Apple Crumble Slab Pie

Apple Crumble Slab Pie

Apple Crumble Slab Pie is a delightful twist on the classic apple pie. With a buttery crust, sweet apple filling, and a crumbly topping, it’s perfect for gatherings or family dinners. This pie serves up easily, making it a great choice for potlucks or celebrations. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special!

Why Make This Recipe

Making Apple Crumble Slab Pie is great for many reasons. First, it’s easy to prepare and serves a crowd. The combination of tender apples and a crunchy topping creates a wonderful texture that everyone loves. Plus, it’s a charming dessert that uses simple ingredients you may already have at home.

How to Make Apple Crumble Slab Pie

Ingredients:

• 3 cups (340g) King Arthur Pastry Flour Blend or 3 cups (360g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon table salt
• 2 tablespoons (18g) buttermilk powder, optional
• 1/2 cup (92g) vegetable shortening
• 12 tablespoons (170g) unsalted butter, cold, diced into 1/2" pieces
• 6 to 10 tablespoons (85g to 142g) ice water
• 8 cups (about 907g) peeled, cored, and sliced apples (from about 3 1/4 pounds whole apples)
• 2 tablespoons (28g) lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (22g) Instant Clearjel or 2 tablespoons (14g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 3/4 cup (149g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons King Arthur Apple Pie Spice
• 1/4 teaspoon table salt
• 1/4 cup (85g) boiled cider or 1/4 cup (70g) apple juice concentrate
• 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups (134g) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup (213g) light brown sugar
• 1 3/4 cups (210g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 2 teaspoons King Arthur Apple Pie Spice
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 14 tablespoons (198g) unsalted butter, cold, diced into 1/2" pieces

Directions:

1. Make the Crust:

   • Whisk together the flour, salt, and buttermilk powder (if using).
   • Add the vegetable shortening and mix until incorporated.
   • Work in the diced butter, leaving some larger chunks.
   • Add 6 tablespoons of ice water and toss it until combined. Add more water until the mixture holds together when squeezed in your hand.
   • Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

2. Prep the Crust:

   • Roll the chilled dough into a 15" x 20" rectangle about 1/8" thick.
   • Transfer the dough to a 13" x 18" (half sheet) pan, pressing it into the corners. Use extra dough to patch any cracks.
   • Refrigerate while preparing the filling.

3. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

4. Make the Filling:

   • In a bowl, mix sliced apples and lemon juice.
   • In another bowl, whisk together the Instant Clearjel (or flour), granulated sugar, apple pie spice, and salt. Sprinkle this over the apples and mix well. Stir in boiled cider and melted butter.

5. Make the Crumble:

   • Combine oats, light brown sugar, flour, apple pie spice, and salt. Mix in the cold butter until crumbly.

6. Assemble the Pie:

   • Pour the apple filling into the chilled crust, then sprinkle the crumble on top.
   • Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
   • Let cool on a rack before serving.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Slab Pie

Slice Apple Crumble Slab Pie into squares for easy serving. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

How to Store Apple Crumble Slab Pie

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.

Tips to Make Apple Crumble Slab Pie

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
• Don’t skip chilling the crust; this helps it stay flaky.
• Feel free to experiment with spices — add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for an extra kick.

Variation

You can try adding nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for added crunch. For a different flavor, consider adding dried cranberries or raisins to the apple filling.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen apples?

   • Yes! Just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

2. What if I don’t have buttermilk powder?

   • You can omit it or substitute with an equal amount of milk mixed with a little vinegar or lemon juice.

3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

   • Absolutely! You can make the crust and filling a day in advance, assemble, and bake the next day for a fresh taste.

Enjoy making this delicious Apple Crumble Slab Pie! It’s sure to be a hit wherever you serve it.