Nothing says comfort quite like Grandma’s Classic Apple Pie with a lattice top. From the first whiff of cinnamon and nutmeg filling the kitchen to that first warm bite, this recipe delivers everything you want in a traditional apple pie. With tender spiced apples, a buttery flaky crust, and a beautiful woven lattice top, this dessert is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or anytime you want a slice of nostalgia.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Apple Pie
This classic apple pie recipe has stood the test of time for good reason. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, thanks to fresh apples and a touch of lemon juice. The lattice crust isn’t just pretty, it allows steam to escape so the filling thickens beautifully. Best of all, this recipe is made with simple pantry ingredients and feels special without being complicated.
Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, or a cozy weekend at home, this pie always earns compliments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Apple Filling
- 6 to 7 cups peeled, cored, thinly sliced apples (about 3 lbs)
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 to 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Pie Crust & Topping
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons ice water
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling
How to Make Classic Apple Pie (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Gradually add ice water until the dough comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly coated.
Step 3: Roll the Bottom Crust
Roll out one disc of dough and fit it into a pie dish, trimming excess around the edges.
Step 4: Fill the Pie
Add the apple mixture to the crust, mounding slightly in the center. Dot the top with butter pieces.
Step 5: Create the Lattice Top
Roll out the second disc of dough and cut into strips. Weave the strips over the filling to form a lattice pattern, then crimp the edges.
Step 6: Finish and Bake
Brush the lattice with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce to 375°F (190°C) and bake another 30–40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for deeper flavor
- Chill the dough well to keep the crust flaky
- Place a baking sheet under the pie to catch drips
- Tent loosely with foil if the crust browns too quickly
- Add a pinch of cloves for extra warmth
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this classic apple pie warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the baked pie for up to 2 months.
Print
Grandma’s Classic Apple Pie with Easy Lattice Top
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 1 (9-inch) pie (8 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A timeless, all-American dessert with tender apples tossed in cinnamon and nutmeg, baked inside a buttery flaky crust and finished with a beautiful lattice top. Perfect for Thanksgiving, the 4th of July, or any cozy weekend. Delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp salt (divided)
6 tbsp ice water (very cold)
6–7 cups peeled, cored, thinly sliced apples (about 3 lbs)
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
2–3 tbsp granulated sugar (to taste)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 egg (for egg wash)
Coarse sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
1. Make the dough: Mix flour and 1 tsp salt in a bowl. Add ice water a little at a time until dough comes together. Divide into 2 discs, wrap, and chill 30 minutes.
2. Prep filling: Toss sliced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and remaining 1/4 tsp salt.
3. Roll bottom crust: Roll out 1 dough disc and fit into a pie dish. Trim edges as needed.
4. Fill: Add apple mixture to the crust, mounding slightly. Dot with butter pieces.
5. Make lattice: Roll out second disc, cut into strips, and weave a lattice top. Crimp/seal edges.
6. Egg wash & sugar: Beat egg and brush over lattice. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.
7. Bake: Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce to 375°F (190°C) and bake 30–40 minutes more until golden and bubbling.
8. Cool & serve: Cool at least 1–2 hours to set, then slice and serve (great warm with vanilla ice cream).
Notes
Best apples: Use a mix (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp) for sweet-tart balance.
Keep it flaky: Chill dough well and use very cold water.
Prevent mess: Bake on a rimmed baking sheet to catch drips.
If browning fast: Loosely tent with foil during the last 15–20 minutes.
Storage: Cover and refrigerate up to 4 days. Freeze baked pie up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pie)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320 | 4g | 48g | 14g | 4g | 220mg |
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Classic Apple Pie with a lattice top is more than a dessert, it’s a tradition. With its warm spices, tender apples, and golden crust, this pie brings people together and turns ordinary moments into memories. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it year after year.