Apple Slab Pie
Apple Slab Pie has a way of transforming any gathering into a cozy celebration. Growing up, every autumn my family would gather around the kitchen, the air thick with the aroma of baked apples and spices. It was during these moments that my love for baking blossomed, especially when it came to creating this delightful pie. With its flaky crust, a sweet and tangy filling of Granny Smith apples, and a crumbly topping, Apple Slab Pie quickly became a family favorite. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, whether for Thanksgiving feasts or casual weekend dinners. Each bite invites you to savor the seasonal flavors, making it a must-try recipe that I cherish sharing with loved ones. So, if you’re ready to impress your guests with something deliciously familiar yet unique, let’s dive into how to make this incredible dessert!
Recipe Snapshot
1 hr 20 mins
30 mins
50 mins
Medium
220 kcal
2 g
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP
10 g
Large Pot, Food Processor, Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Peeler, Wooden Spoon, Cutting Board, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl
What We Adore About This Apple Slab Pie
It’s a Crowd-Pleaser
One of the reasons I adore Apple Slab Pie is its sheer size. This recipe yields a generous amount, making it perfect for gatherings. You can easily slice it into squares and serve it to a group, which is great for potlucks or family reunions. Everyone loves a classic pie, but the slab version is not only visually appealing but also practical for serving.
Seasonal Delight
With the crispness of autumn in the air, Apple Slab Pie embodies the flavors of the season. The blend of tart apples and warm spices creates a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any fall occasion. It’s a lovely way to celebrate the harvest, and it reminds me of all those joyful family gatherings around the table.
Easy to Make
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making pie from scratch! The process of creating Apple Slab Pie is surprisingly straightforward. From making the crust to preparing the apple filling, each step is easy to follow. Plus, the ingredients are simple and accessible, so you won’t need to hunt down anything special. Even novice bakers can succeed with this delightful recipe.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors
The combination of sweet and tart in Apple Slab Pie is simply divine. The Granny Smith apples bring a lovely tartness, while the sugar and cinnamon add just the right amount of sweetness. This balance is what keeps everyone coming back for more, as it’s neither too sweet nor overly tart.
Versatile Serving Options
What I love about Apple Slab Pie is its versatility. You can enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s equally delicious on its own, making it a fantastic dessert for any occasion, whether casual or festive. No wonder it has become a staple in my home!
Tradition with a Twist
This pie is a delightful twist on the traditional apple pie, making it a fun addition to any dessert table. It’s not only about taste but also about sharing a piece of my family tradition with others. Each time I bake it, I feel a connection to those family moments spent in the kitchen, and I’m excited to pass that joy along to you.
Shopping List for Apple Slab Pie
When it comes to the ingredients for Apple Slab Pie, it’s all about quality and freshness. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the tartness of the apples to the flakiness of the crust. The stars of this show are the Granny Smith apples, which provide that perfect tang to balance the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon mixture, while the butter gives the crust its rich flavor and texture. Let’s dive into the shopping list and see what you’ll need.
- 1 ¾ cups + 2 tablespoons (233g) all-purpose flour: This is the base for your crust, providing the structure and flakiness we love.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust and balances the sweetness of the filling.
- 1 ½ cups (339g) unsalted butter, diced and cold: Adds richness to the crust. Cold butter is essential for a flaky texture.
- 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) ice water: Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter.
- 3 pounds Granny Smith Apples: The star ingredient, providing the perfect tartness and texture.
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling, complementing their natural sugars.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the filling, enhancing the apple flavor.
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened: Used in the crumble topping for richness and depth of flavor.
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the crumble topping, creating a delightful contrast with the apples.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the topping.
- 1 cup (124g) all-purpose flour: Adds bulk and texture to the crumble topping.
- ½ cup (44g) oats (quick or old-fashioned): Adds a nice chewiness to the crumble topping.
Instructions for Apple Slab Pie
Making Apple Slab Pie is a wonderful journey that leads to a delicious dessert. Trust me, once you start, the aroma of baked apples and spices will fill your kitchen, making the effort entirely worthwhile. Follow these simple steps to create a pie that not only looks impressive but tastes incredible.
Make your crust: Start by pulsing the flour and salt together in a food processor for a second to mix. Then, add the cold butter and pulse until it resembles coarse crumbs. This is where you want to feel that buttery goodness mixed in. Next, add the ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together. I usually find that around 2 and a half tablespoons works perfectly for me.
Roll out your dough: Once the dough is ready, carefully roll it out on a lightly floured nonstick surface, like a silicone mat. You want to form a large rectangle that fits your jelly roll pan. This step is crucial as it will create the foundation of your Apple Slab Pie.
Prepare the pan: Spray a jelly roll pan (10×15 inches) with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, gently press the rolled-out dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. It’s important that it’s evenly spread out; this will help the crust bake uniformly. If there are any cracks, simply patch them up with leftover dough. Chill the crust until the apples are ready, or you can cover it with plastic wrap and chill it for as long as overnight if you prefer.
Preheat your oven: Start preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so that it’s hot and ready for baking once your pie is assembled.
Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples into a small dice. Then, place one to two inches of water in the bottom of a pot. Add the diced apples and cook, stirring occasionally. You want to cook them for about 3 to 5 minutes after the water boils, just until they look semi-opaque but are not mushy. This step helps to enhance their flavor and texture.
Mix your spices: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside. The aroma is heavenly and will infuse your pie with warmth and sweetness.
Make the crumble topping: In a large bowl, mix the crumble ingredients together using a hand mixer. This includes the softened butter, granulated sugar, salt, flour, and oats. You might need to use your hands or a pastry cutter to break up any large bits of butter. The crumble should be chunky but well-combined.
Assemble the pie: Once the apples are cooked, drain them well to remove excess moisture. Spread the cooked apples evenly over the prepared crust and then generously sprinkle them with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Take the crumble topping and sprinkle it over the apples, pressing it down slightly to compact it. This will create a lovely texture after baking.
Bake your pie: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the topping begins to brown and bubble. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point! Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid over-browning. Once done, let the pie cool before cutting into squares for serving.
Serve and enjoy: You can serve the Apple Slab Pie warm with a scoop of ice cream or chilled with whipped cream. It’s perfect for any occasion. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or wrap slices with plastic and seal in a Ziploc bag, and freeze for up to one month. Enjoy every bite!
Things Worth Knowing
- Chill your butter: Keep your butter cold until you’re ready to use it. This is key for a flaky crust.
- Don’t overmix: When making your crust, avoid overmixing the dough to maintain its tenderness.
- Check apple firmness: Ensure your apples are firm to the touch, as they should hold their shape during baking.
- Let it cool: Allow your pie to cool before cutting; this helps the filling set up nicely.
Making Adjustments
There are always opportunities to make Apple Slab Pie your own. Whether you want to tweak the ingredients or try new serving styles, here are some tips to help you adjust this recipe as needed.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days for the best flavor and texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze individual slices of Apple Slab Pie for up to a month. Just wrap them tightly in plastic or foil.
- Pairing: This pie pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.
- Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice alongside the cinnamon for added depth of flavor.
- Apple Options: While Granny Smith apples are traditional, you can use a mix of apples to create a more complex flavor profile.
What Complements This Apple Slab Pie
- Seasonal Sides: Pair your pie with a simple autumn salad to balance the sweetness.
- Occasions: Perfect for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, or any fall celebration.
- Storage Tips: Always keep leftovers covered and in a cool place to maintain freshness.
- Serving Style: Serve slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a comforting touch.
- Drinks: Consider pairing it with warm cider or coffee for a delightful experience.
FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, Apple Slab Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings memories of family gatherings and joyful moments into your home. Its perfect blend of sweet and tart, combined with a delightful crust, makes it a cherished recipe that you’ll return to time and time again. I encourage you to try making this pie as it will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also create new memories with loved ones. Give it a go, and enjoy every slice!
Apple Slab Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make your crust: Pulse flour and salt in a food processor for a second. Add butter and pulse until butter has been worked through the flour. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together (I used 2 1/2 tablespoons water).
- Carefully roll out dough on a lightly floured nonstick surface (like a silicone mat). Roll into a large rectangle. Spray a jelly roll pan (10×15”) with cooking spray. Press into the bottoms and up the sides of your pan. Chill until apples are ready, or cover with plastic wrap and chill for as long as overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Peel, core, and slice apples to a small dice. Place 1-2 inches of water in the bottom of a pot. Add apples and cook, stirring occasionally, approximately 3-5 minutes after water boils. You want the apples semi-opaque but not mushy.
- Mix 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
- Using a hand mixer, mix crumble ingredients in a large bowl. You may need to use your hands or a pastry cutter to break up the large bits of butter.
- Once apples are cooked, drain them well. Spread apples evenly over the crust and then sprinkle the apples with the cinnamon sugar.
- Sprinkle the crumble over the top of the apples and press to compact.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes until topping begins to brown. Cool before cutting. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or wrap slices with plastic and seal in a ziploc bag, and freeze for up to one month.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days for the best flavor and texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze individual slices of Apple Slab Pie for up to a month. Just wrap them tightly in plastic or foil.
- Pairing: This pie pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.
- Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice alongside the cinnamon for added depth of flavor.
- Apple Options: While Granny Smith apples are traditional, you can use a mix of apples to create a more complex flavor profile.
