Apple Slab Pie is a delightful dessert that offers a unique twist on the traditional apple pie. Baked in a rectangular pan, this version is perfect for serving a crowd, making it an ideal choice for gatherings and celebrations. The pie features a flaky crust that encases a generous filling of thinly sliced apples, sweetened and spiced to perfection. A crumbly streusel topping adds an extra layer of texture and flavor, resulting in a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tablespoons white sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter
- 2 egg yolks, beaten
- 4 tablespoons water
- 8 apples – peeled, cored, and cut into thin wedges
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1¾ cups white sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅔ cup butter
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, combine 1½ cups flour, 1½ tablespoons sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in ½ cup butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix the beaten egg yolks with water and add to the flour mixture, stirring to form a dough. Roll out the dough to fit the bottom of a 10×15-inch pan.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, toss the apple wedges with lemon juice. Add 1¾ cups white sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon; mix well. Pour the apple mixture over the crust in the pan and dot with 2 tablespoons butter.
- Prepare the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, ⅔ cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in ⅔ cup butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/15 of the pie)
- Calories: 405
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 53mg
- Sodium: 125mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 62g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 42g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 31mg
- Iron: 1mg
- Potassium: 125mg
Apple Slab Pie: A Classic Dessert for Every Occasion
Apple Slab Pie is a unique and practical take on traditional apple pie, offering the same comforting flavors in a more shareable form. Baked in a large rectangular pan, this dessert is ideal for feeding a crowd at family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday celebrations. It features a flaky, buttery crust, a generously spiced apple filling, and a golden, crumbly topping that adds an extra layer of texture and flavor.
The Origins and Popularity of Apple Slab Pie
Apple pie has a rich history in American and European baking traditions. It dates back centuries, with early versions of fruit pies appearing in England, France, and the Netherlands. When settlers brought these recipes to North America, they adapted them to include locally available apples, making apple pie one of the most iconic American desserts.
Why Apple Slab Pie Stands Out
One of the key advantages of apple slab pie is its versatility. It is easier to prepare than a deep-dish apple pie since rolling out a large, flat sheet of dough requires less precision than fitting dough into a traditional pie pan. The rectangular shape also makes it perfect for stacking or transporting, making it a go-to option for potlucks and parties.
The Best Apples for Slab Pie
Choosing the right apples is essential for achieving the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Some apple varieties hold their shape better than others when baked, preventing the filling from becoming overly mushy. A combination of different apple types often yields the best results, as it creates a more complex flavor profile.
Health Benefits of Apple Slab Pie Ingredients
Apples are the star ingredient in apple slab pie, and they offer a variety of health benefits. They are high in fiber, which aids digestion and supports heart health. Apples also contain antioxidants, such as quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation and promote overall well-being.
Cinnamon, a key spice in apple pie, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential blood sugar-regulating effects. Nutmeg and cloves, often used in apple pie recipes, add warmth and depth to the flavor while providing additional antioxidants. The crust and streusel topping, while indulgent, can be modified for a healthier version of the pie. Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour increases fiber content, while substituting coconut oil or a reduced amount of butter can make the recipe slightly lighter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Apple Slab Pie
One common mistake is not properly chilling the dough. A well-chilled dough ensures that the crust remains flaky and crisp rather than becoming dense or soggy. It is essential to refrigerate the dough before rolling it out and again before baking to maintain its texture. Another mistake is not thickening the apple filling properly. Since apples release a significant amount of juice while baking, using the right amount of flour or cornstarch helps prevent a watery pie. Too much liquid can cause the crust to become soggy, diminishing the overall texture of the dessert. Overloading the pie with sugar is another pitfall. While some sweetness is necessary to balance the tartness of the apples, too much sugar can overpower the natural flavors. Adjusting the sugar content based on the apple variety used ensures that the pie retains its fruit-forward taste.
Creative Variations of Apple Slab Pie
Apple slab pie is highly adaptable, and there are several ways to customize it to suit different tastes and preferences. For a caramel apple slab pie, adding a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce over the filling before baking enhances the richness and depth of flavor. This variation is particularly popular during the fall season when caramel apples are a nostalgic treat. A nutty apple slab pie can be made by incorporating chopped walnuts or pecans into the streusel topping. The added crunch and nuttiness complement the softness of the apple filling, creating a more complex texture.
Why Apple Slab Pie is the Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser
Apple slab pie stands out as a dessert that combines simplicity with elegance. It is easy to make, serves a large group, and delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie in a convenient format. Whether served at a holiday gathering, a casual family dinner, or a bake sale, it is a guaranteed favorite that appeals to all ages. The ability to customize the recipe with different apple varieties, spices, and toppings makes it a versatile dessert that can be tailored to suit individual preferences. Its rustic charm and nostalgic flavors make it a timeless treat that brings people together.
Conclusion
Apple slab pie is a wonderful variation of the classic apple pie, offering the same delicious flavors in a more practical and shareable format. With its crisp crust, spiced apple filling, and optional streusel topping, it strikes the perfect balance between sweetness, texture, and warmth.