Pleasing Way to Serve Classic Apple Pie

Apple Slab Pie: The Easier, Crowd-Pleasing Way to Serve Classic Apple Pie

If you love apple pie but want something easier to serve to a crowd, Apple Slab Pie is the perfect solution. Unlike a traditional round pie, this version is baked in a rectangular pan, making it simple to cut into squares and share with family and friends. The crust is buttery and flaky, the filling is warm and spiced, and the topping gives it that classic apple pie comfort with a twist. It’s the ultimate dessert for holidays, parties, or any gathering where you want a dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make.

 Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• ½ cup ice water (you may need a little more)

For the filling:

1. 8–9 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
2. ¾ cup granulated sugar
3. ½ cup light brown sugar
4. 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6. ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
7. ¼ teaspoon allspice
8. 2 teaspoons lemon juice
9. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Optional glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

 Instructions

Step 1: Make the crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add chilled butter and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to cut it into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together.
4. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the filling

1. Place sliced apples in a large bowl.
2. Add sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and vanilla.
3. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside to let the juices develop.

Step 3: Assemble the slab pie

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 10×15-inch baking pan (jelly roll pan).
2. Roll out one dough disc on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle large enough to fit the bottom and sides of your pan. Transfer carefully into the pan.
3. Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust.
4. Roll out the second disc of dough into another rectangle and place it over the apples. Trim excess dough, fold edges under, and crimp to seal.
5. Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden finish.

Step 4: Bake

1. Place pie in the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
2. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
3. Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

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Step 5: Add glaze (optional)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cooled pie for a sweet finishing touch.

 Serving Suggestions

• Cut into neat squares and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, or any gathering where you need to feed a crowd.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

 Tips for Success

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor and texture.
• Chill the dough properly to ensure a flaky crust.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice—it balances the sweetness and keeps apples from browning.
• For a rustic look, cut small slits in the top crust before baking to let steam escape.

2 This Apple Slab Pie is the ultimate way to enjoy classic apple pie flavors in an easy, shareable format. It’s big, beautiful, and guaranteed to be the first dessert to disappear at any table!