Irresistible Party Treat: Apple Slab Pie Recipe

Amazing
By boom

Apple slab pie is the ultimate party dessert that will surely impress your guests! It’s like a traditional apple pie, but it’s baked in a flat, rectangular pan and sliced into easy-to-serve squares, making it perfect for gatherings. Here’s everything you need to know to make a delicious apple slab pie from scratch.

Ingredients:

For the Base:

  • 3 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (470 grams)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt
  • 3 sticks unsalted butter (each stick 12 oz or 340 grams), cut into small pieces and kept very cold
  • 3/4 cup very cold water

For the Apple Mixture:

  • 3 1/2 to 4 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces (about 10 cups)
  • Squeeze of lemon juice
  • 2/3 to 3/4 cup sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of your apples)
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/8 teaspoon table salt

To Finish:

  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream OR 1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Creating a flaky crust for your slab pie requires a bit of care, but it’s worth it for the rich, buttery flavor. Follow these steps to prepare a perfect pie crust.

  1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. This base will provide structure for your crust.
  2. Add the Butter: Add the cold butter pieces into the flour mixture and toss to coat. To achieve a flaky texture, it’s crucial that the butter remains cold throughout this process.
  3. Break Up the Butter: Using your hands, a pastry blender, or two knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it forms pea-sized chunks. The goal is to keep some small pieces of butter intact to create pockets of steam while baking, which results in a flaky crust.
  4. Incorporate the Water: Gradually add 1/2 cup of cold water to the flour mixture, stirring with a spatula until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is still too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time.
  5. Form the Dough: Shape the dough into two portions—one slightly larger than the other. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours to allow the dough to chill and firm up, which will make it easier to work with.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

For this slab pie, the apple filling should be flavorful and just the right amount of sweet.

  1. Toss the Apples with Lemon Juice: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and chopped apples with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning and to add a hint of tartness.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, combine the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. These spices give the apple filling a warm, cozy flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.
  3. Coat the Apples: Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture over the apples and toss until they’re evenly coated. Set the mixture aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Slab Pie

Now that your dough is ready and the filling is mixed, it’s time to assemble the slab pie.

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 10×15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Roll Out the Bottom Crust: On a floured surface, roll out the larger portion of dough into an 18×13-inch rectangle. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared pan, pressing it gently into the corners and letting the edges overhang slightly.
  3. Fill with Apples: Pour the apple filling onto the bottom crust, spreading it out evenly. If it looks like the apples are piled high, don’t worry—they’ll shrink down during baking.
  4. Roll Out the Top Crust: Roll out the second portion of dough into a 16×11-inch rectangle and carefully lay it over the apple filling.
  5. Trim and Crimp the Edges: Trim the overhanging edges so that both layers extend about 3/4 inch beyond the pan. Crimp the edges together to seal in the filling, creating a decorative edge.
  6. Brush the Top with Cream or Egg Wash: Use a pastry brush to apply a light coat of heavy cream or an egg wash to the top crust, which will give it a beautiful golden-brown color as it bakes.
  7. Cut Slits for Steam: Use a sharp knife to cut several 1-inch slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Step 4: Bake the Slab Pie

  1. Prepare for Baking: Place the pie pan on a larger baking sheet to catch any potential spills or juices that bubble over.
  2. Bake the Pie: Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling bubbles through the slits.
  3. Cool Before Serving: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 45 minutes before slicing. Cooling helps the filling to set, making it easier to cut clean squares for serving.

Additional Tips and Serving Ideas

1. Choosing the Right Apples
The flavor and texture of your apple slab pie depend largely on the types of apples you use. Tart apples, like Granny Smith, add a bright contrast to the sweet crust and spices. Mixing varieties, such as combining Granny Smith with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples, provides a good balance of tartness and sweetness.

2. Adjusting the Sweetness
Since apples vary in sweetness, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling. Taste the apple mixture before adding it to the crust to see if it’s sweet enough for your liking. “You can always add more sugar if your apples are extra tart,” says pastry chef Linda James.

3. Adding Extra Flavor
Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the apple mixture or even a bit of caramel sauce for a richer flavor. Some people like adding a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the filling, which adds an extra layer of texture and taste.

4. Perfecting the Crust
If you’re new to making pie dough, don’t worry if it seems intimidating at first. Keeping the butter cold is essential, so work quickly and avoid over-mixing the dough. “A little imperfection is part of the charm,” says baker John Peterson.

5. Serving Suggestions
Apple slab pie can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an extra special treat. For large parties, you can cut the pie into smaller squares to make bite-sized servings.

Why Apple Slab Pie Is Perfect for Gatherings

Apple slab pie is ideal for gatherings due to its simplicity in serving. Unlike a round pie, which can be a bit messy to cut and serve, a slab pie can be neatly sliced into uniform squares. It’s also easier to transport, making it an excellent choice for potlucks, barbecues, and family reunions. Plus, it’s an adaptable recipe that you can easily tweak based on your preferences or what ingredients you have on hand.

Apple slab pie not only brings a delicious, classic flavor to the table but also adds a touch of nostalgia, reminding us of simpler times when pies were baked with love and shared with family and friends. It’s a dessert that combines a comforting crust with a delightful apple filling, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat!

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