How to Make Apple Slab Pie from Scratch

Ingredients for Apple Slab Pie

For the Crust:

All-purpose flour: 4 cups: Provides structure to the crust.
Salt: 1 teaspoon: Enhances the flavor of the crust.
Unsalted butter: 1 1/2 cups cold and cubed: Adds flakiness and flavor.
Shortening: 1/2 cup cold: Contributes to the tenderness of the crust.
Ice water: 8-10 tablespoons: Helps bring the dough together without making it too sticky.

For the Filling:

Apples: 8-10 medium, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced: A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well for a balance of tartness and sweetness.
Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup to 1 cup: Adjust based on the sweetness of the apples and personal preference.
Brown sugar: 1/2 cup: Adds depth of flavor and a slight molasses note.
Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons: Adds warmth and spice.
Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon: Adds a subtle nutty flavor.
All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup: Thickens the filling to avoid a runny pie.
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.

For Assembly and Topping:

Egg wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water: Helps the crust brown beautifully.
Coarse sugar: for sprinkling on top (optional): Adds a sweet crunch.
Milk or cream: for brushing the crust: Enhances the browning and adds richness.

Instructions: How to Make Apple Slab Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Cut in the Butter and Shortening:
- Add the 1 1/2 cups of cold, cubed unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of cold shortening to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter and shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
Add Ice Water:
- Gradually add 8-10 tablespoons of ice water to the mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring with a fork after each addition. Add just enough water until the dough starts to come together.
Form the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a disc, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Prepare the Apples:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 8-10 medium, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples.
Add the Sugars and Spices:
- To the apples, add 3/4 cup to 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.
Add Lemon Juice:
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the apple mixture. This helps brighten the flavors and prevents the apples from browning.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Roll Out the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a large rectangle (about 17×12 inches) to fit a 15×10-inch baking sheet. Gently transfer the rolled dough to the baking sheet, pressing it into the corners and edges.
Add the Filling:
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust in the baking sheet.
Top with the Second Crust:
- Roll out the second disc of dough to the same size as the first and carefully lay it over the apples. Tuck the edges of the top crust under the bottom crust and crimp the edges together to seal.
Add the Egg Wash and Sugar:
- Brush the top of the pie with the egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Cut Slits for Venting:
- Use a sharp knife to cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Bake:
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Cool the Pie:
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the filling set.

Cook’s Notes & Tips

Apple Variety: A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples works well for a balance of tart and sweet flavors. Feel free to use your favorite apple varieties.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the pie dough and apple filling ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
Freezing Tip: Apple slab pie can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. If freezing before baking, bake it directly from the freezer, adding extra time.

Variations of Apple Slab Pie

Here are some ways to customize your Apple Slab Pie:

Add a Crumble Topping: Replace the top crust with a buttery crumble topping made from flour, sugar, butter, and oats for extra texture.
Caramel Apple Slab Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the top crust for a rich, indulgent twist.
Glazed Apple Slab Pie: After baking, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled pie for added sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust for convenience. Just make sure to roll it out to fit the baking sheet.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

3. Can I make this pie in advance?

Yes, you can make the pie up to a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven before serving.

4. What can I serve with apple slab pie?

Apple slab pie is delicious on its own, but it’s even better served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

5. How do I know when the pie is done?

The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. You can also check by inserting a knife into the apples to ensure they are tender.: A Classic Dessert for Any Occasion

Apple Slab Pie is a wonderful dessert that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With its flaky crust, spiced apple filling, and easy-to-serve slices, this pie is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a weekend treat, this recipe is a must-try for any pie lover.

So gather your ingredients and enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade apple slab pie, fresh from your oven!