If you are looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the cozy flavors of fall into one glorious dish, this Apple Slab Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices nestled in a buttery, flaky crust baked in a pan large enough to satisfy a whole gathering. It’s an easy yet impressive dessert that brings warmth and joy to any table, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or festive celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are super simple but absolutely essential for creating that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and spicy in your Apple Slab Pie Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role: the apples provide the juicy base, the sugars add sweetness and caramelization, and the spices bring that signature warmth that makes apple pie irresistible.
- 2 pie crusts: You can go with store-bought for convenience or homemade for that extra special touch and flaky texture.
- 6 large apples, peeled and sliced: Choose a firm, tart variety like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor balance.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the filling while helping the apples soften nicely as they bake.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds depth and rich caramel notes to the mix.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and keeps the apples from browning.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The classic apple pie spice that gives a warm, cozy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle, nutty warmth that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the juicy apple filling so it isn’t runny after baking.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweetness and spices, balancing the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces: Dotting the filling with butter creates luscious pockets of richness.
- 1 egg (for egg wash): Brushed on top for a golden, shiny crust that looks as delicious as it tastes.
How to Make Apple Slab Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one pie crust and carefully place it in a 9×13-inch baking dish. This creates the base that will hold all those beautiful apple slices. It’s important to gently press the dough into the edges so it’s snug but not stretched too thin.
Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and salt. Making sure every apple slice is evenly coated is key here because the combination of sugars and spices transforms the filling into a perfectly balanced sweet-tart treat. The cornstarch will thicken the juices as the pie bakes.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Pour the spiced apple mixture into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly so every bite has a generous amount of fruit. Dot the entire filling with little pieces of butter, which will melt and add a rich creaminess throughout the filling as it bakes.
Step 4: Top With Second Crust and Seal
Roll out the second pie crust and gently lay it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges together to seal the pie, ensuring nothing will leak out during baking. The sealed edges also give it that charming homemade look.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Venting
Brush the entire top crust with beaten egg to give it a shiny, golden finish. Use a sharp knife to cut a few slits in the crust — this allows steam to escape as the pie bakes, preventing sogginess and helping the crust stay perfectly crisp.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled pie in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for a beautifully browned crust and bubbling apple filling that smells like pure autumnal magic. If you notice the crust browning too fast before the filling cooks through, cover the edges with foil halfway through baking.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the pie to cool down before slicing, this lets the filling set so your slices hold together perfectly. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and watch your guests light up with every bite of this homemade goodness.
How to Serve Apple Slab Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Top your slab pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add a creamy contrast to the warm, spiced apple filling. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon sugar can add a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for a comforting afternoon treat. It also complements savory dishes, making it a great dessert after a hearty meal like roast chicken or pork.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Apple Slab Pie Recipe in rustic wooden trays or on cozy plaid tablecloths for a country-chic vibe. Cut into generous squares and offer a variety of toppings so guests can customize each slice—think caramel sauce, chopped pecans, or even a splash of bourbon-infused cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, cover your pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the crust from absorbing moisture and preserves the delicious flavors.
Freezing
Apple Slab Pie Recipe freezes really well! Wrap the entire pie securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover or thawed pie with that fresh-baked warmth, bake it at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is crisp and the filling bubbles again. Serve warm for the best experience, just like it’s freshly out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
While you can use almost any apple, firmer and more tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness in the pie.
Is it necessary to use two crusts for the Apple Slab Pie Recipe?
Yes, two crusts are important to contain the juicy filling and create that classic sealed pie look and texture. The top crust also protects the apples as they bake.
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade crust adds a wonderful flaky texture and buttery flavor, though store-bought crust is a great shortcut for busy days.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
You can use an equal amount of all-purpose flour or tapioca starch as a thickener, but cornstarch gives a clearer, more jelly-like filling if you prefer that consistency.
How do I prevent the crust from burning?
If your crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with strips of foil midway through baking. This will protect it from burning while the filling finishes cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Slab Pie Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that feels like a warm hug. It’s simple enough for any home cook but impressive enough to steal the show at gatherings. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become a beloved staple in your recipe box, ready to bring sweet, spiced joy to your table again and again.
Print
Apple Slab Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Apple Slab Pie features a generous layer of tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling encased in a flaky double crust. Perfect for sharing, it’s baked in a convenient 9×13-inch dish, making it an easy and crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
Apple Filling
- 6 large apples, peeled and sliced
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Egg Wash
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one pie crust and place it evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring the crust covers the bottom and sides.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples, sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, cornstarch, and salt. Stir thoroughly until the apple slices are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Fill Pie: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top of the filling with the small pieces of butter for richness.
- Add Top Crust: Roll out the second pie crust and carefully place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough from the edges and crimp the edges together to seal the pie completely.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the top crust to give a beautiful golden shine when baked. Using a knife, make a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving, so the filling sets properly.
Notes
- For best results, use a tart apple variety such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balance between sweetness and acidity.
- Make sure to cut slits in the top crust to prevent the pie from becoming soggy due to trapped steam.
- Allow the pie to cool fully before cutting to avoid a runny filling.
- You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving for an extra indulgence.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
