APPLE SLAB PIE: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Dessert for Any Occasion!


 

For the Crust:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 ¾ cups butter, cold and cubed

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ to ¾ cup ice water

For the Apple Filling:

  • 3 ½ - 4 lbs apples (about 8-10 medium), peeled and sliced

  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar

  • ⅓ cup brown sugar

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons butter, cubed small

For Finishing:

  • 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

  • 2 tablespoons coarse sugar

Let's Bake! Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

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

  2. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.

  3. Gradually add ice water, stirring until dough just comes together.

  4. Divide dough in two (one piece slightly larger), shape into rectangles, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. In a large bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice.

  2. In a small bowl, mix sugars, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

  3. Sprinkle sugar mixture over apples and toss to coat evenly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Roll the larger dough piece into a rectangle about 11x15 inches.

  3. Transfer to an ungreased 10x15-inch jelly roll pan, pressing gently into corners.

  4. Spread apple filling evenly over crust.

  5. Dot with cubed butter.

  6. Roll remaining dough to 10x14 inches and place over filling.

  7. Crimp edges to seal and cut several slits in the top crust.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

  1. Brush top crust with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

  2. Bake 45-55 minutes until crust is golden and filling is bubbly.

  3. Cool completely on wire rack before slicing.

Pro Tips for Perfect Slab Pie

  • APPLE SELECTION: Use a mix of firm, tart apples (like Granny Smith) and sweeter varieties (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) for the best flavor and texture.

  • KEEP IT COLD: Handle the dough as little as possible and keep it cold for a flaky crust.

  • THICKNESS MATTERS: Don't roll the crust too thin—aim for about ⅛-inch thickness.

  • TEST FOR DONENESS: The filling should be bubbling through the slits when it's ready.

Serving Suggestions

  • CLASSIC: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream

  • ELEGANT: Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with toasted pecans

  • BREAKFAST: Enjoy a square with your morning coffee

  • PORTABLE: Pack in lunchboxes or take on picnics

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • ROOM TEMP: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days

  • REFRIGERATOR: Keep in refrigerator for up to 5 days

  • FREEZER: Freeze baked and cooled pie for up to 3 months

  • MAKE AHEAD: Prepare up to 1 day ahead and store covered at room temperature

There you have it—the perfect solution for when you need to feed a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen! This Apple Slab Pie delivers all the homemade comfort of traditional apple pie with none of the stress. The beautiful rectangular slices, the perfect balance of flaky crust and spiced apples, and the ease of serving make this a recipe you'll return to again and again.

Happy baking! 🍎✨