Ah, apple pie. Is there anything more comforting? This spiced apple pie with a lattice crust holds a special place in my heart. It’s inspired by crisp autumn mornings, where you can almost smell the cinnamon in the air. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a random Tuesday, this pie turns any moment into a celebration. And that lattice crust? It’s simpler than you’d think and adds that “wow” factor to your baking masterpiece. Trust me, you’re going to love every bite of this one.
If you’re craving a dessert that tastes like a warm hug, this spiced apple pie is the one!
### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
- Aromatic and Flavorful: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom brings out the best in those juicy apples.
- Showstopper Presentation: The lattice crust isn’t just pretty; it also helps the pie bake evenly.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the filling or crust ahead of time to make your baking day a breeze.
- Customizable: Perfect with your apple variety of choice or even a mix to get that perfect sweet-tart balance.
### **Ingredients Breakdown**
#### **For the Pie Crust**
– All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Provides structure. Make sure it’s sifted for a lighter crust.
– Unsalted butter (1 cup, chilled and cubed): The colder, the flakier your crust will be!
– Ice water (6-8 tablespoons): Add it gradually to achieve the perfect dough texture.
– Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): A touch of sweetness for balance.
– Salt (½ teaspoon): Elevates the overall flavor of the crust.
#### **For the Filling**
– Apples (6-7, peeled and sliced): Go for a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for that sweet and tangy combo.
– Brown sugar (¾ cup): Caramel-like sweetness to enhance the apple flavor.
– Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds just the right sweetness balance.
– Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Warm and cozy spice.
– Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): A subtle kick of earthy depth.
– Ground cardamom (¼ teaspoon): Optional, but it adds an exotic twist to the spice mix.
– All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the filling to avoid a watery pie.
– Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Keeps apples fresh and adds brightness.
#### **For the Egg Wash**
– 1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk or cream for that golden-brown finish.
### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
#### **Make the Crust**
1. In a large bowl or food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it!
3. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
#### **Prepare the Filling**
1. In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and flour. Stir until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
#### **Assemble the Pie**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, letting the edges hang over slightly.
3. Pour the apple filling into the crust, packing it gently to avoid air pockets.
4. Roll out the second dough disc and cut it into strips for the lattice. Lay half of the strips horizontally over the filling and weave the remaining strips vertically to create the lattice pattern.
5. Trim excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Brush the egg wash over the crust.
#### **Bake**
1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
2. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.
### **Chef’s Tips and Tricks**
– Keep It Cool: If your dough starts to get too warm when rolling it out or making the lattice, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes.
– Prevent a Soggy Bottom: Brush the bottom crust with a thin layer of egg white before adding the filling.
– Make It Shine: Sprinkle a little coarse sugar over the egg wash for a sparkly finish.
### **Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions**
– Swap cardamom for a pinch of ground cloves for a more traditional spiced pie.
– Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
– Add chopped pecans or cranberries to the filling for extra texture and a festive vibe.
### **FAQs**
#### **Can I use store-bought pie crust?**
Absolutely! While homemade crust adds a special touch, a quality store-bought crust works in a pinch.
#### **How do I store leftover pie?**
Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
#### **Can I freeze this pie?**
Yes! Wrap the baked and cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
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💛 I can’t wait for you to try this Spiced Apple Pie with a Lattice Crust—it’s truly a labor of love and so worth it. If you bake it, don’t forget to share your creation with me by leaving a comment below or tagging your photo on Instagram with #TheKitchensAid. Let’s keep the cozy vibes going!
