If you’re craving a classic dessert that fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples, this Apple Slab Pie Recipe is your new best friend. With its golden, flaky crust and a juicy, spiced apple filling, this sheet pan pie is as comforting as it is stunning. Imagine slicing through that crisp top layer to reveal tender Granny Smith apples bursting with flavor, all perfectly balanced with just a hint of nutmeg and brown sugar sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or a cozy evening in, this Apple Slab Pie Recipe is sure to become a beloved tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in your Apple Slab Pie Recipe. Fresh apples provide tartness and moisture, while the spices add warmth that lingers with every bite.
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts: Convenient and flaky, these form the buttery foundation and cover for your slab pie.
- 6 cups peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples: Their tangy bite is ideal for a balanced apple filling that’s not too sweet.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the tartness of the apples without overpowering them.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor to the filling.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the apple juices as the pie bakes, preventing sogginess.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The essential spice that warms up the entire dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way in providing fragrant complexity.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps the apples fresh and adds a tangy brightness.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces: Dotting the filling with butter ensures richness and a luscious mouthfeel.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Gives the crust a beautiful golden sheen when baked.
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash): Helps to thin the egg wash for an even, glossy finish.
How to Make Apple Slab Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan. Roll out one pie crust and carefully press it into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, trimming away any excess dough so the edges are neat and even. This sturdy base will hold all that delicious filling and bake to a perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss together the sliced Granny Smith apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. The flour will soak up extra moisture, the sugars bring sweetness, and the spices add that signature warm flavor. This step is where the magic of your Apple Slab Pie Recipe starts to come alive with vibrant colors and inviting scents.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Spread the apple filling evenly over the bottom crust in your pan. Dot the surface with the small butter pieces to add a rich, silky finish once baked. Then roll out the second pie crust and place it gently over the top of the filling. Trim the edges, then pinch them together to seal your pie perfectly. Don’t forget to cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape as it bakes, keeping the crust crisp and flaky.
Step 4: Add the Egg Wash
Whisk together the egg and milk, then brush this glossy mixture over the top crust. This step gives your pie a rich, golden-brown appearance that’s as inviting as the scent wafting through your kitchen. The egg wash helps the crust develop that beautiful shine and slightly crisp texture you love in a perfect apple pie topping.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Apple Slab Pie Recipe for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is gorgeously golden and the filling is bubbling through the vent holes. The bubbling filling means all those flavors have melded together beautifully. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to set, making serving neat and easy.
How to Serve Apple Slab Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Apple Slab Pie Recipe, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top just after baking for extra sparkle and fragrance. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream also pairs perfectly, adding creamy contrast to the crunchy crust and soft apples.
Side Dishes
This Apple Slab Pie Recipe shines as a dessert but pairs delightfully with a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea to complement its warm spices. For a festive touch, offer it alongside a crisp salad or a cheese plate featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie to balance the pie’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can transform this rustic slab pie into a charming centerpiece by serving it family-style on a wooden board, with slices stacked artfully. For gatherings, cut into neat squares and serve on colorful plates with drizzles of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Apple Slab Pie Recipe, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen with time, making every bite just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to savor this Apple Slab Pie Recipe later, you can freeze it before baking. Wrap the assembled pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen—just add extra time to the baking process.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked taste and crisp crust, reheat slices of the Apple Slab Pie Recipe in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy. Reheating in the oven ensures every piece tastes like it just came out of the oven, warm and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this Apple Slab Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a perfect tart balance, you can use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for a sweeter filling. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may require slightly less sugar in the recipe.
Is it possible to make the pie crust from scratch?
Yes, making your own pie crust adds a wonderful homemade touch. Use a classic butter crust recipe for the flakiest results, and be sure to chill the dough well before rolling to prevent shrinking.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
The combination of flour in the filling and the butter dotted on top helps absorb excess moisture, reducing sogginess. Also, making those steam vents allows moisture to escape during baking, keeping the crust nice and crisp.
What can I add to make the filling more flavorful?
Beyond the cinnamon and nutmeg, a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cloves can enhance the spice profile. Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans on top before baking can also add delightful texture and flavor.
Can I prepare the Apple Slab Pie Recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the pie and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight before baking. This lets the flavors meld even more, and you can pop it straight into the oven when ready.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade apple pie that brings warmth to any table, and this Apple Slab Pie Recipe is no exception. It’s simple, comforting, and bursting with the flavors of fresh apples and cozy spices. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy one of the most beloved desserts of all time.
Print
Apple Slab Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Apple Slab Pie is a delightful dessert featuring a flaky double crust filled with a sweet and spiced Granny Smith apple mixture. Baked in a large sheet pan, it’s perfect for serving a crowd and captures all the comforting flavors of fall in a simple, easy-to-make pie.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts
Filling
- 6 cups peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out Bottom Crust. Roll out one refrigerated pie crust to fit the bottom and sides of the jelly roll pan. Press it firmly into place and trim any excess dough from edges for a neat fit.
- Make Apple Filling. In a large bowl, combine the peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss thoroughly until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Assemble Filling in Pan. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the bottom crust in the pan. Distribute small pieces of unsalted butter evenly over the filling to add richness as it bakes.
- Top Crust Placement. Roll out the second pie crust and carefully place it over the apple filling. Trim the edges and pinch them together with the bottom crust to seal the pie completely.
- Vent and Apply Egg Wash. Cut small slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. Whisk together the egg and milk, then brush this egg wash evenly over the top crust to achieve a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake the Pie. Bake the assembled slab pie in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is a beautiful golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents.
- Cool before Serving. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute a homemade pie crust for the refrigerated ones if desired.
- Adding a drizzle of glaze or serving with vanilla ice cream enhances the indulgence of this dessert.
- Fuji or Honeycrisp apples can be used instead of Granny Smith for a sweeter filling option.
