Apple Slab Pie
There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of baked apples wafting through the kitchen, mingling with warm spices and buttery crust. An Apple Slab Pie encapsulates this nostalgic feeling in every bite, offering that classic pie flavor while making it incredibly easy to serve. Imagine golden pieces of tender, juicy apples nestled in a flaky crust, topped with a crumbly layer that adds a satisfying crunch. This is not just pie; it’s a delightful experience!
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I remember making it for the first time during a family gathering. The moment I pulled it from the oven, the room was filled with eager anticipation, and my relatives couldn’t get enough! Nothing beats the joy on their faces as they took those first bites, each piece disappearing nearly as fast as I could cut it. Now, as fall approaches and apple season begins, it’s the perfect time to whip up this recipe.
Whether you’re serving it at a holiday brunch, potluck, or cozy family dinner, this Apple Slab Pie is sure to impress. With its delicious flavors and beautiful presentation, you’ll find it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser. Let’s get started!
Why This Is The Best Apple Slab Pie Recipe
This Apple Slab Pie recipe truly shines as one of the best. It’s simple and quick to prepare—taking only about 30 minutes to prep and 50 minutes to bake, making it accessible even on busy days. The combination of tart Granny Smith apples and a hint of cinnamon creates an irresistible flavor profile that dances on your palate. Plus, the presentation is stunning; a large rectangular slab of pie is not only eye-catching but also perfect for easy serving, whether you’re at a picnic or a family gathering.
One of the greatest advantages of this pie is its versatility: you can serve it warm as a decadent dessert, chilled as a refreshing snack, or even for breakfast with a cup of coffee. This recipe can be easily adapted for various dietary needs too, making it a wonderful option for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All-Purpose Flour (1 ¾ cups + 2 tablespoons, 233g): Essential for creating a sturdy crust, its gluten structure allows for that desirable flakiness. You can substitute it with a gluten-free blend if needed, but it may alter the texture.
Salt (¾ teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness, making it essential for both the crust and the filling.
Unsalted Butter (1 ½ cups, 339g, diced and cold): The star of the crust, cold butter creates a flaky texture when combined with flour. For a lighter version, you might use half butter and half shortening.
Ice Water (2-3 tablespoons, 30-45ml): Just enough moisture to bind the dough without making it tough; you can use chilled milk as a nice alternative.
Granny Smith Apples (3 pounds): Their tartness stands out beautifully against the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon. Feel free to mix in sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a balance.
Granulated Sugar (¼ cup, 50g for the filling, ½ cup, 100g for the crumble): Sweetens the apples while the crumble provides crunch; consider brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and classic flavor to the apple filling. Try experimenting with spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist.
Oats (½ cup, 44g, quick or old-fashioned): These give the crumble texture and substance, making it more interesting. You can skip them for a gluten-free option.
How to Make Apple Slab Pie
Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This warm-up is crucial for achieving an evenly baked crust. As the oven heats, gather your ingredients for the crust. Use a food processor to pulse together the flour and salt until combined, then incorporate the cold, diced unsalted butter. Flash these ingredients together until they resemble coarse crumbs—this is key for that flaky pie crust! Slowly add in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to stick together nicely.
Roll and Chill
Once the dough comes together, roll it out on a lightly floured nonstick surface. Aim for a large rectangle to fit a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan. When rolling, try to maintain an even thickness to ensure uniform baking. After you’ve rolled it out, transfer the dough to the sprayed jelly roll pan, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. Be sure it’s not too thick; a good thickness allows for even baking. Once in the pan, chill this crust while you prepare the apple filling.
Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and finely dice the apples. This step is essential for even cooking; chunkier pieces might not cook through. For an extra layer of flavor, you’ll want to soften the diced apples briefly. Place them in a pot with 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a simmer, letting them cook just until semi-opaque but not mushy, around 3-5 minutes after the water boils. This process softens them slightly without overcooking.
Add Cinnamon Sugar
Mix together ¼ cup of sugar and the ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This fragrant blend will sprinkle onto the apples, enhancing their natural flavors. Once your apples are slightly softened, drain them well—this keeps the pie from getting soggy. Arrange the drained apples evenly over the crust and generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
Create the Crumble Topping
In a large bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, ½ cup of sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 cup of flour, and oats. Use a hand mixer or your hands to create a crumbly mixture; it should have a lovely, chunky quality while incorporating the ingredients well. This crunchy topping will contrast so beautifully with the soft apples underneath. Once combined, press this topping firmly over the apples for a compact layer that will crisp up during baking.
Bake Perfectly
Now, transfer your pie to the preheated oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the topping should turn golden brown, and you’ll start seeing bubbling around the edges when it’s close to done. The enchanting aroma filling your kitchen is also a good indicator! Allow the pie to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is cold to achieve a flaky crust.
- Avoid overmixing the dough; stop as soon as it comes together.
- Chill your crust and the built pie prior to baking for better results.
- If the crumble topping seems loose, try squeezing it together firmly before placing it on the pie.
- To ensure even baking, rotate your pan halfway through cooking.
Serve It With
This Apple Slab Pie shines when paired with delightful accompaniments. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Drizzling it with caramel sauce or maple syrup adds a lovely sweetness that enhances the dish. For a refreshing twist, garnishing with fresh berries or serving alongside a cup of warm tea or coffee makes for a memorable pairing during brunch or dessert time.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
Room Temperature: This pie can stay at room temperature for up to 2 days, but it’s best to cover it loosely with a clean kitchen towel to maintain freshness.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s advisable to consume within this timeframe for optimal taste.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a zippered bag. You can freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to eat.
Reheating: To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. The microwave is quicker but may make the crust softer.
Tips & Variations
For those wanting to make this recipe their own, there are several paths to explore:
- Swap Granny Smith apples with a mix of sweet and tart apples for more depth in flavor.
- Try adding walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for delightful crunch and a nutty flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract to the apple mixture for extra warmth and aroma.
- Celebrate the seasons by incorporating spices like nutmeg or ginger for a fall-inspired twist.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you choose frozen apples, thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before using. This helps prevent a soggy crust.
Can I prepare the crust ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the crust ahead is a great idea. You can make it a day in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator or even freeze it for later use.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
Look for a golden-brown crumble topping and some bubbling around the edges for the best results. A toothpick inserted into the apple filling should come out clean or with just a few tender apple bits.
What’s the best way to serve the pie?
While it’s delicious warm, serving it at room temperature allows the flavors to settle beautifully. Add ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat!
This Apple Slab Pie is truly a delightful staple that deserves a spot in your recipe collection. With its wonderful combination of comforting flavors and easy serving style, it promises to be a hit at any gathering. Embrace the seasonal goodness of fresh apples and take your friends and family on a memorable flavor journey. Enjoy every bite!
More Breakfast Recipes
- Sweet Cabbage Strudel with Raisins and Brown Sugar
- Easy Baked Eggs Florentine
- Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal
- Mini Pecan Pies
- Romantic Brunch Ideas Pink Pancakes
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📖 Recipe Card
Apple Slab Pie
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8-12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Slab Pie brings classic flavors together in an easy-to-serve style, featuring tender apples, a flaky crust, and a crunchy crumble. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ¾ cups + 2 tablespoons, 233g)
- Salt (¾ teaspoon)
- Unsalted Butter (1 ½ cups, 339g, diced and cold)
- Ice Water (2-3 tablespoons, 30-45ml)
- Granny Smith Apples (3 pounds)
- Granulated Sugar (¼ cup, 50g for the filling, ½ cup, 100g for the crumble)
- Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon)
- Oats (½ cup, 44g, quick or old-fashioned)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a food processor, pulse together the flour and salt. Add diced butter until coarse crumbs form. Gradually add ice water until dough sticks together.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle for a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan and chill.
- Peel, core, and finely dice the apples, then simmer briefly until semi-opaque.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over apples, and drain excess moisture.
- Combine butter, sugar, salt, flour, and oats for the crumble topping. Press over the apple layer.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly around edges.
Notes
Ensure butter is cold for the flakiest crust.
Avoid overmixing the dough; stop once combined.
Chill the pie before baking for improved texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
