Apple Slab Pie Recipe

If you’ve ever craved all the homey deliciousness of a classic apple pie, but wanted enough to feed a crowd—or just ensure leftovers for breakfast—then Apple Slab Pie is your answer. This rectangular beauty packs layer upon layer of buttery, flaky crust cradling mountains of warmly spiced apples. It’s the ultimate dessert for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights when you want to impress your family (and yourself!) with a slice of handmade magic. Apple Slab Pie brings together everything you love about pie, but in a shareable, sliceable format that’s seriously irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Apple Slab Pie comes from simple, quality ingredients that work together to create a show-stopping dessert. Each component—from cold butter to cinnamon-kissed apples—plays a key role in the texture, flavor, and gorgeous golden color of the finished pie.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the crust, it gives structure while staying tender when paired with plenty of butter.
• Sugar: A touch in the dough for subtle sweetness, and more in the filling to balance the tartness of the apples.
• Table salt: Essential for flavor and to heighten the buttery goodness of the pastry.
• Unsalted butter: Use very cold cubes—this creates those dreamy, flaky layers everyone loves in Apple Slab Pie.
• Very cold water: Also crucial for tender crust—keep it cold so the butter doesn’t melt before baking.
• Apples: About 10 cups, peeled and chopped; use a mix of tart and sweet varieties for depth of flavor.
• Lemon juice: Keeps the apples bright and adds a hit of freshness to each bite.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the juices as the pie bakes, ensuring the filling sets up just right.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings that quintessential cozy spiced aroma to the apples.
• Ground nutmeg: Just a little for a deeper, more complex spice profile.
• Ground allspice: Another gentle warming spice for dimension in the filling.
• Heavy cream or egg wash: Brushed over the top crust for a perfectly golden, slightly shiny finish.

How to Make Apple Slab Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Flaky Pie Crust

Start by measuring the flour into a large, wide bowl and whisk in the sugar and salt. Toss in those icy cold butter cubes and quickly coat them in flour. Using just your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until it forms pea-sized clumps—this is where the flakiness magic begins! Stir in ½ cup of ice water to bring the dough together, adding up to a ¼ cup more water if needed, a tablespoon at a time. The dough should just hold together without being sticky. Take a moment to divide it unevenly, with one slightly larger half for the bottom crust. Shape each half into rough rectangles, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—that chill is non-negotiable for a tender, flaky crust!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, it’s apple time! In a large bowl, toss the peeled, chopped apples with a generous squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning and add a splash of tartness. In a separate bowl, mix sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt together—this spice blend transforms the apples into pure comfort. Sprinkle the mixture over the apples and toss to coat every chunk with flavor and thickener.

Step 3: Assemble the Slab Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 10×15-inch rimmed baking sheet (or similar jelly roll pan) with parchment paper for easy cleanup. On a floured surface, roll out the larger chunk of dough into a roughly 18×13-inch rectangle and carefully lay it into your prepared pan, letting the edges drape over. Pop the pan in the fridge while you roll the second piece of dough into a 16×11-inch top crust. Cold dough is your friend here—it bakes up beautifully crisp!

Step 4: Fill and Top Your Apple Slab Pie

Heap the spiced apples (and all their juices) onto the crust in the pan—don’t worry if it looks like too much, as the apples will collapse as they bake. Cover with the second sheet of dough, trimming both crusts so they hang about ¾-inch over the edges, then pinch them together to seal. This step keeps every bit of juicy filling enclosed until golden-brown perfection.

Step 5: Finish and Bake

Brush the top crust with heavy cream or egg wash for a beautiful sheen. Slit the top all over with a sharp knife to vent steam—get creative with patterns if you want! Place your assembled pie on a larger baking sheet to catch any drips (a must for stress-free baking), and slide it into the oven. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the crust is deeply golden and you can see thick bubbles of filling joyfully escaping through the slits. Cool the whole pan on a rack for at least 45 minutes; this lets the filling set up for clean slices (and prevents burnt tongues—trust me).

How to Serve Apple Slab Pie

Garnishes

A pie this lovely calls for a little flourish! A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream is classic, letting the warmth of the Apple Slab Pie contrast beautifully with cool, creamy toppings. For extra sparkle, a dusting of powdered sugar or a very light drizzle of caramel sauce won’t go amiss.

Side Dishes

Serve your Apple Slab Pie alongside a steaming mug of coffee or spiced chai for afternoon gatherings, or with sharp cheddar cheese slices for a nod to vintage pie traditions. A handful of toasted walnuts or pecans on the side add crunch, rounding out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting Apple Slab Pie into small squares for a dessert buffet, or serve in larger rectangles as a dinner party finale. For a brunch twist, offer warm slices topped with a scoop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola. You can even wrap individual pieces in parchment for a sweet lunchbox surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Apple Slab Pie (a rare but wonderful occurrence!), simply cover the pan with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for a day or two, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen as it rests!

Freezing

Apple Slab Pie freezes like a dream. Once completely cooled, wrap individual slices or the entire slab tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy any time pie cravings strike.

Reheating

To refresh that just-baked texture, pop slices of Apple Slab Pie into a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. The top crust will crisp back up beautifully and the filling will be gooey again—just as it should be!

FAQs

Can I use a ready-made pie crust for Apple Slab Pie?

Absolutely—if you’re in a pinch, two store-bought pie crusts (or sheets) can be rolled large enough for the bottom and top. While homemade is truly special, shortcuts mean you can enjoy Apple Slab Pie whenever the craving hits.

What are the best apples to use?

A blend works best! Try mixing tart Granny Smiths with something sweeter like Honeycrisp or Fuji. This layers the pie with different flavors and textures, making each bite of Apple Slab Pie more interesting.

Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pie dough up to three days in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. Or freeze it for longer storage, letting it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling out for your Apple Slab Pie.

Why do I need to let the pie cool before cutting?

Giving your Apple Slab Pie at least 45 minutes to cool allows the juices to thicken and set. If you slice in too soon, it will be tasty but quite messy—cooling time gives you perfect, clean pieces (and saves your countertop from a flood of filling).

Can I add other fruits or mix-ins to the filling?

Definitely! A handful of fresh cranberries, diced pears, or even raisins or walnuts make wonderful additions and add dimension to the flavor and texture. Just keep the overall fruit volume about the same for best results.

Final Thoughts

Baking a big, beautiful Apple Slab Pie is a true act of love, whether you’re sharing it at a holiday feast or sneaking slices from the fridge for breakfast. It’s a recipe that invites you to gather, linger, and celebrate the comforting flavors of fall any time of year. Dive in—your friends, family, and future self will thank you for making this irresistible slab pie part of your baking traditions!

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