Name: Braided Lattice Apple Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 + ½ easy puff pastry pie dough (or 3 pieces of 9-inch pie crust, 160 g each); ¼ cup melted butter; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup water; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 7 cups apples, cored, peeled, and thinly sliced (about 6–7 apples); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 egg, beaten; 1 tablespoon milk

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the perfect marriage of flavor and presentation. The buttery puff pastry creates a crisp, flaky crust that contrasts wonderfully with the soft, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. The braided lattice design gives it an elegant bakery-style finish, but it’s easier to achieve than it looks. Plus, the combination of apples, cinnamon, and caramel-like sauce makes this pie a timeless favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 + ½ easy puff pastry pie dough (or 3 pieces of 9-inch pie crust, 160 grams each)
¼ cup melted butter
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
7 cups apples, cored, peeled, and thinly sliced (about 6 or 7 apples)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare your pie dough by rolling out 1 pie crust to fit the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan. Press it gently into the pan and trim any excess.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine melted butter, brown sugar, water, and flour. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
In a large bowl, toss the apples with cinnamon, then pour the sauce over the apples and stir to coat evenly.
Spoon the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust.
Roll out the second piece of dough into strips. Braid some strips together, then create a lattice design over the apples by weaving the braids and strips.
Whisk the beaten egg with milk and brush it over the lattice crust for a golden finish.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Allow to cool for at least 1 hour before serving to let the filling set.

Servings and timing

This Braided Lattice Apple Pie serves 8 people.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour

Variations

Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for deeper flavor.
Use a mix of apple varieties, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for a balance of tartness and sweetness.
Substitute puff pastry with a homemade buttery pie crust for a more traditional texture.
Sprinkle coarse sugar over the egg wash before baking for extra crunch.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or microwave for 30–45 seconds. For best texture, reheating in the oven is recommended to maintain the crisp crust.

FAQs

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and crust a day in advance, assemble the pie, and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

What are the best apples to use?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape and balance sweetness with tartness.

Do I need to pre-bake the bottom crust?

No, pre-baking is not necessary since the filling cooks thoroughly during baking.

Can I use store bought pie crust?

Yes, store-bought crust works fine, especially if you’re short on time.

How do I get the crust extra golden?

Brush the top with egg wash mixed with milk, and for added shine, sprinkle sugar on top before baking.

Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, you can freeze the baked pie once cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Make sure to bake the pie long enough and let it rest before slicing, which allows the filling to thicken. Using a metal pie pan can also help conduct heat better.

Can I make this pie without braiding the crust?

Absolutely. You can do a simple lattice or even a full crust top with slits for steam to escape.

How can I tell when the pie is done?

The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling through the lattice, indicating it has thickened.

Should the pie be served warm or cold?

It’s delicious either way, but slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic way to enjoy it.

Conclusion

This Braided Lattice Apple Pie is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. With its buttery crust, warmly spiced apple filling, and impressive braided design, it’s a dessert that will make any gathering special. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or enjoy leftovers the next day, this pie is sure to become a family favorite.