Nothing says cozy comfort quite like a warm, homemade apple dessert, and this Apple Slab Pie Recipe is a true showstopper for family gatherings or simply indulging yourself on a quiet afternoon. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices nestled under a golden, flaky crust that stretches generous enough to share with friends or neighbors. Whether it’s your first time baking or you’re a seasoned pie lover, this recipe brings together simple ingredients and straightforward steps that transform into a luscious, crowd-pleasing dessert. Trust me, once you try this Apple Slab Pie Recipe, it will become your go-to for all things autumn and beyond!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Apple Slab Pie Recipe is in the beautiful balance of classic, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and aroma, ensuring every bite is a slice of heaven.
- 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade): The flaky foundation that holds all the apple goodness, giving structure and buttery flavor.
- 6 large apples, peeled and sliced: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a tender bite once baked.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Balances the tartness of the apples with just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like richness complementing the apple’s natural tones.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning, while adding a fresh tangy note.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The warm, spicy essence that transforms the filling into a comforting classic.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of earthiness that enhances the autumnal flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the filling, ensuring it’s perfect and not runny after baking.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the sweet flavors and balances the spices in the filling.
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces: Adds pockets of richness throughout the filling for an extra luscious bite.
- 1 egg (for egg wash): Gives the crust a beautiful golden shine and appealing crispness.
How to Make Apple Slab Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s perfectly hot for a beautifully browned crust. Roll out one pie crust and carefully place it into a 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure it fits snugly to cradle the filling without slipping. This crust serves as the sturdy base for your apple masterpiece, so gently pressing it into the pan helps avoid any gaps or bubbles.
Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples with sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and salt. Taking a moment to stir everything thoroughly is key — you want each apple slice evenly coated with the sweet-spiced mixture. The lemon juice plays a vital role here, keeping the apples fresh while the cornstarch ensures your filling will thicken to just the right consistency as it bakes.
Step 3: Assemble the Filling
Pour this flavorful apple mixture evenly into the crust-lined baking dish. To elevate the luxuriousness, dot the top with small pieces of butter scattered across the apple filling. These buttery pockets melt during baking, enriching the texture and adding mouthwatering bursts of flavor you won’t want to miss.
Step 4: Top With the Second Crust
Roll out the second pie crust, then carefully place it over the packed apple filling. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges to keep things neat, and crimp the edges tightly to seal the pie securely. This sealing step not only keeps the filling inside but helps give your pie those classic, charming edges we all love.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash to create that irresistible golden shine. Using a small knife, cut a few slits into the crust to allow steam to escape while baking — this prevents sogginess and helps the pie bake evenly, ensuring the crust is flaky and the filling bubbly.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfection
Pop your apple slab pie into the preheated oven and let it bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll want to watch for that perfect golden-brown crust and bubbly filling peeking through the vents. This time in the oven is when all the flavors marry together and your kitchen fills with the nostalgic aroma of warm apples and spices.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow your slab pie to cool before slicing. This cooling period helps the filling set nicely, so every slice holds together beautifully, making serving and enjoying much easier. Trust me — the anticipation is worth it when you finally take that first forkful.
How to Serve Apple Slab Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While this pie is delicious on its own, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream instantly elevates the experience. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a lovely finishing touch, making every forkful feel indulgent and special.
Side Dishes
This Apple Slab Pie Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, complementary accompaniments like a cup of hot tea, rich coffee, or a glass of cold milk. For a cozy fall gathering, consider serving it alongside spiced nuts or a small cheese platter to balance sweet and savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve individual slices on rustic wooden boards or in mason jars layered with whipped cream. You can also cut the slab pie into bite-sized bars for casual parties, perfect for nibbling without plates or utensils. Presentation can be as fun and creative as your love for this recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making it perfect for enjoying a slice or two throughout the week without sacrificing taste.
Freezing
This Apple Slab Pie Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the baked and cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to two months — simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To warm up leftover pie, place slices on a baking sheet and heat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes. This method brings back that fresh-from-the-oven flakiness and melty filling without sogginess. You can also microwave a slice for a quick fix, but the oven method is the best for retaining texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this pie?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are classic for pies, combining them with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji adds a lovely depth of flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment with your favorites for a tailored taste.
Is it okay to use store-bought pie crusts?
Yes, store-bought crusts are a convenient and reliable option that work wonderfully in this recipe. They save time and still deliver that flaky, buttery crust needed for an excellent Apple Slab Pie Recipe.
Why is cornstarch used in the filling?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent that helps the apple juices gel as the pie bakes, resulting in a filling that’s juicy but not runny. It’s essential for holding your pie slices together nicely.
Can I make this pie vegan?
You can easily adapt the recipe by using a vegan pie crust and substituting the egg wash with a plant-based milk or a mix of maple syrup and water. Just be sure your butter is replaced with a vegan alternative to keep it totally plant-based.
How can I tell when the pie is done baking?
You’ll want to look for a golden-brown crust with filling bubbling visibly through the slits in the top crust. The bubbling indicates the juices have thickened and the pie is perfectly cooked.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Slab Pie Recipe captures the heart and soul of home baking with its simple ingredients and heartfelt flavors. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone around the table, sparking smiles and happy memories. Whether it’s a holiday centerpiece or a weekend treat, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try — you won’t regret it!
Print
Apple Slab Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Apple Slab Pie features a flaky double crust filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. Perfect for family gatherings or casual dessert, it offers a comforting balance of sweet and tart flavors baked to golden perfection in a 9×13-inch pan.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 6 large apples, peeled and sliced
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Topping
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one of the pie crusts and fit it into a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base shell.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples with sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and salt. Stir to coat the apples evenly with the mixture for a balanced, flavorful filling.
- Assemble Pie Base: Pour the apple mixture over the pie crust in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter to add richness and help develop a luscious filling.
- Top Pie: Roll out the second pie crust and carefully place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough around the edges and crimp the edges to seal the pie securely and prevent leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Vent: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash to create a shiny, golden surface. Using a knife, cut a few slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly, indicating the apples are cooked through and the filling has thickened properly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool thoroughly before slicing. Cooling allows the filling to set, making for cleaner slices and enhanced flavors.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced tartness that complements the sugar.
- Chilling the pie crust before rolling can help prevent shrinking during baking.
- To prevent a soggy bottom crust, you can blind bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- The egg wash can be substituted with milk or cream for a less glossy finish.
- Let the pie cool completely before cutting to allow the filling to set properly.
