Apple Slab Pie Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Twist on a Classic Dessert
Apple Slab Pie is a delicious and easy way to make apple pie that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. This recipe is ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving a comforting apple dessert. With a buttery, flaky crust and spiced apple filling, this pie is simple to make and even easier to serve.
Ingredients for Apple Slab Pie
To make a large apple slab pie, here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 sheets of pie crust dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 8-10 medium apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning and add brightness)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the crust)
- 1 tablespoon milk or water (to mix with the egg for a golden crust)
- Coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions for Making Apple Slab Pie
Prepare the Baking Sheet and Dough
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 10x15-inch baking sheet or jelly roll pan. Roll out the first sheet of pie crust dough and fit it into the baking sheet, pressing gently into the corners and up the sides.
Make the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated in the mixture.
Assemble the Pie
Spread the apple filling over the bottom crust in an even layer. This ensures that the pie bakes evenly and every slice is packed with flavorful apples.
Add the Top Crust
Roll out the second sheet of pie crust dough and place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough, then use a fork or your fingers to crimp the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal. Cut small slits in the top crust with a knife to allow steam to escape.
Brush the Crust with Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk or water. Brush this mixture over the top crust to give it a golden, shiny finish. For extra texture and sweetness, sprinkle coarse sugar over the top if desired.
Bake the Pie
Place the pie in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. Check the pie halfway through, and if the edges are browning too quickly, cover them with foil.
Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve warm or at room temperature. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra-special touch.
Tips for a Perfect Apple Slab Pie
- Apple Choice: For the best flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
- Prevent Soggy Crust: Sprinkle a thin layer of graham cracker crumbs or crushed cookies on the bottom crust before adding the apples to absorb any extra juice.
- Storage: Leftover pie can be stored covered at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Apple Slab Pie is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of classic apple pie in a format that’s perfect for sharing. With its spiced apple filling, flaky crust, and ease of serving, this dessert is bound to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the simplicity and warmth of this delicious pie—it’s a timeless recipe that everyone will love!