Apple Slab Pie

Introduction

Apple pie is a classic, but have you met its party-ready cousin, the Apple Slab Pie? Baked in a jelly roll pan and sliced into generous squares, this dessert feeds a crowd without losing the charm of traditional pie. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and big family gatherings, slab pie is here to save the day.

Reasons to Love This Apple Slab Pie Recipe

What’s not to adore about a pie that’s easy to slice, easier to share, and bursting with the warm flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples? This apple slab pie recipe checks all the boxes:

• Feeds a Crowd: One pan serves 12–18 people.

• Flaky Homemade Crust: Rich, buttery layers that melt in your mouth.

• Fall Flavors: Apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice create that cozy autumn aroma.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it a day ahead for stress-free hosting.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or just a cozy weekend at home, this pie is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break it down so you’re prepared from the very first scoop of flour to the final golden crust.

For the Crust

• 3 ¾ cups (470g) all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 ½ tsp table salt

• 3 sticks (12 oz / 340g) unsalted butter, cubed and kept cold

• ¾ cup very cold water

For the Apple Filling

• 3 ½ to 4 pounds apples (10 cups), peeled, cored, and chopped

• A squeeze of lemon juice

• ⅔ to ¾ cup sugar, depending on sweetness of apples

• 3 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground allspice

• ⅛ tsp table salt

To Finish

• 2 tbsp heavy cream or 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water for brushing

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Apples: Mix varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji for balanced flavor and texture.

• Sweetener: Swap sugar for maple syrup or brown sugar for deeper flavor.

• Spices: Add a pinch of cardamom or clove for an extra spiced punch.

• Crust: Use store-bought pie crust if you’re pressed for time—but nothing beats homemade!

Tools You’ll Need

• 10×15×1-inch jelly roll pan (or similar)

• Large mixing bowls

• Pastry cutter or two forks

• Rolling pin

• Parchment paper

• Sharp knife

• Pastry brush

• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get baking! This pie might look big, but it comes together beautifully when you take it one step at a time.

Make the Pie Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.

2. Add cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to break them into pea-sized pieces.

3. Slowly stir in ½ cup cold water with a rubber spatula. Add more water as needed until dough comes together.

4. Divide dough into two pieces—one slightly larger than the other.

5. Shape into rectangles, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 2 hours.

Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a massive bowl, toss chopped apples with lemon juice.

2. In another bowl, mix sugar, cornstarch, and spices.

3. Combine both mixtures until apples are evenly coated. Let sit while you roll out your dough.

Assemble the Slab Pie

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Roll the larger dough rectangle into an 18×13-inch sheet.

3. Press it gently into a parchment-lined jelly roll pan, letting the excess hang over the sides.

4. Spread the apple filling across the bottom crust—don’t worry, it will cook down!

5. Roll out the second dough piece into a 16×11-inch sheet and lay it over the apples.

6. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.

Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Brush the top with cream or egg wash.

2. Cut several slits to allow steam to escape.

3. Place pan on a larger baking sheet to catch any bubbling filling.

4. Bake for 40–45 minutes until crust is golden and filling bubbles.

5. Let cool for at least 45 minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Apple Slab Pie

While this pie stands strong on its own, it pairs wonderfully with:

• Vanilla bean ice cream

• Oatmeal raisin or cinnamon ice cream

• Maple bourbon caramel sauce

• Fresh whipped cream

Craving a cozy drink? Serve it with apple cider, mulled wine, or chai tea.

How to Store Apple Slab Pie

Have leftovers? No problem.

• Room Temperature: Keep covered for up to 1 day.

• Refrigerator: Store in foil or an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 15–20 minutes to crisp the crust.

Can I Freeze Apple Slab Pie?

Absolutely! Here’s how to do it:

• Baked: Cool completely, wrap in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.

• Unbaked: Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake straight from frozen, adding extra bake time.

Two Resources

• Smitten Kitchen’s Apple Slab Pie Inspiration

• How to Make Flaky Pie Crust from King Arthur Baking

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What kind of apples work best for slab pie?
Try a blend of sweet and tart apples—Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji offer a great mix of flavor and texture.

2. Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?
You can, but be prepared for a different texture. Puff pastry will be lighter and crispier, but less sturdy than pie crust.

3. Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a good-quality gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and make sure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

4. How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Bake the pie on a lower oven rack and don’t skip cutting slits in the top crust. They help release steam and keep the bottom crust flaky.

5. Can I add nuts or raisins?
Definitely. Chopped pecans or walnuts and golden raisins are popular mix-ins. Fold them into the apple mixture before assembling the pie.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (based on 18 slices):

• Calories: 320

• Total Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 11g

• Cholesterol: 50mg

• Sodium: 210mg

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugars: 18g

• Protein: 3g

Conclusion

Apple slab pie takes everything we love about traditional apple pie and makes it better for sharing. It’s flaky, juicy, warmly spiced, and perfect for every fall gathering. From the buttery crust to the spiced apple filling, each bite screams “comfort food.” So the next time you’re hosting or simply want a cozy dessert that feeds a crowd, remember: party pies come in slabs.

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