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Apple Slab Pie

Enjoy the deliciousness of apple pie in a simple, family-friendly format with this Apple Slab Pie, featuring a flaky crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced filling.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tbsp sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp table salt
  • 3 sticks unsalted butter, cubed and kept very cold 12 oz or 340 grams
  • ¾ cup very cold water
For the filling
  • 3 ½ to 4 pounds apples, peeled, cored and chopped into approximately ½-inch chunks (about 10 cups)
  • 1 squeeze lemon juice
  • ⅔ to ¾ cup sugar depending on sweetness preference and apple variety
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 rounded tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground allspice
  • tsp table salt
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water alternative to heavy cream

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and coat them with the flour mixture. Using your fingers, two knives, or a pastry blender, mash the butter into pea-sized pieces.
  2. Gradually stir in ½ cup of cold water with a spatula until absorbed, adding up to ¼ cup more water one tablespoon at a time as needed until the dough begins to come together into a soft ball.
  3. Divide into two pieces, shape into rectangular slabs about 1-inch thick, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 2 hours.
Filling Preparation
  1. In a very large bowl, toss the apple chunks with lemon juice.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss thoroughly to coat evenly. Set aside.
Baking
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15×1-inch baking sheet or similar-sized jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
  2. On a floured surface, roll out the larger piece of chilled dough into an 18×13-inch rectangle. Transfer to the lined pan, draping edges over sides, and gently press dough into corners. Chill in fridge or freezer while preparing the top crust.
  3. Roll the smaller dough piece into a 16×11-inch rectangle.
  4. Remove the pan from the fridge/freezer and pour the apple filling into the bottom crust. Drape the top crust over the apples and trim edges so both crusts overhang about ¾ inch. Seal edges tightly with fingers.
  5. Brush the top crust with heavy cream or egg wash. Using a sharp knife, cut multiple 1-inch slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
  6. Place the pan on a larger baking sheet to catch any spills and bake the pie for 40-45 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling bubbles through the slits.
  7. Cool the pie on a wire rack for at least 45 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the filling to set properly.

Notes

For a delightful presentation, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair with warm caramel sauce, a light salad, or a side of fresh fruit to complement the pie's sweetness. Consider using a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor in your filling. Chill your butter and the dough thoroughly for a flakier crust.