Apple Slab Pie
A large-format apple pie perfect for serving a crowd, baked in a sheet pan and cut into squares for easy enjoyment.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 3¾ cups all-purpose flour (470g)
- 1½ tbsp sugar
- 1½ tsp salt
- 3 sticks unsalted butter (12 oz or 340g), cold & cut into pieces
- ¾ cup very cold water
For the Apple Filling:
- 3½–4 lbs apples, peeled, cored & chopped (about 10 cups)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ⅔–¾ cup sugar (adjust based on apple sweetness)
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- ⅛ tsp salt
For Finishing:
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or 1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tbsp water
Instructions:
Make the Crust:
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add cold butter, breaking it into pea-sized pieces.
- Stir in cold water, mixing until dough holds together. If dry, add water gradually.
- Divide dough into two parts (one slightly larger for the base), shape into rectangles, wrap, and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Prepare the Filling:
- Toss chopped apples with lemon juice.
- In a separate bowl, mix sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt, then coat apples.
Assemble & Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 10×15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the larger dough piece into a 18×13-inch rectangle, place in pan, folding edges. Chill.
- Roll the second piece into a 16×11-inch rectangle.
- Remove pan from fridge, spread apple filling evenly over the crust.
- Place top crust over apples, trim edges to ¾ inch overhang, and seal firmly.
- Brush top with cream or egg wash, cut small steam vents, and place pan on a larger tray to catch spills.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown & bubbling.
- Cool on a rack for at least 45 minutes, then slice & serve.
Tips & Variations
✔ Use a mix of tart & sweet apples for balanced flavor. ✔ Sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking for extra texture. ✔ Swap heavy cream for egg wash to enhance crust color. ✔ Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
A perfect dessert for gatherings, easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Enjoy! Would you like ideas for serving or pairing it with other desserts?
