Criss-Cross Apple Pie, also known as lattice apple pie, is the picture of homemade comfort. With its golden, flaky crust woven into a beautiful criss-cross pattern and filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples, this dessert is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
What sets this pie apart is its classic lattice crust. Carefully layered strips of dough form the criss-cross pattern that gives the pie its name, allowing steam to escape during baking and giving the filling a rich, caramelized finish. The crust is buttery and crisp, offering a perfect contrast to the tender, sweet apple filling.
The filling is made with a combination of fresh apples—Granny Smiths for tartness, Honeycrisps or Fujis for sweetness—peeled, sliced, and tossed with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Some versions also include a hint of vanilla or cloves for extra depth. As the pie bakes, the apples soften and the flavors meld into a deliciously gooey, fruity center.
Criss-Cross Apple Pie is ideal for holidays, Sunday dinners, or whenever you’re in the mood for a nostalgic, homemade treat. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying lattice for the first time, this pie offers a rewarding experience. The beauty of the criss-cross design is that it doesn’t have to be perfect—it’s the homemade charm and flavor that make it unforgettable. This timeless pie isn’t just a dessert—it’s a tradition, shared and savored one delicious slice at a time
Here are some tips and tricks to make the perfect apple pie:
- Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
- Don’t overfill the pie with apples as they will shrink during baking.
- Brush the top crust with an egg wash for a golden and shiny finish.
- Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 6 cups Granny Smith apples peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar divided
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg ground
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the chilled and cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water to the flour and butter mixture. Mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a separate bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are coated in the mixture.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Place the dough in a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it against the bottom and sides.
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into thin strips. Create a lattice pattern on top of the pie by criss-crossing the dough strips.
- Trim off any excess dough and press the edges to seal.
- Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg for a golden crust.
- Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition
I love pie! This one is yum! 5.
This recipe is a gem! My family loved it. 5 stars!
It turned out a bit too sweet for my taste. Maybe less sugar next time. 3/5.
Who puts lemon juice in pie? That’s just weird. 2 stars.
I used honey instead of sugar and added some raisins. Came out delicious! 😍
Lattice work is so hard! I ended up smushing it. 😂
I feel you! Lattice work made me want to cry the first time I tried it. 😂 But it gets easier with practice! Don’t give up!
This pie is amazing! The crust turned out so flaky. Five stars from me!
Lol, I forgot to add the butter and it still worked out fine! 4 stars!
My grandma used to make pies like this. Nostalgia overload! Thanks for the recipe!
Dough was hard to work with, any tips for that? Just confused.
I followed the recipe but my crust burnt. What happened?!
Nah, you probably didn’t cover it or lower the temp. You gotta watch it closely.
Maybe you left it in too long? I usually check mine after 40 mins just to be safe.
Too much sugar! It was like eating candy. Not for me.
I totally get what you mean! I reduced the sugar last time I made it and it turned out way better. It was still sweet but not overpowering. Try it next time!
What? Too much sugar? I dunno, that’s like the point of a pie, ain’t it? I love sweet stuff. Maybe just eat a smaller piece next time?
So easy to make! I’ll definitely be making this again, it’s a hit. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Pretty good, but I should have let it cool longer. 3 stars.
But I thought it was best warm? Idk, mine never cooled that long and it was still good. Maybe you’re just a picky eater?
I totally get what you’re saying! I rushed mine too and it was still warm when I cut it. Next time, I’m definitely waiting longer!
Not a fan! The crust was too flaky, and the apples were mushy. 😩 1 star.
Delicious, but where’s the caramel? 🍏🍏
Wow, this pie is an absolute hit at my family gathering! Everyone loved it!
Is 375 too high? Mine looks more like a burnt mess than a pie. 🤷♂️
Dough was hard to work with. Any tips? 🤔