How to Make a Lattice Pie Crust

Learn How to Make a Lattice Pie Crust with this easy step-by-step tutorial with expert tips and a video!

If you want that quintessential, classic Americana finish for your perfect pie, mastering the art of weaving a lattice crust is crucial. While the process might seem daunting at first, it's surprisingly straightforward if you follow a few easy tips and tricks.

Aside from being extremely beautiful, a lattice actually serves a purpose! Some pies, especially fruit pies, need to have a means for the built-up steam from baking to escape. A lattice pie is essentially built-in ventilation!

This lattice tutorial will tell you everything you need to know for success!

So, let's get to making it, shall we? The article below is jam-packed full of useful information. You can jump around using the menu below.

Jump to:

• What You Need
• Best Pie Dough for a Lattice
• Steps for Weaving a Pie Lattice
• Variations
• Tips for Success
• Baking a Pie with a Lattice
• Pie Recipes That Use a Lattice
• Video
• More Pie Basics
• Full Recipe

What You Need

There aren't a ton of absolutely essential tools you need to make a lattice that you already won't have if you are planning to make a pie, but there are a few tools that make it an easier task.

• you'll need pie crust (more on this below)
• a ruler (for even lattice strips)
• a pastry wheel (to make it easier to cut the lattice strips)
• a pastry brush (to brush on egg wash for that pretty shine)

Best Pie Dough for a Lattice

Maybe the most important aspect of making a lattice pie crust is starting with a well-made, homemade pie crust! While you can certainly make a lattice with a store-bought crust, you may find it a bit tricky depending on the brand, quality and how thin it is rolled.

If you attempt to make a lattice with poorly made pie crust, it might end up being a losing battle. Your homemade pie crust should be properly hydrated. If it has dry spots, the lattice pieces could easily break apart.

It should be chilled and rested. I recommend resting it overnight for the best outcome.

You can use any of these pie crust recipes to make a lattice:

• Butter Pie Crust made by hand, in a food processor, or a stand mixer
• Sour Cream Pie Crust (this is super tender)
• Flaky Pie Crust
• Pâte Brisée (Shortcrust Pastry)
• Cream Cheese Pie Crust
• Spelt Pie Crust
• Whole Wheat Pie Crust

Steps for Weaving a Pie Lattice

Every baker is going to have their own way of making a lattice pie. I didn't realize that my way of making a lattice pie is somewhat unique; a few years ago, somebody saw me making it and told me that they had never seen it done this way before! Of course, I think this is the easiest method to weave a lattice, but do know there are other methods out there.

I like to think of making a lattice this way as building it from the center and out.

Once the lattice is done, it's time to turn your attention to the crust. There are two choices, the lattice strips can be cut off and pressed into the crust, or they can be folded underneath the edge of the crust. Both work! Then crimp the edge of the pie, if desired.

Variations

Using this basic formula you can produce many different creative lattices.

• Weave a larger lattice using smaller strips of dough, or a smaller lattice consisting of larger pieces of dough, or any variation.
• Slightly tilt the lattice strips for another unique variation
• Weave in a braided lattice strip
• Use a pastry wheel to cut a fluted edge

Tips for Success

As with nearly any skill you learn, the more you do it, the more you pick up tips and tricks along the way. Here are my tips I've learned after making lattices for the last decade:

1. You must start with a high-quality homemade pie crust. By high-quality, that means that it should be properly made and properly hydrated. A poorly hydrated pie will crack if you try to make a lattice.
2. You might want to make extra pie dough! Depending on the type of lattice you want to make, in terms of the number of pleats and the width of it, you might need extra dough. I have always found that using only one pie dough disk for a lattice requires it to be rolled rather thin, which can make the weaving process a little more difficult. I prefer to plan on using 3 pie doughs to make the lattice exactly how I'd like it to look. You really only need about 2-½, so you can plan to save the other half of the dough for future use for your next lattice.
3. Use a ruler for an even looking lattice. A ruler is good for two reasons. The first is that it gives you a straight line to cut the pieces of dough. And the second is that you can use the ruler to figure out where the strips of pie dough need to go to be even. I don't worry as much about the latter, as I usually just eyeball it. However, if you are concerned about having a very neat lattice, a ruler is the way to go.
4. Keep your lattice strips cold! If your pie dough gets too warm, you could risk breaking it. If I have time, I roll out my bottom pie crust, and my lattice strips ahead of time. I find this helpful so the gluten can relax (which makes for a prettier lattice), and so that is thoroughly cold when I'm weaving the lattice. If at any point the dough gets too warm, place it on a sheet tray in the refrigerator to chill.
5. Make different sized lattice strips for a unique design. You can also incorporate braids or other unique elements into your lattice. Get creative!

Baking a Pie with a Lattice

Baking a lattice pie is no different than baking a pie with a regular top crust. The basic rule for baking a beautiful pie is to put a very cold pie in a very hot oven! This ensures the pastry is able to set, will not sag or melt, and will build up plenty of steam for the pastry to create a beautiful flaky crust.

Because the pie pastry has likely been warmed while it was weaved into a lattice, it is always a safe bet to stick the unbaked pie in the freezer for 10-20 minutes prior to baking, to ensure it is fully chilled.

After the pie has been chilled, the pastry should be brushed with an egg wash, and if desired, sprinkled with sugar.

A lattice, like most pies with butter pie crust, should be baked on the lowest rack at 425ºF. However, it is best to consult the recipe for the pie that you are making to confirm that is the suggested temperature.

Pie Recipes That Use a Lattice

Fruit pies tend to be the best pies for baking with a lattice top. However, one thing to note is that if your pie filling uses quick-cooking tapioca, you will have to make a tightly weaved lattice. The reason for this is because quick-cooking tapioca can harden when it is baked without a top crust, and a wide lattice can trigger this to happen.

Here are some recipes to make to practice your lattice weaving skills:

Video

More Pie Basics

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