Latticed Crust Apple Pie Recipe
A latticed crust apple pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of edible art. With its crisp, golden crust beautifully woven atop a spiced apple filling, this timeless pie is perfect for cozy gatherings and festive celebrations.
Ingredients and Preparation Essentials
The secret to this pie’s perfection lies in its components: a buttery, flaky pie crust, a luscious apple filling spiced with cinnamon, and an egg wash that creates a glossy, golden sheen. Coarse sugar sprinkled over the top adds a delightful crunch and sparkle, elevating both taste and presentation.
To achieve a flawless crust, opt for high-quality all-purpose flour and a trusted pie crust recipe. Crisp, firm apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, provide the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. A sharp knife or pastry cutter ensures clean, even strips for the lattice, while a sturdy rolling pin aids in evenly flattening the dough.
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Latticed Crust Apple Pie
Preparing the Pie Dough and Filling
Begin by preparing your pie dough in advance, allowing it to chill overnight. Chilling not only enhances the dough’s texture but also makes it easier to handle. When crafting the filling, aim for a harmonious blend of spiced sweetness. Adjust the level of cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste for a filling that’s perfectly balanced.
Crafting the Lattice Crust
Roll out the top dough on a lightly floured surface, aiming for a 12-inch circle. Slice the dough into 12 even strips, about 1 inch wide. To weave the lattice, lay six strips vertically across the pie, then weave the remaining strips horizontally, alternating over and under. This technique creates the classic crisscross pattern, adding a decorative touch. Seal the edges by folding excess dough under and crimping with your fingers or a fork for a polished finish.
Final Touches and Baking
Brush the lattice with a smooth egg wash, ensuring every strip is coated for an even golden hue. Sprinkle coarse sugar generously for a touch of sparkle and texture. Refrigerate the pie for 20 minutes before baking to help the lattice retain its structure. Bake according to your recipe instructions, ensuring the crust turns a crisp golden brown while the filling bubbles gently underneath.
Recipe Tips
Avoiding Dough Shrinkage:
Chill the dough before and after assembling the pie to keep it in shape during baking.
Even Strip Widths:
Use a ruler to cut uniform lattice strips for a professional finish.
Golden Perfection:
Apply the egg wash evenly to achieve a beautiful, glossy crust.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Ideal Pairings:
Serve warm slices with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
Beverage Recommendations:
Complement the flavors with a mug of spiced apple cider or freshly brewed coffee for a cozy treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Store-Bought Pie Crust?
Yes, pre-made crusts can save time, but a homemade crust provides superior taste and texture.
How Do I Prevent a Soggy Bottom?
Ensure your filling is not overly wet, and pre-chill the bottom crust to keep it crisp.
What if My Lattice Strips Break?
Patch any tears by gently pressing the dough back together or using a small piece of extra dough.
How Long Does the Pie Last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat slices gently in the oven for the best texture.
Customizing for Special Occasions
Adding Flavor Variations
Enhance the flavor by incorporating a dash of cardamom or cloves into the filling. For a unique twist, try adding chopped nuts or dried cranberries for added texture and depth.
Creative Presentation Ideas
Decorate the edges with seasonal shapes, such as leaves or stars, cut from extra dough. Present the pie on a beautiful cake stand, adorned with a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Crafting a latticed crust apple pie is a rewarding experience that combines artistry with delicious flavors. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a holiday gathering, this pie is sure to impress with its visual appeal and comforting taste.
Ingredients
1 tbsp (15ml) milk beaten
All-purpose flour for dusting the work surface
1 large egg (Egg wash)
Coarse sugar for sprinkling on the crust
Homemade pie crust or use an all-butter pie crust recipe
Instructions
Prepare the pie dough in advance, following your chosen pie crust recipe. Complete the steps up to rolling the dough, and refrigerate it overnight to ensure it’s properly chilled.
After rolling out the bottom crust and filling your pie, start working on the lattice top. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin, then roll out the second piece of dough into a 12-inch circle. The circle doesn’t need to be perfect but should measure 12 inches in diameter.
Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, slice the rolled dough into 12 even strips, each about 1 inch wide.
Lay six strips vertically across the top of your filled pie, evenly spaced. Use the longer strips for the center and the shorter ones for the edges. To begin weaving, fold back every other strip (three in total) so they extend past the pie’s edge. Place one of the unused strips perpendicularly across the center of the pie, then return the folded strips to their original position, covering the perpendicular strip.
Next, fold back the three alternate vertical strips. Place another perpendicular strip across the pie, then return the folded strips to their original positions. Repeat this process with the remaining strips, weaving them over and under to create a crisscross lattice pattern.
Once the lattice is complete, trim any overhanging dough. Fold the excess lattice strips under the bottom crust, pinching them together to seal. Use your fingers or a fork to crimp or flute the edges for a decorative touch.
Brush the entire lattice top with the prepared egg wash, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle the surface with coarse sugar for a beautiful sparkle and added crunch. Place the assembled pie in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to chill, helping the dough retain its lattice design during baking.
Bake the pie according to your recipe’s instructions. For best results, pair this latticed crust with a classic apple pie filling.
Latticed Crust Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp (15ml) milk beaten
- All-purpose flour for dusting the work surface
- 1 large egg (Egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling on the crust
- Homemade pie crust or use an all-butter pie crust recipe
Instructions
- Prepare the pie dough in advance, following your chosen pie crust recipe. Complete the steps up to rolling the dough, and refrigerate it overnight to ensure it’s properly chilled.
- After rolling out the bottom crust and filling your pie, start working on the lattice top. Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin, then roll out the second piece of dough into a 12-inch circle. The circle doesn’t need to be perfect but should measure 12 inches in diameter.
- Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, slice the rolled dough into 12 even strips, each about 1 inch wide.
- Lay six strips vertically across the top of your filled pie, evenly spaced. Use the longer strips for the center and the shorter ones for the edges. To begin weaving, fold back every other strip (three in total) so they extend past the pie’s edge. Place one of the unused strips perpendicularly across the center of the pie, then return the folded strips to their original position, covering the perpendicular strip.
- Next, fold back the three alternate vertical strips. Place another perpendicular strip across the pie, then return the folded strips to their original positions. Repeat this process with the remaining strips, weaving them over and under to create a crisscross lattice pattern.
- Once the lattice is complete, trim any overhanging dough. Fold the excess lattice strips under the bottom crust, pinching them together to seal. Use your fingers or a fork to crimp or flute the edges for a decorative touch.
- Brush the entire lattice top with the prepared egg wash, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle the surface with coarse sugar for a beautiful sparkle and added crunch. Place the assembled pie in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to chill, helping the dough retain its lattice design during baking.
- Bake the pie according to your recipe’s instructions. For best results, pair this latticed crust with a classic apple pie filling.