If you’re like me, nothing beats a classic apple pie that warms your kitchen and soul. Today, I’m so excited to share this stunning Apple Pie with Caramelized Lattice Crust by Grandma Ople Recipe — a real showstopper that delivers buttery, caramelized sweetness and gorgeous flaky lattice work every time. Whether it’s for a cozy fall evening or a special holiday dessert, this pie always brings back fond memories and gets rave reviews from family and friends. Stick with me here, and I’ll walk you through all the tips and tricks to bake this beauty perfectly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Caramelized Crust: The buttery sugar mixture bakes into a golden, crisp lattice that smells like heaven in your oven.
- Easy-to-Follow Steps: Grandma Ople’s method is straightforward, even if you don’t bake pies often.
- Perfect Balance of Tart & Sweet: Granny Smith apples bring tartness that pairs beautifully with the rich sugary glaze.
- A Family Favorite for Years: This recipe has been a cherished tradition that brings everyone to the table smiling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a vital role in making Grandma Ople’s pie just right — from crisp Granny Smith apples for that tangy punch to the right sugars that caramelize perfectly over the lattice crust. Choosing quality ingredients makes this simple recipe shine.
- Granny Smith apples: Tart and firm apples hold their shape nicely without turning mushy.
- Unsalted butter: Use good quality butter to get that rich, creamy flavor in your caramel topping.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the caramel filling and binds it together.
- White sugar: For sweetness and crispness in the caramel layer.
- Brown sugar: Adds a lovely depth and molasses flavor to the filling.
- Water: Needed to bring the sugars into a syrup for that perfect caramel consistency.
- Double-crust pie pastry: Store-bought is fine, but if you make your own, that’s even better!
Variations
I love that this recipe is super flexible. You can tweak a few things depending on the apples you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to make it your own — that’s part of the fun when baking with family.
- Spiced Variation: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar mixture for a warm spice twist that really enhances those apple flavors. My family goes crazy for this little upgrade come fall.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Use your favorite gluten-free pie crust blend. I tried this for a friend once, and it baked just as beautifully — just keep an eye on browning timing.
- Mixed Apples: Swap in half Fuji or Honeycrisp with Granny Smith for a sweeter, more complex profile.
- Vegan Version: Substitute vegan butter and ensure your pie crust is dairy-free. This works surprisingly well even for picky eaters.
How to Make Apple Pie with Caramelized Lattice Crust by Grandma Ople Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Apples Like a Pro
Begin by peeling, coring, and thinly slicing your Granny Smith apples. I like to keep the slices fairly uniform so they cook evenly. Setting them aside while you make the caramel sauce is key to keeping things moving smoothly.
Step 2: Whip Up That Caramel Magic
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the flour until it forms a fragrant paste — about 1 to 2 minutes. This little trick helps thicken the caramel without lumps. Next, pour in the white sugar, brown sugar, and water, bringing everything to a boil before reducing to a gentle simmer for a few minutes. This step is where your pie starts coming to life, so don’t rush it.
Step 3: Prepare the Pie Crust and Apples
Press one pie pastry into your pie pan’s bottom and sides firmly but carefully. Roll out the remaining pastry and cut into eight 1-inch strips. This is the moment where Grandma Ople’s signature caramelized lattice crust truly shines — so take your time with the weaving.
Step 4: Create the Gorgeous Lattice Crust
Place your sliced apples into the pie crust, mounded slightly for a hearty filling. Weave the strips into a lattice pattern — folding back alternate strips and layering the others perpendicularly — until your top crust looks like a beautiful woven masterpiece. Don’t forget to pinch the edges to seal everything up neatly.
Step 5: Add the Caramel Sauce and Bake
Slowly pour your sugar-butter mixture over the lattice crust, letting the caramel syrup seep through and coat the apples below. I usually brush some directly onto the lattice as well to get that extra rich caramelized finish, but be careful not to let it run off the edges. Now bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes until the apples soften and the crust turns golden.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie with Caramelized Lattice Crust by Grandma Ople Recipe
- Even Apple Slices: Slice apples evenly and not too thick for uniform baking and that perfect tender bite.
- Make Lattice Weaving Easier: Chill your pie dough slightly before weaving so it doesn’t stretch or tear.
- Caramel Pour Timing: Pour the caramel slowly and gently—too fast and it runs off; slow pouring ensures that sweet, caramelized finish.
- Avoid Soggy Bottom: Bake at higher heat first to set the crust, then reduce temperature—a key tip I learned that saves the day!
How to Serve Apple Pie with Caramelized Lattice Crust by Grandma Ople Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side — the cold creaminess balances the warm apples and crispy caramel wonderfully. A light dusting of powdered sugar on the lattice crust also adds a pretty touch if you’re serving guests.
Side Dishes
It might sound indulgent, but I find a simple cup of black coffee or cinnamon-spiced tea pairs perfectly with this pie, cutting through the sweetness just right. For more savory sides, roasted nuts or a cheese platter nearby complement the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners, I’ve turned this pie into mini tarts using the same filling and lattice method — so cute and perfect for individual servings! Wrapping the pie edges with decorative pie crust cutters before baking adds a lovely rustic touch, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cover leftover pie tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. This pie stays delicious for up to 4 days, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!
Freezing
Freezing works well too—I wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, to prevent freezer burn. When I want a sweet fix, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and it tastes nearly as fresh as the day I baked it.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop slices into a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. It brings back that flaky crust and warm, gooey filling beautifully without drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of apples besides Granny Smith?
Absolutely! Granny Smith are great for tartness and holding shape, but mixing in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp can add complexity and sweetness. Just make sure your mix isn’t too soft to avoid a mushy filling.
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How do I prevent the lattice crust from burning before the filling is cooked?
Start baking at 425°F for 15 minutes to set the crust, then lower the oven to 350°F for the remainder of the baking time. This prevents over-browning while allowing the filling to soften perfectly.
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Can I prepare this pie in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the pie and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Just cover it securely, and bake as directed when you’re ready.
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What’s the secret to the caramelized flavor on the lattice crust?
Grandma Ople’s trick is pouring the butter and sugar mixture over the lattice before baking. This sugary glaze melts and caramelizes during baking, creating that irresistible crispy sweet crust.
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Can I use homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Definitely! Homemade crust adds an extra touch of love and flavor. Just be sure your dough is cold and well-chilled before working with it, especially for the lattice strips.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Apple Pie with Caramelized Lattice Crust by Grandma Ople Recipe turns out every single time — the perfect harmony of tart apples and sweet, buttery caramelized crust is a slice of happiness. It’s one of those recipes that becomes part of your family’s story, something handed down and savored on special occasions or any time you want a taste of comfort. I hope you enjoy baking it as much as I do, and maybe even share a little of Grandma Ople’s magic in your own kitchen!
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Apple Pie with Caramelized Lattice Crust by Grandma Ople 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 is a traditional, comforting dessert featuring a flaky double crust with a caramelized lattice top and filled with tender, buttery Granny Smith apples. This classic pie offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it an ideal treat for fall or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 8 small Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Caramel Sauce
- 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
Pie Crust
- 1 (9 inch) double-crust pie pastry, thawed
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Peel, core, and thinly slice the Granny Smith apples and set them aside.
- Make Caramel Sauce: Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour to form a paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Add both the white and brown sugars along with the water, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Pie Crust Base: Press one pastry crust into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Roll out the second pastry crust to create an overhang of about half an inch. Cut this overhanging pastry into eight 1-inch strips.
- Assemble Filling: Place the sliced apples into the pie crust, forming a slight mound in the center.
- Create Lattice Top – Step 1: Lay four pastry strips vertically and evenly spaced over the apples, using longer strips in the center and shorter strips near the sides.
- Create Lattice Top – Step 2: Fold back the first and third vertical strips almost off the pie. Lay one of the unused strips perpendicularly across the second and fourth strips, then unfold the first and third strips back over it.
- Create Lattice Top – Step 3: Fold back the second and fourth vertical strips, then place another unused strip perpendicularly over them. Unfold these strips back into place. Repeat weaving with the remaining two strips to complete the lattice.
- Trim and Seal: Fold and trim any excess dough at the edges and pinch the crusts to secure them together.
- Add Caramel Sauce: Gently pour the prepared sugar-butter caramel mixture slowly over the lattice crust, ensuring it seeps down over the apple slices. Brush some of the sauce onto the lattice carefully without letting it run off the edges.
- Bake Pie: Bake the pie in the preheated oven at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 15 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes, until the apples are soft and the crust is golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the pie from the oven, let it cool slightly, then serve and enjoy this classic homemade apple pie.
Notes
- This recipe creates a beautifully caramelized lattice crust filled with sweet and buttery apples, perfect for fall or holiday desserts.
- Granny Smith apples provide the perfect balance of tartness and firmness to hold shape during baking.
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing to let the filling set for cleaner slices.
- Ensure the caramel sauce is poured gently to avoid overflow and keep the lattice crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pie)
- Calories: 373
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 124mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
