Apple Slab Pie

55

Oh, let me tell you about my Apple Slab Pie! It’s honestly one of my all-time favorite desserts, and it brings back such sweet memories of family gatherings and cozy autumn afternoons. Picture this: the smell of cinnamon wafting through the house as the pie bakes, filling every corner with warmth and nostalgia. It’s a recipe that feels like a hug, and it’s perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to holiday feasts. And the best part? It serves a crowd! This pie is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to cut and serve, making it a hit at parties. Trust me, once you take your first bite of that flaky crust and sweet apple filling, you’ll be dreaming of making it again and again!

Why You’ll Love Apple Slab Pie

Let me tell you, this Apple Slab Pie is a game-changer! First of all, the flaky crust is nothing short of magical. When you bite into it, you’ll hear that satisfying crunch, and it just melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of crust that makes you feel like a baking pro, even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen.

The filling? Oh my goodness, it’s pure heaven! Sweet, juicy apples tossed with just the right spices create a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. I love how the cinnamon and nutmeg blend together, giving it that warm, cozy feeling that’s perfect for any time of year.

But here’s the kicker: this pie is super easy to serve! Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or just having a few friends over, cutting it into squares is a breeze. No messy slicing like with traditional pies. You can scoop it up onto plates with ease, and it looks fantastic too! Plus, it’s perfect for gatherings because it feeds a crowd—12 generous slices from one pie. Wow, right? You’ll definitely want to make this one over and over!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the ingredients for this amazing Apple Slab Pie! Don’t worry; it’s all pretty straightforward, and I promise you’ll find everything at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 ¾ cups (470 grams) all-purpose flour – This is the backbone of our flaky crust, so make sure it’s fresh! I love using King Arthur Flour for its consistency.
• 1 ½ tbsp sugar – Just a touch to sweeten the crust and balance the flavors. You can use granulated sugar, no fancy stuff needed!
• 1 ½ tsp table salt – This enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it! It’s an essential ingredient in baking.
• 3 sticks (12 oz or 340 grams) unsalted butter, cubed and kept very cold – Trust me, cold butter is key to achieving that flaky texture. I usually cut mine and stick it back in the fridge for a bit.
• ¾ cup very cold water – This helps bring the dough together without warming up the butter. Cold is the name of the game!
• 3 ½ to 4 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into approximately ½-inch chunks (about 10 cups) – I like a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
• Squeeze of lemon juice – This adds brightness to the filling and helps prevent the apples from browning.
• ⅔ to ¾ cup sugar – Adjust depending on how sweet your apples are. Taste your apples first; you want the filling to be just right!
• 3 tbsp cornstarch – This thickens the filling and keeps it from getting too soupy. Super important!
• 1 rounded tsp ground cinnamon – Oh, the smell of cinnamon! It’s what makes this pie feel like home.
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg – Just a pinch to add warmth and depth to the flavor. It’s a little secret ingredient!
• ¼ tsp ground allspice – This adds an extra layer of spice that works beautifully with the apples.
• ⅛ tsp table salt – Just a tiny bit to round out the flavors even more.
• 2 tbsp heavy cream or 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water – You’ll use this to brush over the top crust for that golden brown finish. It makes all the difference!

Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to creating a delicious Apple Slab Pie that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—making this delicious Apple Slab Pie! Follow these steps, and you’ll be a pie-making superstar in no time. I promise it’s easier than it looks!

Preparing the Dough

First things first, let’s whip up that flaky crust! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined. Then, it’s time to add the cold butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want some small pea-sized pieces of butter to remain for that flaky texture.

Next, slowly stir in the cold water, just until the dough starts to come together. Don’t overmix! Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Pop those disks in the fridge for at least an hour. This chilling step is crucial for keeping that butter nice and cold, which helps create the flakiness we all love!

Making the Apple Filling

While your dough is chilling, let’s get those apples ready! Peel, core, and chop your apples into approximately ½-inch chunks. I like to use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for that perfect balance of tart and sweet. Once you’ve got about 10 cups of chopped apples, toss them into a large bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice and the sugar. This will keep them from browning and add a lovely brightness to the filling.

Now, sprinkle in the cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Give everything a good stir so the apples are evenly coated in that delicious mixture. Set this aside while we roll out the dough.

Assembling the Pie

Now comes the fun part—assembling your pie! Take one of the chilled dough disks out of the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s big enough to fit your baking pan (typically a 12×17 inch pan). Carefully place the rolled-out dough into the pan, pressing it gently into the corners. Don’t worry if it cracks a bit; just patch it up with your fingers!

Next, pour that lovely apple filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Now, take the second dough disk, roll it out just like the first, and place it over the apple filling. You can crimp the edges together to seal it or just use a fork to make pretty patterns. Don’t forget to cut a few slits in the top crust to allow the steam to escape!

Baking the Apple Slab Pie

Now, let’s get this pie into the oven! Brush the top of the crust with heavy cream or the egg wash for that beautiful golden brown finish. Place your pie into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it, as oven times can vary! Once it’s done, let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Trust me, the aroma will drive everyone wild!

Variations

Now, let’s talk about how you can make this Apple Slab Pie even more exciting! One of my favorite variations is to switch up the apple types. You can use a mix of tart and sweet apples to create a more complex flavor. For instance, combining Granny Smith with Fuji or Braeburn apples gives a delightful taste contrast.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not add some spices? A dash of ginger or cardamom can elevate the flavor profile and give it a unique twist. You could even throw in some dried cranberries or raisins for a burst of sweetness and texture!

For those who enjoy a nutty flavor, try adding some chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling. It adds a wonderful crunch that complements the softness of the apples. These simple tweaks can make your Apple Slab Pie a signature dish that keeps everyone guessing and coming back for more!

Serving and Storage Tips

Let’s talk about how to serve this delightful Apple Slab Pie! The best way to enjoy it is warm, right out of the oven, with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. Oh my goodness, the combination of warm pie and cold ice cream is just heavenly! You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for a pretty finish!

Now, when it comes to storing leftovers (if there are any!), let the pie cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It’ll last in the fridge for about 3-4 days, but I bet it won’t last that long! If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze individual slices. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, and you’ll have a slice of heaven again! Enjoy every bite!

Helpful Notes

Before you dive into making your Apple Slab Pie, here are a few helpful tips to ensure it turns out perfectly! First off, adjust the sugar in your apple filling based on the sweetness of the apples you choose. If you’re using really sweet apples like Fuji, you might want to go with less sugar. But if you’re using tart ones like Granny Smith, a bit more sugar will help balance the flavors.

Also, don’t underestimate the importance of chilling the dough. Keeping that butter cold is what gives your crust that incredible flakiness we all love. If you have time, let the dough chill for a bit longer than an hour—it only gets better! And remember, if the dough feels too soft when rolling it out, you can always pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze this Apple Slab Pie?

Absolutely! This pie freezes beautifully. Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

2. What if I don’t have fresh apples?

No worries at all! You can use frozen apples if fresh aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using them in the filling, so your pie doesn’t get too soggy.

3. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Of course! If you’re short on time, a store-bought crust will work just fine. Look for a high-quality pie crust to ensure the best flavor and texture. Just follow the package instructions for baking.

4. How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The pie is ready when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with some foil to prevent burning.

5. Can I add other fruits to the filling?

Yes! Feel free to get creative! You can mix in berries, pears, or even some chopped peaches for a delicious twist. Just keep in mind that different fruits may require slight adjustments in sugar and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—my beloved Apple Slab Pie recipe! I can’t wait for you to give it a try. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this pie will surely be the star of the show. Just imagine the smiles on everyone’s faces as they dig in! Remember, baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so don’t hesitate to put your own spin on this recipe.

I’d love to hear how your pie turns out! Feel free to share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even your favorite memories of enjoying this delightful dessert. Happy baking, my friends! You’re going to love every bite!

Print