Easy Apple Slab Pie Recipe : the perfect dessert

Apple Slab Pie is the perfect dessert for a crowd, especially for a party! It’s a large apple pie baked on a flat pan and cut into squares, making it easy to serve. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Base:

• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (470 grams)
• 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons table salt
• 3 sticks unsalted butter (340 grams), cut into small pieces and very cold
• ¾ cup very cold water

For the Apple Mixture:

• 3 ½ to 4 pounds apples (peeled, cored, and chopped into pieces about ½ inch in size, around 10 cups)
• Squeeze of lemon juice
• 2/3 to ¾ cup sugar (depending on the sweetness of your apples and your preference)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ⅛ teaspoon table salt

To Complete:

• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or 1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Directions:

For the Base:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
   • Add the cold butter pieces and mix them into the flour using your hands or a pastry blender, breaking the butter into small pieces (slightly larger than peas).
   • Once the butter is mixed in and the mixture is crumbly, add ½ cup of cold water. Stir with a rubber spatula until the dough begins to stick together.
   • If the dough is still dry, add more cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
   • Divide the dough into two pieces, one slightly larger than the other. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and shape them into rectangles (about 1 inch thick). Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours before using.

For the Filling:

2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   • In a large bowl, toss the apple pieces with the lemon juice.
   • In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
   • Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture over the apples and toss to coat evenly. Set aside.

Assemble the Slab Pie:

3. Preheat the Oven:
   • Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Line a 10×15 inch (or slightly smaller) baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Roll out the larger piece of dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about 18×13 inches.
   • Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet, pressing it gently into the corners of the pan. Fold the edges over the sides of the pan, creating a small lip.
5. Chill the Base:
   • Refrigerate or freeze the dough-lined pan while you roll out the second piece of dough into a 16×11 inch rectangle.
6. Add the Filling:
   • Take the pan out of the fridge/freezer. Pour the apple mixture and any juices over the dough in the pan, spreading them out evenly.
   • Lay the second piece of dough over the apples. Trim the edges so they extend about ¾ inch beyond the pan. Press the edges together firmly to seal.
7. Finish the Pie:
   • Brush the top of the dough with heavy cream (or an egg wash made by mixing 1 beaten egg with 1 tablespoon water).
   • Use a sharp knife to make 1-inch slits on the top dough to allow steam to escape while baking.
8. Bake the Pie:
   • Place the pan on a larger baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake the slab pie for 40 to 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits.
9. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the pie cool on a metal rack for at least 45 minutes before cutting it into squares. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice.

Tips:

• Apple Variety: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for the best flavor balance.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough and apple filling ahead of time. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.
• Serving: Serve warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream would be the perfect finishing touch!

Enjoy this crowd-pleasing Apple Slab Pie at your next party or gathering!

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