Apple Slab Pie Recipe
If you love classic apple pie but need enough for a crowd, Apple Slab Pie is your perfect solution! Imagine all the best qualities of a homemade apple pie — juicy, cinnamon-spiced apples and flaky, golden crust — but in a sheet pan format that makes square after square of deliciousness and delivers those coveted edge pieces. Apple Slab Pie is as impressive on a potluck table as it is on a cozy autumn afternoon, easy to slice, share, and transport. It’s an old-fashioned treat updated for modern gatherings, with plenty of room to customize to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Apple Slab Pie is how a handful of well-chosen ingredients create layers of comfort and flavor. Each one brings something special, from the sweet-tart apples to fragrant spices and, of course, that irresistible pie crust.
- Pie crusts: Use 2 refrigerated pie crusts or your favorite homemade dough—trusty and flaky to cradle the apple filling.
- Apples (6–7 cups, peeled and sliced): Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples strike just the right balance of tart and sweet, and they hold their shape beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): For classic plant sweetness that draws out the apples’ juices.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup): Brings rich, caramel undertones that play perfectly with the spices.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Just enough to thicken the fruity filling without making it heavy.
- Cinnamon (1½ teaspoons): Infuses the pie with cozy spice and warmth—totally essential in any apple pie!
- Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Adds depth and an aromatic lift that makes every bite pop.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A splash of acidity brightens the filling and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Deepens the flavor and rounds out the fruitiness of the apples.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, cut into small pieces): Melts into the apples, creating luscious pockets of flavor.
- Egg (1, beaten): Brushed on top for that classic, bakery-style golden crust shimmer.
- Coarse sugar (optional): For a pretty, sparkly finish and a sweet subtle crunch.
How to Make Apple Slab Pie
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 10×15-inch rimmed baking sheet or jelly roll pan—don’t skip this step, as it ensures your Apple Slab Pie lifts out easily and keeps those edges tender and flaky. Roll out one pie crust and gently fit it into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, letting the dough nestle right into the corners. It’s absolutely okay to patch and press as needed; your guests will never notice, and the flavor will be just as lovely!
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, toss your sliced apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Take a moment to inhale—that aroma is what makes baking Apple Slab Pie such a delight! Tossing ensures every apple slice is coated in spice and sweetness, promising juicy, rich filling in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the prepared bottom crust, smoothing it out so you get a little apple in every slice. Dot the filling with small pieces of unsalted butter; these melt as the pie bakes, lending richness and shine to the apples. Roll out your second crust and gently lay it over the apples, tucking the edges to seal everything in. If you like, use a fork or your fingers to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Step 4: Add Finishing Touches
Use a sharp knife to make small slits or decorative shapes in the top crust—this lets steam escape and keeps the pastry crisp. Brush the top with beaten egg for gorgeous color, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you want extra sparkle and crunch. These little extras make your Apple Slab Pie bakery-beautiful!
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust turns deeply golden and the apple filling is bubbling up deliciously through the vents. The scent will draw everyone to the kitchen—guaranteed! Let the slab pie cool before slicing into squares, which helps the filling set for neat, easy serving.
How to Serve Apple Slab Pie
Garnishes
Apple Slab Pie is magical on its own, but a dollop of barely-sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it over the top. For a bakery finish, drizzle it with a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and milk once it’s cooled. Even a sprinkle of extra cinnamon adds a rustic flourish that never fails to impress.
Side Dishes
When sharing Apple Slab Pie at a gathering, pair it with simple sides: a bowl of fresh berries, a platter of sliced cheeses, or mugs of hot cider. These balance out the sweet and spicy notes of the pie, turning dessert into a true celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Apple Slab Pie shines as a centerpiece on a rustic cutting board, sliced into squares and fanned out for easy grabbing. For a party, serve each piece in parchment paper wraps or tuck into bakery-style pastry bags. You can even use small cookie cutters to create decorative pie crust shapes to lay on top before baking for a custom touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the slab pie with foil or transfer pieces to an airtight container. Apple Slab Pie stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for spontaneous late-night snacks or next-day lunchbox desserts.
Freezing
To freeze, let slices cool completely, then layer between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Apple Slab Pie freezes surprisingly well and will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving or reheating.
Reheating
Reheat Apple Slab Pie in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes to revive its crispness and warmth (tent loosely with foil to prevent over-browning). If you’re in a rush, even a few seconds in the microwave will do, though the crust may lose some crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my top picks for Apple Slab Pie because they keep their shape and offer a great tart-sweet flavor, feel free to mix in other varieties like Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala for added complexity.
Do I have to use homemade pie crust?
Not at all. Store-bought refrigerated pie crusts are a huge time-saver and work beautifully in Apple Slab Pie. If you do want to showcase your scratch-made skills, homemade dough is always welcome.
How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?
A hot oven helps, but also be sure to lightly coat the pan and not overfill with extra juicy apples. Baking the pie until you see bubbling in the center ensures the filling is cooked through, so the crust doesn’t get too soft.
Can I make Apple Slab Pie gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pie crust recipe and substitute an all-purpose 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for thickening the apples. The result will still be crowd-pleasing and delicious.
Is this pie good for taking to events?
This is truly the ultimate party pie! Apple Slab Pie was made for sharing: it travels well, can be made ahead, and slices up into tidy, easy-to-hold squares—ideal for potlucks, picnics, and holiday feasts.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about pulling a golden Apple Slab Pie from the oven and slicing it into generous squares to share with loved ones. If you need a go-to dessert that’s both nostalgic and practical, this is your new favorite—give it a try and watch it disappear at your next gathering!
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Apple Slab Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Slab Pie is a delightful dessert perfect for feeding a crowd. With layers of spiced apples encased in flaky pie crust, this sheet pan pie is a delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pie:
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade, enough for top and bottom crust)
- 6–7 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- coarse sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 10×15-inch rimmed baking sheet.
- Prepare the crust: Roll out one pie crust in the pan.
- Mix the filling: Toss apples with sugars, flour, spices, lemon juice, and vanilla. Spread over crust.
- Top and bake: Cover with the second crust, seal, cut vents, brush with egg wash, sprinkle sugar. Bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let cool before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- This pie is great for serving a crowd and travels well for potlucks or holidays.
- You can drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk once cooled, if desired.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
