish
- Rolling Pin
- Pastry brush
- Paring knife or lattice cutter
Ingredients
Pie Filling
- 6 cups Granny Smith apples thinly sliced
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crust
- 2 pie crusts storebought or homemade
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Prep Crust. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a pre-made pie crust, fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides.
- Prepare Filling. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and vanilla extract. Make sure the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Fill Pie. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
- Create Lattice. Roll out the second piece of dough (if you’re using a top crust) and cut into strips about ½-inch wide. Lay half of the strips over the pie in one direction. Fold back every other strip, then lay another strip perpendicular to the first set. Repeat this weaving process until the lattice is complete. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.
- Egg Wash. Brush the lattice with the beaten egg. If desired, sprinkle with the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Bake. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
- Cool and Serve. Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set.
Notes
I love how the tart apples balance the sweetness of the filling, and that lattice top? It’s just so pretty! Plus, there’s something special about the smell of apple pie baking in the oven. It makes the whole house feel cozy.
Honestly, I can’t imagine fall without this pie. It’s become a tradition, and it always brings back memories of cozy gatherings and happy times with loved ones.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Let’s take a closer look at a few key ingredients and tools that will help you make the best pie.
- Granny Smith Apples. These tart apples hold their shape well during baking, giving your pie a lovely texture. They also provide a tartness that balances the sweetness of the filling.
- Allspice. This warm spice adds a unique depth of flavor to the apple filling. If you don’t have any, you can substitute with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Pastry Cutter or Lattice Cutter (optional). This handy tool makes creating even strips for your lattice top easy.If you don’t have one, you can use a sharp knife or even a pizza cutter.
- A good pie crust. Try my sourdough pie crust recipe if you keep a sourdough starter.
With these essentials in your kitchen, you’ll be ready to bake a beautiful and delicious apple pie.
Troubleshooting and Help
Oh, I’ve been there! A few things can help. First, make sure you’re not overworking the dough – just mix until it comes together. Second, keep everything cold – the dough, the butter, even the bowl you’re mixing in. And finally, don’t be afraid to add a little extra water, a tablespoon at a time, if the dough seems too dry.
Not at all! This recipe is totally doable, even if you’re new to baking. The filling is simple to put together, and you can even use a store-bought pie crust if you’re not ready to make your own yet. The lattice top might look a little intimidating, but just take it one strip at a time and don’t worry about being perfect. It’ll taste delicious no matter what!
Of course! Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, but you can definitely experiment with other varieties. If you like a sweeter pie, try using Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious apples. (And also try my famous apple peach pie) Or, for a mix of sweet and tart, try combining Granny Smith with another variety. Just keep in mind that some apples hold their shape better than others during baking. If you’re not sure, ask someone at your local farmers market or grocery store for recommendations!
If you have any more questions please feel free to ask.
So there you have it – a classic recipe that’s perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night at home.With its flaky crust, warm spices, and tart apple filling, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your apple choices and toppings. And most importantly, enjoy the process of baking and sharing this delicious treat with the ones you love.
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.