How to Make Perfectly Shaped Pies with Decorative Lattice Tops

Making perfectly shaped pies with decorative lattice tops requires attention to detail, but with the right techniques, anyone can master this craft. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve beautifully shaped pies with stunning lattice tops that are both aesthetically pleasing and delicious.

Step 1: Choose Your Pie Dough

A crucial element in pie-making is the dough. For the best results, it’s recommended to use a homemade pie crust. While store-bought dough is convenient, a homemade crust tends to produce a flakier, more flavorful result.

Ingredients for Pie Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar (if using).
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Ice Water: Slowly add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork it.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before rolling out.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Filling

While the dough chills, prepare your pie filling. Fruit pies, such as apple, cherry, or blueberry, are ideal for lattice-topped pies. For this guide, we will use a classic apple pie filling.

Ingredients for Apple Pie Filling:

• 6-8 medium apples (a mix of tart and sweet, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Peel and Slice Apples: Peel and core the apples, then slice them into ¼-inch thick slices.
2. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Roll Out the Pie Dough

Once the dough is chilled, remove one disc and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to fit your pie dish. The dough should be about 1/8 inch thick.

1. Roll Out the Bottom Crust: Roll out the dough to about a 12-inch diameter for a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer it to the dish and gently press it into place.
2. Trim Excess Dough: Trim the excess dough, leaving about an inch overhang, and refrigerate the pie crust while you prepare the lattice.

Step 4: Create the Lattice Top

The lattice top is the most decorative part of the pie. It involves weaving strips of dough over the pie filling in a crisscross pattern. This technique requires precision, but with a little patience, you’ll get the perfect lattice.

1. Roll Out the Second Disc: Roll out the second disc of dough to about 1/8 inch thick, just like you did with the bottom crust.
2. Cut the Dough into Strips: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into ½ to ¾-inch wide strips. You will need about 10-12 strips for a 9-inch pie, depending on the size of the strips and how wide you want the lattice to be.
3. Arrange the Strips: Lay half of the dough strips parallel to each other over the filled pie, leaving a small gap between each strip. Then, fold back every other strip halfway.
4. Weave the Lattice: Place another strip of dough perpendicular to the parallel strips, then unfold the parallel strips over it. Fold back the strips you haven’t woven over yet and place another strip in the opposite direction. Continue this process, weaving each strip over and under until the entire pie is covered.
5. Trim and Seal the Lattice: Trim the excess dough along the edges and fold the edges of the strips under the bottom crust. Crimp the edges together to seal the pie.
6. Optional: Brush the top of the lattice with a mixture of one beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of water (egg wash). This will give the pie a beautiful golden-brown finish.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Before baking, place the pie in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to ensure the dough is cold, which helps it hold its shape.

1. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on the middle rack and bake for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. Cool the Pie: Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set, making it easier to cut clean slices.

Tips for Perfect Lattice Tops

1. Chill the Dough: Chilled dough is easier to work with and holds its shape better during the weaving process. If the dough becomes too warm while you’re working, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
2. Use a Pie Shield: If the crust begins to brown too quickly, use a pie shield or cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
3. Add Decorative Elements: You can add extra flair to your lattice top by cutting the dough strips into different shapes, such as hearts, stars, or other designs.
4. Prevent a Soggy Bottom: To avoid a soggy crust, you can sprinkle the bottom crust with a light layer of flour, cornstarch, or even crushed graham crackers before adding the filling.
5. Choose the Right Filling: For a lattice top to shine, opt for fillings that aren’t too liquid-heavy. Apple, cherry, and berry pies tend to hold up well under a lattice top.

Conclusion

Creating perfectly shaped pies with a decorative lattice top is a rewarding and fun baking project. By following these simple steps, you can create a beautiful pie that’s sure to impress both the eyes and the taste buds. The combination of flaky, buttery crust and the elegance of a woven lattice will make your pie the star of any gathering.