How to Make a Lattice Pie Crust That Looks Perfect
Let our lattice how-to turn you into a pie-making pro, with step-by-step instructions and lattice pie recipes.
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Step 1: Create a Great Pie Crust
A good crust is the foundation for any pie lattice-topped or otherwise. Our Test Kitchen loves this basic butter pie pastry recipe. Be sure to follow our step-by-step guide if you’re new to pie crust.
Once your pastry is chilled, roll out just as you would for the base layer of the pie. You’ll want to work with those same dimensions.
Step 2: Cut Strips of Pastry
The next step is to cut out your strips of pastry. You can use a pizza cutter for this job or you can try a pastry cutter to get those neat zig-zag edges. (This pastry cutter is just one of a few of our favorite pie-baking tools.) To prevent these blades from sticking, dust the edges with flour.
You can cut these strips thick or thin (though we’d advise no wider than an inch). The thinner the strips, the more weaving you’ll have to do, so we recommend wider strips for beginners.
Step 3: Place Your First Layer of Lattice
Next, lay out your first layer of lattice going in one direction. Leave at least a half-inch space between each pastry strip. This will help give you some definition and will allow steam to escape from the pie.
Step 4: Fold Back Every Other Strip
With that first layer of pastry down, you’ll want to fold back a few strips. Fold every other piece back about halfway. This lays the foundation for your first crossways piece of lattice.
Step 7: Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
Now that you’ve got the hang of folding over and weaving, you’ll just keep repeating this process, alternating strips as you go. Eventually, you’ll fill the entire pie.
And if you find your strips break or crack—don’t worry. You can patch them up using a bit of water as glue (or hid any cracks under the weave—we won’t tell).
Step 8: Trim the Edges
Once your lattice is complete, you can trim. Leave about an inch of pastry around the perimeter and trim any excess.
Step 9: Crimp
Finish up the pie by crimping or pinching the edge. You can try other methods, too, like a rope finish or braiding. We’ve got all the details on these techniques right here.
Once the edges are finished, you’re ready to pop the pie in the oven! Now check out some amazing lattice-topped pie recipes to get you excited about trying this technique out at home.
Citrus Cranberry Pie
Golden Peach Pie
Mixed Berry Pie
Tart Cherry Lattice Pie Recipe
Apple Cranberry Slab Pie
Orange Chocolate Ricotta Pie
Mango Pie with Coconut Crust
Cranberry-Apple Lattice Pie Recipe
