Apple Slab Pie: A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Perfect for Parties

Apple Slab Pie: A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Perfect for Parties 🍎🥧

This Apple Slab Pie is the ultimate dessert for feeding a crowd. With its buttery, flaky crust and spiced apple filling, it’s like a traditional apple pie—but baked on a large rectangular pan, making it easy to slice into squares and serve. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, potluck, or casual get-together, this slab pie is sure to impress!

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and impressive dessert step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Crowds : Baked on a sheet pan, this pie serves more people than a traditional pie.
2. Flaky Crust : The homemade crust is buttery, tender, and pairs perfectly with the spiced apple filling.
3. Customizable Sweetness : Adjust the sugar based on your preference and the sweetness of your apples.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly : Prepare the dough and filling ahead of time for stress-free assembly before baking.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (470g )
• 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons table salt
• 3 sticks unsalted butter , cold and cut into small pieces (12 oz or 340g total )
• ¾ cup very cold water

For the Apple Mixture:

• 3 ½–4 pounds apples , peeled, cored, and chopped into ½-inch pieces (about 10 cups )
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ⅔–¾ cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness of apples and personal preference )
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ⅛ teaspoon table salt

To Complete:

• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or 1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash )

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Use your fingers, two knives, or a pastry blender to break the butter into small pea-sized pieces, coating them evenly with the flour.
3. Sprinkle ½ cup of cold water over the mixture and mix gently with a rubber spatula until the dough begins to stick together. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed, until the dough holds together when pressed.
4. Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger than the other (for the bottom crust). Shape each portion into a rectangle about 1-inch thick, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).

2. Prepare the Filling

1. In a large bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
3. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the apples and toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Slab Pie

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) . Line a 10×15-inch baking sheet (or similar size) with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger piece of dough into a rectangle measuring 18×13 inches . Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet, pressing it gently into the corners and sides. Fold the edges over to form a slight rim. Chill the crust while you roll out the second piece of dough.
3. Roll out the second piece of dough into a rectangle measuring 16×11 inches . Set aside.
4. Remove the baking sheet from the fridge. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the bottom crust, including any juices.
5. Place the second piece of dough over the apples. Trim the edges so both top and bottom extend about ¾ inch beyond the pan . Crimp the edges together firmly using your fingers or a fork.
6. Brush the top of the dough with heavy cream or egg wash. Use a sharp knife to cut several 1-inch slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
7. Place the entire baking sheet on a larger baking tray to catch any spills.

4. Bake

1. Bake for 40–45 minutes , or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits.
2. Remove from the oven and let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 45 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Apples : Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Braeburn for the best flavor and texture.
• Keep Ingredients Cold : Cold butter and water are key to achieving a flaky crust. Work quickly to prevent the butter from warming up.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms : If you’re worried about a soggy crust, sprinkle a thin layer of crushed graham crackers or breadcrumbs over the bottom crust before adding the apples.
• Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days . Reheat slices in the oven for best results.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Slab Pie pairs beautifully with:

• Vanilla Ice Cream : Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic à la mode experience.
• Whipped Cream : Top with freshly whipped cream for a lighter option.
• Caramel Sauce : Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the pie for extra indulgence.
• Coffee or Tea : Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cider for a cozy treat.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories : ~300 kcal
• Protein : ~3g
• Carbohydrates : ~45g
• Fat : ~15g
• Fiber : ~3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Slab Pie is a show-stopping dessert that’s as practical as it is delicious. With its flaky crust, spiced apple filling, and easy-to-serve design, it’s perfect for any occasion where you need to feed a crowd. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—add nuts, raisins, or even a lattice top for extra flair.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday feast, family gathering, or just because, this slab pie is sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!