As the leaves begin to turn and the air carries a crispness that beckons cozy gatherings, I can’t help but reminisce about the joy of baking. This season, I’m excited to share my take on Apple Slab Pie—a delightful dessert that’s as warm and inviting as a Sunday afternoon with family. Not only is this recipe perfect for feeding a crowd, but it also makes preparation a breeze, allowing you to spend more time enjoying laughter and good company instead of being stuck in the kitchen. With its flaky crust and tender, spiced apple filling, this pie promises to be a showstopper at your next holiday gathering. Curious about how to whip up this comfort food classic, perhaps with a twist of peach or blueberry? Let’s dive in!
Why Is Apple Slab Pie So Special?
Crowd-Pleaser: This apple slab pie is designed to serve a crowd, making it perfect for family gatherings and parties.
Simplicity: The straightforward steps and easy assembly mean you can whip it up without fuss, leaving time for joy and connection.
Versatile Flavors: Experiment with variations like peach or blueberry for a fresh twist. You might even want to try it with a crumb topping for something different!
Comforting Aroma: The enticing smell of baked apples and warm spices wafting through your kitchen will draw everyone in.
Serve with Style: Elevate your presentation by serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream, just like with my Coconut Cream Pie.
Perfect for Fall: Embrace the cozy vibes of autumn with a dessert that embodies everything wonderful about the season.
Apple Slab Pie Ingredients
• Everything you need for this delicious treat!
For the Crust
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure for the crust; feel free to substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness to both crust and filling; adjust based on your apple’s natural sweetness.
- Table Salt – Enhances flavors and balances sweetness, ensuring every bite sings.
- Unsalted Butter – Brings flakiness and richness; swap for vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Cold Water – Essential for binding the dough without melting the butter, ensuring flakiness.
For the Filling
- Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended) – The star of the show, adding a mix of tartness and sweetness; a blend works wonders!
- Lemon Juice – Keeps apples from browning and introduces a zesty brightness to the filling.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the filling to prevent a soggy crust, ensuring a delightful texture.
- Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice – Warm spices that elevate the apple flavor; adjust according to your taste.
For the Topping
- Heavy Cream or Egg Wash – Brush on top before baking for a beautiful golden color and shiny finish.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Slab Pie
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in cold, unsalted butter until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Gradually add cold water, stirring until a dough forms. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to ensure flakiness.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough chills, peel, core, and chop about 6 cups of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss the apple chunks with lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the apples to release some juice.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two pieces, one slightly larger for the bottom crust. Roll out the larger piece on a lightly floured surface to fit a 10×15-inch baking sheet. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the baking sheet, pressing it gently into the corners and edges.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Spoon the prepared apple filling evenly over the crust in the baking sheet, spreading it out to ensure even distribution. Roll out the second piece of dough and place it over the apples, trimming any excess dough hanging over the edges. Seal the edges by crimping with your fingers, and cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 5: Finish the Pie
Brush the top of the pie with heavy cream or an egg wash for a golden finish. Sprinkle a little sugar over the top for added sweetness and crunch. This apple slab pie is now prepped and ready to bake—a perfect recipe for cozy gatherings!
Step 6: Bake
Place the assembled pie on a larger baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is a beautiful golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end to ensure it’s perfectly baked without over-browning.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the apple slab pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This cooling time helps the filling set, preventing a soggy slice. Serve warm with ice cream for a truly delightful dessert experience!
What to Serve with Apple Slab Pie
As you prepare to delight your guests with a warm slice of apple slab pie, consider these delightful accompaniments that will round out your meal beautifully.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture melts into the warm pie, creating a delightful contrast that’s simply irresistible.
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Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this topping adds a touch of elegance and balances the sweetness of the pie perfectly.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over each slice for a decadent twist that enhances the apple flavor, creating a truly indulgent dessert.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Warm up a mug of apple cider with cinnamon and cloves for a fragrant drink that echoes the pie’s cozy flavors.
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Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with apples, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast to the rich dessert, making a balanced meal.
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Cheese Platter: Pair slices of sharp cheddar or creamy brie alongside the pie for a sweet and savory experience, perfect for entertaining.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite brings a festive touch to your meal, making it feel extra special and inviting for guests.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: Consider serving a small platter of warm cookies for those who love a little variety after the main dessert.
Mix and match these options to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements the essence of the apple slab pie and turns dessert time into a memorable experience!
How to Store and Freeze Apple Slab Pie
Room Temperature: Slice any leftover apple slab pie and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Fridge: For longer storage, cover your pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven to restore its lovely crispness.
Freezer: If you want to freeze your pie for future enjoyment, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating: To reheat slices, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes, ensuring your apple slab pie is delightfully warm and crispy!
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Slab Pie preparations are ideal for busy home cooks wanting to save time! You can prepare the pie dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance. To do this, chill the dough as directed, and store the apple filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re concerned about browning, squeeze a little extra lemon juice over the apples before storing. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the dough, assemble the pie with the prepared filling, brush the top with cream, and pop it in the oven. This way, you can enjoy a fresh-baked dessert with minimal effort at your gathering!
Expert Tips for Apple Slab Pie
• Chill the Dough: Ensure the butter is very cold before mixing; this is key to a flaky crust. Don’t skip chilling the dough for at least 2 hours!
• Apple Variety Mix: For more depth in flavor, use a combination of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp in your filling.
• Prevent Sogginess: Use cornstarch in your apple filling to help absorb excess moisture, keeping the crust crisp and delightful.
• Steam Venting: Remember to cut slits in the top crust before baking; this allows steam to escape and helps the pie bake evenly.
• Serving Warm: This apple slab pie is best served warm, especially paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Your guests will love it!
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator; just assemble and bake the pie on the day of your gathering for a fresh taste.
Apple Slab Pie Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to mix things up and personalize your apple slab pie with these fun variations!
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Peach Delight: Substitute apples with fresh, sliced peaches for a juicy twist. Peaches bring a bright sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.
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Berry Burst: Swap out the apples for blueberries or a mix of berries for a vibrant, juicy filling. The tartness of berries adds a refreshing note to the familiar comfort of pie.
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Breakfast Pie: Transform this dessert into a breakfast treat by adding a layer of cream cheese or ricotta beneath the fruit filling. The creaminess will create a decadent morning delight.
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Crumb Topping: Ditch the top crust and replace it with a crumb topping made of flour, butter, and brown sugar for a delightful crunch. The texture contrasts wonderfully with the soft apples.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust. This substitution ensures everyone can enjoy this crowd-pleaser without compromising on taste.
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Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ground ginger to the filling for added warmth and a unique flavor profile. These spices elevate the apple taste and offer a cozy twist.
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Nutty Surprise: Mix in a handful of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the apple filling for added texture. The crunchiness of the nuts harmonizes perfectly with the soft apples.
If you’re seeking even more savory inspirations, consider trying my Coconut Cream Pie, and spice up your experience with a delicious Apple Cider Chai. Customize your slab pie as you see fit—the possibilities are endless!
Apple Slab Pie Recipe FAQs
What type of apples are best for the filling?
Absolutely! For your Apple Slab Pie, I recommend using a mix of Granny Smith for their tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness. This combination creates a balanced and flavorful filling. It’s ideal to use about 6 cups of chopped apples to keep the pie hearty.
How should I store leftover apple slab pie?
Great question! After enjoying your delicious Apple Slab Pie, slice any leftovers and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need it to last longer, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate, where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze apple slab pie?
Very much so! To freeze your pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This helps preserve the flavors and prevents freezer burn. Your pie can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
That’s an excellent consideration! To ensure a crisp crust, use cornstarch in your apple filling to absorb excess moisture. Additionally, it’s helpful to let the pie cool for about 15-20 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set before cutting into it. This prevents juice from running out and creating a soggy slice.
Is there a dairy-free option for the pie?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter for the crust. The rest of the ingredients remain unchanged, making it easy to tailor to your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor!
Can I add other fruits or toppings to the pie?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like peaches or blueberries for a seasonal twist. You can also replace the top crust with a crumb topping made of flour, butter, and brown sugar for a delightful crunch. The more variations, the merrier—your apple slab pie can truly become your canvas!
Delicious Apple Slab Pie: A Sweet Twist on Tradition
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold, unsalted butter until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Gradually add cold water, stirring until a dough forms. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Peel, core, and chop about 6 cups of apples. Toss apple chunks with lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and spices. Let sit for about 15 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the larger piece of dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 10x15-inch baking sheet. Transfer the rolled dough to the baking sheet.
- Spoon the prepared apple filling evenly over the crust. Roll out the second piece of dough and place it over the apples. Seal the edges by crimping.
- Brush the top of the pie with heavy cream or egg wash. Sprinkle a little sugar over the top.
- Place the assembled pie in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with ice cream.
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