Apple Slab Pie is a delicious twist on traditional apple pie, made in a large sheet pan, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. It has a flaky, buttery crust filled with cinnamon-spiced apples and a sweet, warm filling. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or anytime you crave apple pie in a larger, shareable form.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)
For the Apple Filling:
6-7 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp cornstarch (or flour)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
For the Topping:
1 tbsp butter, melted (optional, for brushing)
1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
Add the cold cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
Slowly add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. You may need more or less water depending on your flour.
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is chilling, prepare the apple filling. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Make sure the apples are evenly coated.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Once the dough has chilled, roll out one portion of the dough on a floured surface to fit a 9×13-inch baking sheet (or slab pan). It should be slightly larger than the pan to allow for an edge.
Place the dough into the pan, pressing it into the corners and up the sides. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges, but leave a small overhang to crimp the edges later.
4. Assemble the Pie:
Pour the apple filling evenly into the prepared crust. Spread it out so the apples are in an even layer.
Roll out the second portion of dough to fit over the top of the apples. Place it over the filling, and trim any excess dough. Pinch the edges of the top and bottom dough layers together to seal, and crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers.
Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
5. Bake the Pie:
Optional: Brush the top of the crust with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden, shiny finish.
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits in the top crust. You may want to place a baking sheet underneath the pan to catch any drips.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set.
Serve warm or at room temperature. You can also top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Tips:
Apple Variety: Use a mix of tart apples (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala) for the best balance of flavor.
Crust: If you prefer a more rustic look, you can leave the top crust as a lattice instead of a full sheet. This allows the filling to peek through.
Make Ahead: You can make the pie crust ahead of time and freeze it. Just allow it to thaw before using it.
Spices: If you like your apple pie with a bit of extra flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the filling.
Storage:
Leftovers: Store leftover apple slab pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back its crispy texture.
Freezing: You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked slab pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer (adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time).
Enjoy this delicious Apple Slab Pie with its flaky crust, tender apples, and sweet, spiced filling! It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion!
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