Apple Slab Pie – Are you searching for a treat to impress your guests at your gathering? Look no further, than the Apple Slab Pie. This classic American dessert is loved by everyone and with its ingredients of apples and a buttery crust it’s like a love story served on a plate.
I can still vividly recall the day I first baked this Apple Slab Pie. The aroma filled my kitchen building up excitement that was too much to handle. When I finally took that first bite I instantly knew I had discovered my dessert choice. Let’s not forget the first time when my husband couldn’t stop raving about it or the pure joy on my child’s face as they savored every mouthful. It wasn’t a pie; it was a memory in the making.
What makes this Apple Slab Pie truly stand out?
What makes this Apple Slab Pie stand out? Unlike your average pie, our version is specifically designed for gatherings to ensure that no one misses out on enjoying a slice. The foundation of slightly tart apples guarantees an authentic explosion of fruity goodness while the crust—oh, that crust!—is an exquisite combination of flakiness and buttery perfection. Every component blends harmoniously to create more, than a dessert; it becomes an experience.
What You Need To Make This Apple Slab Pie Recipe?
Apples: Selecting the apple variety is crucial, for achieving a flavor. For a combination of sweetness and tartness Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great options. The freshness of the apples greatly influences the taste.
Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to have control over the saltiness in your pie creating harmony with the sweet filling.
Sugar: This recipe provides flexibility when it comes to sugar. You can adjust the amount based on how sweet your chosen apples are and your personal preference.
Spices: The trio of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice imparts a comforting flavor to this pie. Make sure your spices are fresh to enjoy their aroma and taste.
Cornstarch: It serves as a thickening agent ensuring that your apple filling holds together beautifully without being too runny.
Cold Water in the Crust: Incorporating water, into your pie crust recipe helps achieve that sought-after flakiness. It prevents the melting of the butter resulting in those flaky layers.
Heavy cream or egg wash: Choosing between heavy cream or an egg wash affects both the appearance and texture of the crust. Heavy cream provides a slightly richer finish while an egg wash gives it a golden and glossy look.
Steps To Make Apple Slab Pie:
Step 1: Let’s start by diving into a bowl and combining the flour, sugar and salt. Then add in the butter cubes as if they’re taking a plunge into a flour pool! Now let’s tap into our inner child and use our fingers to break down the butter. It feels quite therapeutic, doesn’t it? The goal is to achieve a texture resembling breadcrumbs.
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Step 2: Next, gradually introduce water to the mixture a splash at a time. Watch as the dough magically comes together. Divide this dough into two portions with one this will be our base. Wrap them up in cling film. Let them relax in the fridge for 2 hours. Think of it as giving them some well-deserved spa time!
Step 3: Now comes the transformative part. Imagine a bowl filled with apple chunks that are bursting with stories, from the orchard. Give them a bath in lemon juice to keep their colors intact. In another bowl picture the spices and sugar coming together like an autumn embrace. Sprinkle this sweet spicy mixture over the apples; it’s like they’re getting ready, for a ball!
Step 4: It’s time to preheat your oven to 375°F. Consider it setting up the stage for our star performer! Now gently line a baking sheet, with parchment paper to create a bed for our pie. Roll out the piece of dough feeling its texture beneath your hands. It should fit snugly into the pan like a blanket. Place it in the fridge or freezer for some time to keep it cool while anticipation builds up! Now generously pile those apples onto the dough. It may seem like a lot. Trust me they will settle perfectly. Roll out the piece of dough. Place it over the apples like a protective shield. Seal the edges with care and affectionate pinches. For the finale give the surface a glow by brushing either heavy cream or an egg wash, on top. Carve slits as if they were windows to let steam whisper its way out.
Step 5: Transfer your creation onto a tray. Let your imagination fill every corner of your home with fragrances of butter, apple and spice as it bakes away. After about 40 to 45 minutes your masterpiece should emerge golden. Bubbling with delight.
Step 6: I know it’s tempting but allow it to cool on a wire rack for 45 minutes. This is the moment when the flavors come together and find their balance.
Step 7: As you cut into your Apple Slab Pie take a moment to reflect on this journey. Every bite tells a story of love, attention and deliciousness. Embrace each moment and above all share the happiness!
Tip:
When it comes to choosing apples for your pie, don’t be terrified to blend it up a speck! Experimentation with pairing an apple like Granny Smith with a sweeter type such as Honeycrisp or Fuji. This combination will not only enrich the flavor of your pie with profoundness and complexity. Also, furnishes a enjoyable texture that will hold you wanting more with every tidbit. The secret, to a perfect apple pie fibs in the preference of apples themselves so don’t waver to troll and realize your perfect combination!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Sure! You can definitely use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe. While homemade crusts have their charm and flavor opting for a store-bought version can save you time. It’s an option if you’re, in a hurry or need a solution. Just make sure you have enough to cover the surface area of a slab pie.
My filling turned out too runny. What did I do wrong?
If your filling ended up being too runny there could be a reason behind it. It might be due to the type of apples you use and the amount of sugar. Not using a thickening agent. To address this issue make sure you’re using apples that are suitable for baking and consider adjusting the amount of cornstarch if your apples are particularly juicy. Additionally allowing the pie to cool completely will help the filling set. Become less runny.
Can I freeze the Apple Slab Pie for later?
Absolutely! You can freeze the Apple Slab Pie for later enjoyment. After baking and allowing it to cool down tightly wrap the pie using plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then place it in either a freezer bag or an airtight container. It can stay frozen for up to three months without any issues. When ready to serve simply thaw it overnight, in the refrigerator. Then reheat it in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Apple Slab Pie
Ingredients
Crust:
- 3 ¾ cups 470 grams all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons table salt
- 3 sticks 12 oz. or 340 grams unsalted butter, in cold cubes
- ¾ cup icy cold water
Apple Filling:
- 3 ½ to 4 pounds apples prepped and cut into ½-inch pieces (roughly 10 cups)
- A squeeze of lemon juice
- ⅔ to ¾ cup sugar adjust to your preference and apple sweetness
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 rounded teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon table salt
Finishing Touch:
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or 1 whisked egg with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Crust:
- In a bowl combine flour, sugar and salt. Add cubes of butter and crumble until they resemble pea pieces.
- Gradually add water until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into two portions with one piece. Wrap both in plastic wrap. Refrigerate, for 2 hours.
Filling:
- Toss apple chunks with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In another bowl mix together sugar, spices and cornstarch. Combine this mixture with the apples.
Assembly & Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 375° F (190° C). Line a baking sheet measuring 10x15 inches (25x38 cm) with parchment paper.
- Roll out the portion of dough to fit the size of the pan. Allow it to chill briefly.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Roll out the portion of dough. Place it on top of the apples. Seal the edges securely.
- Brush the crust with heavy cream or an egg wash. Make slits in it for ventilation purposes.
- Bake on a tray for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown, in color.
- Allow it to cool for 45 minutes before serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
2 Responses
what size pan please. 9X13 or jelly roll is all I have
Hi Janet! Great question! For this Apple Slab Pie, I recommend using a 10×15-inch baking sheet, as mentioned in the instructions. This is slightly larger than a 9×13 pan but smaller than a jelly roll pan, so it should fit the recipe perfectly. If you only have a 9×13 or a jelly roll pan, you might need to adjust the crust size slightly or have a slightly thicker pie. Hope this helps, and happy baking!