As I peeled back the layers of autumn leaves, the scents of spiced apples and warm pastry wafted through the air, promising a cozy gathering around the table. This Apple Slab Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a celebratory centerpiece for your fall festivities! A modern twist on the classic apple pie, this version is easy to slice and serve, making it perfect for Thanksgiving or any convivial get-together. With its flaky, buttery crust and tender apple filling, it delivers all the comforting vibes we crave this season. Plus, you can whip it up in no time, leaving you with more precious moments to share with loved ones. Are you ready to impress your guests with this delightful slice of autumn magic?
Why is Apple Slab Pie a Must-Try?
Deliciously Easy: This recipe simplifies traditional apple pie, allowing you to bake a stunning dessert with just a few straightforward steps.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfectly portioned squares make serving a breeze, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this delightful treat—ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings or family reunions.
Versatile Flavor: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples to customize the filling to your preference.
Aromatic Bliss: The warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg fill your kitchen with inviting scents, creating a cozy atmosphere for your guests.
Why not pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent touch? For more comforting fall flavors, check out our delightful Butternut Squash Apple soup. This Apple Slab Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of autumn’s bounty!
Apple Slab Pie Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need for this delightful Apple Slab Pie recipe!
For the Crust
- All-Purpose Flour – 3¾ cups (470 grams) for a stable and flaky crust.
- Sugar – 1½ tablespoons to sweeten the dough; you can adjust for personal taste.
- Salt – 1½ teaspoons to balance the sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter – 3 sticks (12 oz or 340 grams) chilled and cubed; essential for achieving that perfect flaky crust.
- Cold Water – ¾ cup very cold to help form the dough; can add up to ¼ cup more if needed.
For the Filling
- Apples – 3½ to 4 pounds (about 10 cups, peeled, cored, and chopped) for a robust filling; a mix of sweet and tart apples adds the best flavor.
- Lemon Juice – A squeeze to stop apple browning and add a hint of brightness.
- Sugar (for filling) – ¾ cup, adjust based on the sweetness of your apples; tart apples like Granny Smith may need a little more.
- Cornstarch – 3 tablespoons to thicken the filling and ensure the pie isn’t runny.
- Ground Cinnamon – 1 rounded teaspoon for that classic fall flavor.
- Ground Nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon to add warmth and depth of flavor.
- Ground Allspice – ¼ teaspoon complements the apple flavor beautifully.
For the Finish
- Egg Wash or Cream – 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or a beaten egg with water for brushing before baking to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
Get ready to fall in love with the comforting flavors of this Apple Slab Pie, perfect for those cozy gatherings this season!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Slab Pie
Step 1: Make the Crust
In a large bowl, whisk together 3¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1½ tablespoons of sugar, and 1½ teaspoons of salt. Cut in 3 chilled sticks of unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, similar to the size of peas. Gradually add ¾ cup of very cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 2 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the crust chills, peel, core, and chop 3½ to 4 pounds of mixed apples. Toss the apples in a bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. In a separate bowl, combine ¾ cup of sugar, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 rounded teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of allspice. Coat the apples with this mixture, ensuring every piece is well-covered.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the larger dough disc on a lightly floured surface to fit your baking sheet. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and carefully fit the rolled dough into the bottom. Pour the apple filling onto the crust, spreading it evenly. Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling, sealing the edges by crimping and cutting slits for steam.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Brush the top of the pie with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or a beaten egg with water for a beautiful golden finish. Place your assembled Apple Slab Pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end to ensure it doesn’t overbrown.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 45 minutes before slicing. This cooling period helps the filling set, making it easier to cut clean squares of your delightful Apple Slab Pie. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for an extra special treat.
What to Serve with Apple Slab Pie
A warm slice of autumn magic awaits, and it’s time to elevate your culinary experience with delightful pairings!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold treat melts harmoniously over warm pie, enhancing the spiced apple flavors. Perfect for balancing sweetness!
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Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this adds a luxurious touch to each bite, echoing the warm spices found in the pie.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle this rich indulgence over your Apple Slab Pie for an irresistible sweet contrast that nods to the flavors of fall.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Serve this comforting drink warm to enhance the apple theme, creating a cozy atmosphere around the table.
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Pecan Pie Bars: These nutty treats offer a crunchy contrast while complementing the sweet and tart notes of the apple filling beautifully.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A savory side adds depth to your meal, harmonizing with the sweetness of the pie for a well-rounded feast.
Indulge in these delightful options, and watch your Thanksgiving gathering transform into a heartwarming celebration of flavors!
Make Ahead Options
This Apple Slab Pie is perfect for busy cooks looking to save time while still delivering a delicious homemade dessert! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance—just wrap the individual dough discs in plastic wrap and refrigerate. The apple filling can be tossed together and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; just be sure to add the lemon juice to prevent browning. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the crusts, assemble the pie with the chilled filling, and bake according to the instructions. With these make-ahead options, you’ll enjoy a delightful dessert with minimal weekday hassle, impressing your guests with ease!
How to Store and Freeze Apple Slab Pie
Room Temperature: Keep leftover Apple Slab Pie covered at room temperature for up to 3 days for the best taste and texture.
Fridge: To prolong freshness, refrigerate your pie covered with plastic wrap for up to 5 days. This helps maintain its flavor and moisture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To enjoy warm pie again, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through.
Apple Slab Pie Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore these variations and substitutions to make this Apple Slab Pie even more delightful for your taste buds!
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Fruit Swap: Substitute apples with pears, peaches, or berries for a unique fruit slab pie experience. Each choice brings its own delightful sweetness.
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Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the soft apples. The contrast of textures elevates each bite!
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Spice it Up: Experiment with spices like cardamom or ginger for an aromatic twist. Both spices add a warm, cozy note that perfectly enhances the classic apple flavor.
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Sweetness Adjustment: If you’re using very sweet fruits, reduce the added sugar in the filling. Trust your palate—adjusting sweetness can lead to the best flavor balance.
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Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and the egg wash with a mixture of almond milk and maple syrup for a deliciously plant-based version.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a gluten-free crust that maintains the flakiness and flavors of the original. Pair it with tart apples for a fantastic treat!
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Caramel Drizzle: Before serving, drizzle caramel sauce over the pie squares for an indulgent touch that enhances the apple’s sweetness and adds extra richness.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, or even our delightful Pecan Pie Cheesecake for a dessert table that will leave your guests swooning.
Your Apple Slab Pie is flexible—let your culinary creativity shine as you share this delicious dessert with family and friends!
Expert Tips for Apple Slab Pie
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Dough Temperature: Keep it cold: Always chill your pie dough for a flaky texture. Warm dough can make a soggy crust.
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Filling Balance: Adjust sweetness: Depending on your apple mix, add more sugar if using tart varieties like Granny Smith. Taste first!
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Cool Before Cutting: Patience pays off: Let the pie cool completely for at least 45 minutes; this helps the filling set for clean, beautiful squares.
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Crust Prep: Avoid overworking: Handle the dough as little as possible to maintain its flakiness.
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Egg Wash Shine: Egg wash application: For an irresistible golden crust, brush the surface with a mix of heavy cream or beaten egg before baking.
Embrace these tips for your Apple Slab Pie, and impress your guests with a perfect dessert!
Apple Slab Pie Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples. Varieties like Granny Smith (tart) combined with Fuji or Honeycrisp (sweet) create a delightful balance of flavors. Aim for 3½ to 4 pounds total for about 10 cups of chopped apples; this ensures a robust filling.
How should I store leftover Apple Slab Pie?
Very! To keep your Apple Slab Pie fresh, simply cover it and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days. This way, you can enjoy that flaky crust and tender filling for a few more days!
Can I freeze Apple Slab Pie?
You can! For freezing, once your pie is completely cool, slice it into squares and wrap each piece tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It’s best to store it in an airtight container too. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat at 300°F (150°C) for about 20 minutes.
What should I do if my filling seems runny?
Don’t worry! If your filling turns out runny, this could be due to excess moisture from the apples. To troubleshoot, you can sprinkle in a little extra cornstarch (about a tablespoon) to help thicken it while cooking. Ensure your apples are well-coated with the cornstarch and sugar mixture before baking, which helps absorb some of that excess liquid!
Can I use this recipe for other fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the apples with other fruits such as pears, peaches, or mixed berries for a delicious twist. Adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit you choose, ensuring a balanced filling that’s just as delightful.
Is this Apple Slab Pie suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly since all the ingredients used, from the flaky crust to the spiced apple filling, are plant-based. If you adjust the egg wash with a bit of non-dairy milk, it makes a wonderful treat suitable for various dietary preferences!
Delicious Apple Slab Pie for Sharing This Thanksgiving
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together 3¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1½ tablespoons of sugar, and 1½ teaspoons of salt. Cut in 3 chilled sticks of unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ¾ cup of very cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 2 hours.
- While the crust chills, peel, core, and chop 3½ to 4 pounds of mixed apples. Toss the apples in a bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. In a separate bowl, combine ¾ cup of sugar, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 rounded teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of allspice. Coat the apples with this mixture.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the larger dough disc to fit your baking sheet. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and fit the rolled dough into the bottom. Pour the apple filling onto the crust and spread it evenly. Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling, sealing the edges by crimping and cutting slits for steam.
- Brush the top of the pie with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or a beaten egg with water for a golden finish. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 45 minutes before slicing.