There’s something truly heartwarming about the first bite of a homemade apple pie, and this Irresistible Apple Slab Pie takes that comfort to a whole new level. As I slid the pan into the oven, the sweet aroma of cinnamon mingling with freshly baked apples filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me back to cherished family gatherings where everyone’s chatter blended with laughter over dessert. This pie isn’t just a dish; it’s a slice of tradition, a centerpiece that invites friends and family to gather around the table, sharing stories and creating new memories.
Perfectly sized for potlucks, BBQs, or cozy nights in, this apple slab pie combines a buttery, flaky crust with a tender, spiced apple filling that’s both nostalgic and utterly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just getting started, the straightforward preparation will have you feeling like a baking pro in no time. Let’s roll up our sleeves and create a dessert that not only tastes heavenly but also brings joy to every occasion!
Why is Apple Slab Pie the ultimate dessert?
Comforting Warmth: Each slice of this Apple Slab Pie is like a warm hug from your grandma, filled with tender apples and rich spices.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its generous size makes it perfect for parties; everyone can enjoy a slice!
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can shine.
Flavor Harmony: The blend of tart apples, sweet sugars, and a hint of lemon creates a balanced flavor profile everyone will love.
Serve and Celebrate: Best enjoyed warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this pie will spark joy and delightful chatter at any gathering.
Irresistible Apple Slab Pie Ingredients
For the Crust
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure for the crust; use high-quality flour for a better texture.
- Unsalted Butter – Creates a flaky crust; make sure it’s cold for the best results.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the crust slightly; feel free to adjust based on your taste.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Cold Water – Helps bind the dough together; keep it very cold for a flaky result.
For the Filling
- Fresh Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – Main ingredient; their tartness balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the apple filling; adjust to your preferred sweetness level.
- Brown Sugar – Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the filling.
- Cinnamon – Enhances the apple flavor; adjust to taste for extra warmth.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the filling; complements the natural sweetness of the apples.
For the Egg Wash
- Egg – Creates a beautiful golden glaze when brushed over the crust before baking.
This Apple Slab Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a delicious way to share love and warmth with those around you!
How to Make Apple Slab Pie
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Prepare Your Crust: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly, then gradually add cold water to form a dough that holds together nicely.
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Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for achieving a flaky crust later on.
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Make the Filling: While the dough chills, peel and slice your fresh apples. In a large bowl, toss them with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld and juice release.
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Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, divide the dough, rolling out the larger portion on a floured surface to fit your baking sheet. Aim for about ¼-inch thick for the perfect crust.
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Assemble Your Pie: Place the rolled-out dough into the baking sheet, making sure it covers the edges. Pour the apple mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly. Roll out the top crust and gently lay it over the filling.
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Bake Your Pie: Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the crust with an egg wash for a beautiful glaze. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Slab Pie preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the crust up to 24 hours in advance; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep it fresh and prevent drying out. Additionally, the apple filling can be prepped and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the chilled crust, fill it with the prepared apple mixture, and proceed with the baking instructions. This way, you’ll have a delightful, homemade Apple Slab Pie ready to serve with minimal effort when your guests arrive!
Expert Tips for Apple Slab Pie
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Cold Butter: Always use very cold butter; this step is essential for achieving that flaky, tender crust everyone loves in an Apple Slab Pie.
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Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough! This solidifies the butter, ensuring your crust bakes up perfectly flaky while preventing shrinkage.
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Uniform Slices: Cut your apples evenly to guarantee they cook uniformly. Uneven slices can lead to some apples being mushy while others are still crisp.
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Steam Release: Remember to cut slits in the top crust before baking; this allows steam from the juicy apple filling to escape, keeping your pie from becoming soggy.
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Cooling Time: Allow the pie to cool for about 15-20 minutes before slicing; this helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slices.
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Flavor Variations: Experiment with different apple varieties in your Apple Slab Pie for unique flavors; mixing tart and sweet apples creates a delicious balance!
Apple Slab Pie Variations
Get ready to make this delightful dessert uniquely yours with these tantalizing variations!
- Apple Variety: Swap Granny Smith with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor twist that will surprise your taste buds.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling for an extra layer of warmth that dances on your palate.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warmed caramel sauce over the pie before serving for a decadent sweet touch that’ll impress guests.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a satisfying crunch that complements the tender apples beautifully.
- Berry Blend: Mix in some fresh blueberries or raspberries with the apples for an exciting flavor contrast and vibrant color.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a delicious dairy-free version that’s just as flaky.
- Extra Zing: Add more lemon zest to the filling for a refreshing zing that brightens the apple flavors and lifts your spirits.
- Sweet Crust: Brush the crust with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking for a deliciously sweet and aromatic topping.
With these variations, you can customize your Apple Slab Pie to suit any occasion or personal preference, making each bite a delightful surprise!
How to Store and Freeze Apple Slab Pie
Room Temperature: Leftover Apple Slab Pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep it covered with a clean kitchen towel or in a pie keeper to maintain freshness.
Fridge: For longer storage, place the pie in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days, but make sure to cover it properly to avoid drying out.
Freezer: You can freeze slices of your Apple Slab Pie for up to 2 months. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and then place in a zip-top freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Enjoy a comforting slice reminiscent of fresh-baked goodness!
What to Serve with Irresistible Apple Slab Pie?
Indulging in a slice of this delightful pie transforms any gathering into a warm, loving experience filled with sweet memories.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool sensation beautifully contrasts the warm pie, enhancing every flavorful bite. A classic pairing that brings nostalgia to the table.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a luscious touch that makes each slice feel extra indulgent. A dollop can turn this dessert into a dreamy delight.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over your pie ignites a wonderful sweet and slightly salty balance that elevates the overall experience. It’s sweet comfort at its finest!
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or fragrant herbal tea complements the sweetness of the pie while adding a cozy touch to your meal. Perfect for tea parties!
- Cheddar Cheese: For a surprising twist, a slice of sharp cheddar alongside the pie adds a lovely savory contrast, enhancing the tanginess of the apples. It’s a surprisingly delightful combination!
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings a bright, zesty element that cuts through the richness of the pie, creating a well-rounded dessert table. The freshness will leave everyone craving more!
- Sparkling Cider: For a festive beverage, serve sparkling cider. The effervescence and mild sweetness pair wonderfully with the hearty flavors of the apple filling, creating a celebratory atmosphere.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, a little drizzle of dark or milk chocolate adds depth and richness, enhancing the pie’s comforting essence in each luscious bite.
Embrace these delightful pairings to create a charming, heartwarming dessert experience with your Irresistible Apple Slab Pie!
Apple Slab Pie Recipe FAQs
What types of apples are best for the filling?
Absolutely! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices for this Apple Slab Pie. Granny Smith’s tartness balances the sweetness of the sugar, while Honeycrisp adds a juicy flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with a mix for added depth!
How should I store leftover Apple Slab Pie?
You can store leftover Apple Slab Pie at room temperature for up to 3 days! Just cover it with a kitchen towel or place it in a pie keeper to keep it fresh. For longer storage, I recommend refrigerating it in an airtight container, where it can last up to 5 days.
Can I freeze my Apple Slab Pie?
Yes! This pie freezes beautifully. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. This way, you can indulge in a slice of homemade comfort whenever you like!
What should I do if my pie crust shrinks while baking?
Very! If your pie crust shrinks, it often means the dough was too warm before baking. To prevent this, always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. If you find it’s shrinking despite this, you can try rolling it out a little thicker next time and ensure not to stretch it when placing it in the pan.
Can pets eat any of the ingredients in this pie?
It’s best to avoid sharing any of the Apple Slab Pie with pets. While apples are safe in moderation, the sugars and spices (like cinnamon) can be problematic. Always keep dessert out of paws’ reach to ensure your furry friends stay safe and healthy!
Heavenly Apple Slab Pie: Your New Go-To Dessert Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly, then gradually add cold water to form a dough that holds together.
- Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Peel and slice your fresh apples. Toss them with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Let sit for about 15 minutes.
- Divide the dough, rolling out the larger portion on a floured surface to fit your baking sheet, aiming for about ¼-inch thick.
- Place the rolled-out dough into the baking sheet. Pour the apple mixture into the crust, then roll out the top crust and lay it over the filling.
- Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush with egg wash and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
