Apple slab pie is an excellent way to serve dessert to a crowd. With its flaky, buttery crust, sweet apple filling, and crispy, sugared topping, it’s a guaranteed hit. Here’s how to make it!
Ingredients:
For the crust:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup cold butter (cubed)
• 6-8 tbsp ice water (as needed)
For the filling:
• 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 4 Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 3/4 cup sugar (more or less depending on sweetness preference)
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
For the topping:
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the crust:
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
• Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it.
• Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
2. Make the filling:
• In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Make sure the apples are evenly coated.
• Set aside to let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld together.
3. Assemble the pie:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Roll out one half of the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your baking sheet or rectangular pan. Press it into the pan, trimming any excess dough hanging over the edges.
• Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
• Roll out the second half of the dough and place it over the apple filling, or cut it into strips to create a lattice design. If you are using a full top crust, make a few slits for venting.
• Trim any excess dough, fold the edges over, and crimp them to seal the pie.
4. Add the topping:
• Brush the top crust (or lattice) with the beaten egg wash, making sure to coat evenly.
• Sprinkle the top with coarse sugar for a little extra crunch and sweetness.
5. Bake:
• Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
• If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
6. Cool and serve:
• Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This will help the filling set.
• Slice, serve, and enjoy this sweet and comforting apple slab pie!