If you’ve ever wanted a pie that tastes like a warm hug from Grandma herself, you’re in for a treat! Grandma Ople’s Classic Apple Pie with Caramelized Lattice Crust Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that brings the perfect mix of buttery, sweet apples and a crisp, caramelized crust together in one glorious bite. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked and eagerly waiting for apple season every year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Caramelized Lattice Crust: It adds the most incredible buttery crunch with just the right touch of sweetness.
- Classic Flavor Combo: Tart Granny Smith apples balance perfectly with brown and white sugar for that nostalgic apple pie taste.
- Simple Yet Impressive: You don’t need to be a pro baker to pull this off—it’s accessible with tried-and-true techniques.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this pie every time I make it, and I’m sure yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this pie, the ingredients come together beautifully—each playing a vital role, especially the Granny Smith apples for their tartness and the double-crust pastry to help you build that iconic caramelized lattice top.
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sugars perfectly and holds up well when baked.
- Unsalted butter: Use real butter for that rich flavor in the caramel and crust.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sugary syrup that soaks into the apples.
- White sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that caramel glaze.
- Brown sugar: Brings depth with its molasses notes, enhancing the apple filling.
- Water: Needed to bring the butter and sugars together into a luscious sauce.
- Double-crust pie pastry: One for the base, one for the lattice crust; store-bought or homemade works just fine.
Variations
I love making Grandma Ople’s Classic Apple Pie with Caramelized Lattice Crust Recipe just as is, but sometimes I like to play around a bit depending on the occasion or ingredient availability. Feel free to make it your own!
- Variation: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple filling can bring extra warmth—perfect for cozy fall evenings.
- Variation: Swap out Granny Smith apples for a mix of tart and sweet apples if you like a more layered fruit flavor, like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
- Variation: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil; it changes the flavor slightly but still delicious.
- Variation: If time’s tight, you can use a pre-made lattice crust or even cut strips for a simpler top crust—but try the lattice for that beautiful caramelization!
How to Make Grandma Ople’s Classic Apple Pie with Caramelized Lattice Crust Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Apples Like a Pro
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then peel, core, and thinly slice those Granny Smith apples. I like to slice them evenly so the pie bakes uniformly. Set them aside—you’ll want everything ready before the sauce comes together.
Step 2: Make That Buttery Caramel Sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until you can smell that nutty, toasty aroma—that’s how you know it’s ready. Next, add the white sugar, brown sugar, and water, bringing it to a boil. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens beautifully into a luscious syrup. Be patient here—it makes all the difference to the flavor and texture!
Step 3: Assemble Your Pie Base and Apples
Press one pie pastry into your 9-inch pie pan, making sure it goes up the sides nicely. Pile the sliced apples inside, forming a nice mound. Don’t worry if it looks a little full—that’s how you get juicy, tender bites.
Step 4: Create Grandma Ople’s Famous Lattice Crust
Roll out your second pastry and cut it into eight strips, about an inch wide. Lay four strips vertically over the apples, spacing evenly, with longer strips in the center. Now comes the fun part: fold back the first and third strips, lay a strip perpendicularly over the second and fourth, then unfold. Repeat this weaving process until you have a perfect lattice. Don’t forget to fold and pinch the edges tightly to seal it all in.
Step 5: Pour and Brush the Caramel Magic
Gently pour the butter-sugar mixture over the lattice crust slowly, so it seeps down between the lattice into the apples without dripping off the edges. Then brush some of the sauce onto the lattice strips to get that irresistible caramel shine.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 35 to 45 minutes until the apples are tender and the crust is a golden caramel color. You’ll know it’s done when the sauce bubbles through the lattice and fills your kitchen with the most delicious aroma.
Pro Tips for Making Grandma Ople’s Classic Apple Pie with Caramelized Lattice Crust Recipe
- Even Slices Are Key: I learned that slicing apples evenly helps the pie cook uniformly so some aren’t mushy while others are underdone.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Let your butter-flour mixture cook until fragrant before adding sugars; it really deepens the flavor.
- Lattice Weaving Made Easy: Folding and unfolding the strips as you weave prevents tearing and helps you get that beautiful pattern.
- Watch for Drips: Pour the sugar butter mixture slowly so it soaks in instead of running off the edges and burning in the oven.
How to Serve Grandma Ople’s Classic Apple Pie with Caramelized Lattice Crust Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or drizzle a little caramel sauce on top for extra decadence. Trust me, these little touches take this pie from classic to next-level comfort food.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced apple cider or a robust coffee. For a festive meal, I like to serve it alongside roasted pork with sage stuffing or even a simple green salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’m serving this pie for special occasions, I like to dust powdered sugar lightly over the crust edges or sprinkle chopped toasted pecans around the plate. Another idea is to plate individual slices with a sprig of fresh mint or a cinnamon stick for a charming rustic vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Grandma Ople’s Classic Apple Pie keeps beautifully covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days. After that, I move leftovers to the fridge, where it’ll last about 4-5 days. The flavors only get better, but the crust might soften a bit, which you can easily refresh in the oven.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this pie before with great results—just wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it up. It’s a lifesaver if you want to prep ahead for holiday gatherings!
Reheating
To reheat, I pop slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore that crisp lattice crust and warm the filling thoroughly. Avoid microwaving—it can make the crust soggy instead of deliciously crisp.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of apples in Grandma Ople’s Classic Apple Pie with Caramelized Lattice Crust Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and texture, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp to create a complex flavor profile. Just make sure the apples you choose hold up well when baked to avoid a mushy pie.
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Is it okay to use store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought double-crust pie pastry works wonderfully in this recipe and saves time. Just choose a good-quality brand for the best flaky texture. Alternatively, homemade crust will add a personal touch if you prefer.
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How do I prevent the lattice crust from burning under the sugar mixture?
Pour the sugar-butter sauce slowly and evenly so it soaks into the lattice and apples instead of dripping off the sides where it can burn. Also, brushing some sauce on top of the lattice while avoiding the edges helps create that caramelized finish without harsh burning.
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Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pie and refrigerate it overnight before baking, which actually helps the flavors meld. Just bring it back to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make Grandma Ople’s Classic Apple Pie with Caramelized Lattice Crust Recipe, I’m reminded of cozy family gatherings and the joy of sharing homemade comfort food. This pie combines tradition, flavor, and that extra something special with the caramelized lattice, making it an absolute must for any apple pie lover. I can’t recommend trying this recipe enough—it’s straightforward, rewarding, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to get a slice!
Print
Grandma Ople’s Classic Apple Pie with Caramelized Lattice Crust Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings, 1 (9-inch) pie
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Grandma Ople’s Apple Pie features a deliciously tender lattice crust caramelized with a buttery sugar glaze, encasing sweet and tart Granny Smith apples. This classic fall dessert combines a flaky double-crust pastry with a rich, caramelized filling perfect for holiday celebrations and cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Filling
- 8 small Granny Smith apples, or as needed
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup white sugar
- 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
- 0.25 cup water
Crust
- 1 (9 inch) double-crust pie pastry, thawed
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel, core, and thinly slice the Granny Smith apples, then set them aside to be used in the filling.
- Make Sugar-Butter Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour to form a paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the white sugar, brown sugar, and water, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce to low heat and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Pie Crust Base: Press one pie pastry crust into a 9-inch pie pan, ensuring it lines the bottom and sides completely. Roll out the second pastry to create an overhang of about 1/2 inch around the edges. Cut this second crust into eight 1-inch strips for creating the lattice top.
- Assemble Apple Filling: Place the sliced apples into the bottom crust, creating a slight mound to hold the filling well.
- Create Lattice Crust – Step 1: Lay four pastry strips vertically and evenly spaced across the apples, placing longer strips in the center and shorter strips on the edges to cover the overhang.
- Create Lattice Crust – Step 2: Fold back the first and third vertical strips. Lay one unused strip perpendicularly over the second and fourth vertical strips. Unfold the first and third strips back over the new strip to start weaving the lattice.
- Create Lattice Crust – Step 3: Fold back the second and fourth vertical strips. Place another unused strip perpendicularly over the first woven layer. Unfold the folded strips back into place. Repeat these folding and weaving steps with the remaining strips to complete the lattice top. Trim excess dough and pinch edges to seal.
- Add Sugar-Butter Mixture: Slowly and gently pour the sugar-butter mixture over the lattice crust, ensuring it seeps through to the apples beneath. Lightly brush some of the mixture onto the lattice strips, being careful not to let it run off the sides.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated 425°F oven for 15 minutes. Then reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy this classic homemade apple pie!
Notes
- This apple pie is a classic fall dessert featuring a caramelized lattice crust and buttery, sweet-tart apple slices.
- Use Granny Smith apples for the perfect balance of tartness and firmness.
- Ensure the lattice crust is tightly pinched to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Let the pie cool slightly to allow the filling to set before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 373 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 124 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg
