Apple Slab Pie Recipe

Rustic Apple Slab Pie Recipe: A Sweet Crowd-Pleasing Treat

Crafting a delightful apple slab pie brings pure joy to weekend baking adventures.

Sweet orchards inspire this rectangular marvel that feeds a crowd with ease.

Crisp pastry layers mingle with cinnamon-kissed fruit, creating a dessert that sparks conversation.

Buttery crust crumbles perfectly against tender apple slices, promising comfort in every bite.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this rustic twist on classic pie traditions.

Baking becomes an invitation to share warmth and connection around the table.

You’ll want to slice into this gorgeous treat and savor each delicious moment.

Why Apple Slab Pie Is Great For Sharing

  • Master Easy Homemade Technique: Discover a foolproof method for creating a delectable apple pie that requires minimal baking skills, perfect for both novice and experienced home bakers.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Indulge in a classic dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia, guaranteed to make everyone at the table smile with its irresistible aroma and delicious flavor combination.
  • Versatile Seasonal Delight: Celebrate autumn's bounty or enjoy a sweet treat year-round with this adaptable recipe that showcases the natural sweetness of fresh apples and warm spices.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components in advance and assemble quickly, making this recipe ideal for busy cooks who want to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

Everything Needed For Apple Slab Pie

For the Crust:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the pie dough.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control gluten development in the dough.
  • Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers by remaining in small pieces throughout the dough.
  • Cold Water: Helps bind the ingredients together without overworking the dough.
For the Filling:
  • Apples: The star ingredient that provides a sweet and tangy base for the pie.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized texture.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a bright, fresh flavor.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice to complement the apples.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Provides a subtle, nutty warmth to the filling.
For the Glaze:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet topping for the pie.
  • Milk: Helps thin and smooth out the glaze.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and richness to the glaze flavor.
Baking Essentials:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal from the baking sheet.

Step-By-Step Guide For Apple Slab Pie

Step 1: Whip Up Delectable Pie Dough

Mix flour and salt in a spacious bowl. Slice cold butter into tiny pieces and work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like rough sand. The goal is creating a crumbly texture that will make your crust super flaky.

Step 2: Form and Chill Dough

Add cold water bit by bit, gently folding and pressing the dough until it comes together smoothly. Avoid overworking the mixture. Split the dough into two equal portions and pop them in the refrigerator for half an hour to firm up nicely.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Surface

Warm up the oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect baking.

Step 4: Shape First Dough Layer

Take out one dough portion and roll it into a rectangular shape. Transfer carefully to the prepared baking sheet, making sure it covers the surface evenly with a slight overhang.

Step 5: Spice Up Apple Filling

Toss apple slices with:
  • Sugar
  • Lemon juice
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg

Ensure each slice gets coated with the delicious spice mixture.

Step 6: Layer Apple Goodness

Spread the seasoned apple mixture across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for crimping later.

Step 7: Top with Second Dough Layer

Roll out the second dough portion and gently drape it over the apple filling. Seal the edges by crimping and create decorative vents using a sharp knife.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pie into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown crust and bubbling filling.

Step 9: Cool and Rest

Remove from oven and let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. Patience is key for the perfect texture.

Step 10: Drizzle Glaze

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Create a smooth glaze and drizzle generously over the cooled pie.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Cut into squares and serve. Savor the rustic, comforting flavors of your homemade apple pie.

Tips To Help You Make Apple Slab Pie Right

  • Perfect Pie Dough: Work with cold butter and minimal handling to create a flaky, tender crust that melts in your mouth.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts on the bottom crust to absorb excess moisture from apple filling.
  • Apple Slice Technique: Cut apples uniformly and not too thin to maintain texture and prevent overcooking during baking.
  • Glaze Magic: Let the pie cool completely before adding glaze to ensure it sets beautifully and doesn't slide off the surface.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of cardamom or orange zest to the apple mixture for an unexpected and delightful taste dimension.

Fun Twists To Try On Apple Slab Pie

  • Gluten-Free Apple Slab Pie: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour, ensuring the same tender crust while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Apple Galette: Swap butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine, using aquafaba as a binding agent to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
  • Spiced Pear Alternative: Substitute apples with ripe pears, adding cardamom and ginger for a warm, aromatic flavor profile that complements the original recipe.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Rustic Pie: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the dessert's delicious essence.

What To Pair With Apple Slab Pie

  • Pair with Spicy Chai Latte: The warm cinnamon and nutmeg in the apple pie beautifully complement the complex, aromatic spices of a chai latte, creating a harmonious flavor explosion.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a luxurious contrast to the warm, spiced apple pie, balancing temperature and enhancing the dessert's richness.
  • Match with Aged Bourbon: A smooth, caramel-forward bourbon cuts through the pie's sweetness, adding depth and sophisticated complexity to each delectable bite.
  • Enhance with Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Crumble aged cheddar alongside or atop the pie slices to introduce a tangy, savory element that elevates the traditional sweet apple flavor profile.

How To Store Apple Slab Pie So It Stays Fresh

  • Store the apple pie in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the pie at a consistent temperature to maintain its texture and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap the completely cooled pie thoroughly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its original quality.
  • Cut pie into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen slices will stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for best results.

Top Questions About Apple Slab Pie

  • Is this pie difficult to make for beginners?

This pie is beginner-friendly with basic baking skills. The recipe requires simple techniques like cutting butter into flour, rolling dough, and mixing filling ingredients.

  • What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal. They hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

  • Can I make the pie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

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Apple Slab Pie Recipe

Apple Slab Pie Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful Apple Slab Pie merges rustic charm with sweet simplicity, offering a crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for gatherings. Buttery pastry and cinnamon-kissed apples create a memorable slice that invites you to savor autumn’s warmest flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 tsp salt

Filling:

  • 6 cups sliced apples
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Craft a sturdy pie dough by combining flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, then meticulously cut cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Gradually introduce cold water, gently folding and pressing the dough until it cohesively forms without overworking, then divide into two portions and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
  4. Roll out one portion of chilled dough into a rectangular shape, carefully transferring it to the prepared baking sheet, ensuring even coverage with slight overhang.
  5. Toss sliced apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg, thoroughly coating each slice to distribute flavors evenly.
  6. Spread the seasoned apple mixture across the prepared dough, leaving a small border around the edges for crimping.
  7. Roll out the second dough portion and drape it over the apple filling, sealing the edges by crimping and creating decorative vents with a sharp knife.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the filling bubbles deliciously.
  9. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
  10. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze, then drizzle generously over the cooled pie.
  11. Slice into squares and serve, enjoying the rustic and comforting dessert.

Notes

  • Chill butter and water thoroughly to ensure a flaky, tender pie crust that doesn’t become tough or dense.
  • Use a combination of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balanced flavor complexity and ideal texture.
  • Create extra-crispy edges by brushing the top crust with egg wash before baking, which adds beautiful golden-brown color and slight crunch.
  • Transform this recipe into a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and adding xanthan gum for better binding.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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