Indulge in this easy and delicious Apple Slab Pie, a perfect dessert for any gathering. Featuring a buttery crust and tender, spiced apples, this twist on traditional apple pie is ideal for holidays or anytime you’re craving warm apple flavors. Serve it warm with ice cream for a delightful treat!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 cup ice-cold water
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
For the Apple Filling:
8 cups apples, peeled and sliced (choose varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Directions:
Make the Crust:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and sugar. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a separate large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt until the apples are evenly coated.
Roll Out the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 10×15-inch baking sheet. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to fit the bottom of the baking sheet. Place the dough in the prepared sheet, pressing it into the edges.
Assemble the Pie:
Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Roll out the second disk of dough and lay it over the apples. Pinch the edges to seal, then cut a few slits in the top crust for venting.
Add Topping:
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Bake:
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let cool before slicing.
Serving Tips:
Warm It Up: Serve the pie warm for the best flavor and texture. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Pair with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes a perfect accompaniment to the warm pie. The creamy texture complements the spiced apples beautifully.
Garnish: Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top before serving for an extra touch of flavor and elegance.
Slice Neatly: Use a sharp knife to slice the pie into equal portions. Clean the knife between cuts for clean edges and an attractive presentation.
Serving Size: Each slice should be generous yet manageable, especially since this pie is rich and flavorful. Serving with a side of fresh fruit can balance the sweetness.
Storage Tips:
Cooling: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before storing to prevent condensation, which can make the crust soggy.
Refrigeration: If you have leftover pie, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the apple slab pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
Individual Slices: If you want to freeze individual slices, wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. This makes it easy to grab a piece whenever you crave something sweet!
Avoid the Microwave for Storage: If you can, avoid storing the pie in the microwave, as it can create excess moisture, leading to a soggy crust.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use different types of apples for the filling?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are popular choices for their balanced sweetness and tartness, you can mix and match various apple varieties. Some good options include Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples. A combination of sweet and tart apples will add depth to the flavor of your pie.
Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie crust in advance! You can make the dough, shape it into disks, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
Your Apple Slab Pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. A good visual cue is to look for the slits in the top crust—if you see steam rising and the filling bubbling through, it’s ready. Baking time may vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.
What should I do if my apples turn brown before baking?
To prevent apples from browning after slicing, toss them in a bit of lemon juice. The acid in the lemon juice slows down the oxidation process, keeping your apple slices looking fresh until you’re ready to use them in the filling. You can also slice the apples just before you prepare the filling for the pie.
Conclusion:
This Apple Slab Pie is an easy, delicious dessert that elevates traditional apple pie to new heights. Its simple preparation, combined with its ability to feed a crowd, makes it a must-try recipe for your next gathering. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a backyard barbecue, this pie is sure to impress and delight all who taste it. Don’t wait; gather your ingredients and bake up this sweet, spiced treat today!
📖 Recipe:
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Apple Slab Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that brings the warmth of homemade apple pie to the table, look no further than this Apple Slab Pie. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, this recipe offers a delightful combination of a buttery crust and tender, spiced apples that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup ice-cold water
For the Apple Filling:
8 cups apples, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until the dough comes together. Divide into two disks, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: Toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt in a large bowl until coated.
- Roll Out the Dough: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 10×15-inch baking sheet. Roll out one disk of dough to fit the bottom of the baking sheet and press it into the edges.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread the apple filling over the crust. Roll out the second disk and place it over the apples. Seal the edges and cut slits for venting.
- Add Topping: Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and filling is bubbling. Let cool before slicing.
Notes
For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples.
This pie can be served warm or at room temperature, and it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 slices
- Calories: 290 kcal
