When we think of Dinner Recipes that bring families together, desserts play a special role in completing the meal. Among all the timeless treats, nothing captures the warmth of home, tradition, and comfort quite like a homemade Apple Pie with Lattice Crust. The golden, buttery pastry, the sweet-spiced apple filling, and the rustic lattice design make it a dessert that feels just as right at a casual family dinner as it does at a festive holiday feast.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about preparing the perfect Apple Pie with Lattice Crust—from selecting the best apples, to mastering the pastry dough, to creating a picture-perfect lattice top that impresses every guest. By the end, you’ll not only have a step-by-step recipe, but also tips, tricks, and expert insights to elevate this pie into one of your go-to Dinner Recipes.
Why Apple Pie Belongs in the World of Dinner Recipes
When we talk about Dinner Recipes, most people immediately think of savory main dishes or hearty side options. But no great dinner is truly complete without a dessert to balance the flavors and create a satisfying finish. Apple pie has earned its place as one of the most beloved dinner table staples because:
- It’s Universally Loved – The combination of apples, sugar, cinnamon, and butter creates flavors that everyone recognizes and enjoys.
- It Pairs Perfectly with Dinner – Whether you’re serving roast chicken, pot roast, or a vegetarian casserole, apple pie makes a versatile dessert companion.
- It Feels Homemade and Heartfelt – Unlike store-bought cakes or quick sweets, apple pie showcases care, patience, and tradition.
- It Elevates the Dinner Experience – Adding a lattice crust makes it not just delicious, but visually stunning, turning any dinner into a special event.
That’s why Apple Pie with Lattice Crust is more than just dessert—it’s a centerpiece for dinner gatherings, making it an essential addition to your Dinner Recipes collection.
Ingredients for Apple Pie with Lattice Crust
Here’s a complete ingredient list to prepare your apple pie:
For the Pie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
the Apple Filling:
- 6–7 medium apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp is best)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken filling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning and add brightness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assembly:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Tools You’ll Need
To create the perfect lattice-crust apple pie, you’ll need:
- Large mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Pastry cutter or food processor (for dough)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch pie dish
- Sharp knife or pastry wheel (for lattice strips)
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
1: Prepare the Pie Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter cubes with a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water one tablespoon at a time until dough comes together.
- Divide dough into two equal discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2: Make the Apple Filling
- Peel, core, and slice apples evenly.
- In a large bowl, toss apples with sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla.
- Let mixture rest for 10 minutes so apples release some juices.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer to a pie dish, pressing gently into corners.
- Trim excess dough around edges, leaving about 1-inch overhang.
4: Fill the Pie
- Pour apple mixture into prepared crust, spreading evenly.
- Dot filling with a few small pieces of butter (optional for richness).
5: Create the Lattice Crust
- Roll out second disc of dough into another 12-inch circle.
- Cut into ½-inch to ¾-inch strips using a pastry wheel.
- Lay half the strips vertically across the pie.
- Fold back alternating strips, then lay a strip horizontally, weaving over and under.
- Continue weaving until lattice is complete.
6: Finish and Bake
- Trim excess dough and crimp edges with a fork or fingers.
- Brush lattice with egg wash (egg beaten with milk).
- Sprinkle with coarse sugar for a sparkling finish.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake another 35–45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
7: Cool and Serve
Allow pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to let filling set. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic finish.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Apples – A mix of tart and sweet apples prevents overly sweet or mushy pie.
- Chill Your Dough – Cold butter ensures a flaky crust.
- Don’t Skip Venting – The lattice design allows steam to escape, preventing soggy filling.
- Use Large Ice Cubes in Drinks – If pairing with holiday punch, larger cubes melt slower and keep things crisp.
- Make Ahead – Apple pie can be baked the day before and reheated before serving.
Nutritional Value (per slice, 1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 380
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Sugar: 28 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Apple Pie as Part of Your Dinner Recipes
While apple pie might not be the first dish that comes to mind when planning Dinner Recipes, it should be! Just as a casserole completes the main course, apple pie completes the meal. Pairing it with Green Bean Casserole, roasted turkey, or baked chicken ensures your dinner ends on a sweet and satisfying note.
Apple pie with lattice crust is the perfect dessert to include in your curated list of Dinner Recipes because it bridges comfort food with visual elegance. Its rustic charm and rich flavor profile guarantee a lasting impression on guests, making it a must-have recipe in your dinner repertoire.
Conclusion
Dinner should be more than just a main course—it should be an experience. That’s why this Apple Pie with Lattice Crust deserves a place in your favorite Dinner Recipes. It’s classic, comforting, and irresistibly beautiful, making every dinner feel like a celebration.
So the next time you’re planning a meal—whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a holiday gathering—don’t just stop at savory. Add this apple pie to your Dinner Recipes, and give your guests a dessert they’ll never forget.
