Apple Slab Pie Recipe: The Easier, Crowd-Pleasing Way to Serve Classic Apple Pie

 Apple Slab Pie Recipe: The Easier, Crowd-Pleasing Way to Serve Classic Apple Pie

When the crisp autumn air rolls in, nothing satisfies quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked apple pie. But let’s face it—traditional round pies can be limiting. With only a handful of servings, delicate crusts prone to tearing, and tricky transport logistics, they’re not always ideal for gatherings. That’s where the Apple Slab Pie steps in and steals the show.

Baked in a sheet pan and loaded with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in flaky, golden crust, this version is bigger, better, and made for sharing. Whether you're feeding a crowd at a holiday table or just want leftovers that last, this pie delivers all the flavor of the classic—without the fuss.

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🍏 Ingredients & Their Purpose

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Apple Slab Pie. Let’s break them down:

For the Pie Dough (Top & Bottom Crusts)

3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure for a sturdy crust that holds up in slab form.

1 ½ teaspoons salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the filling.

1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness to the crust.

1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed – The key to a flaky crust; cold butter creates tender layers.

¾ cup ice water – Binds the dough while keeping it cold to prevent the butter from melting prematurely.

For the Apple Filling

10–12 medium apples (about 4 lbs), peeled, cored, and sliced – The heart of the pie. Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for depth of flavor.

¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the apples while drawing out their juices.

½ cup brown sugar – Adds warmth and a caramel-like richness.

2 tablespoons lemon juice – Balances sweetness and keeps apples from browning.

¼ cup all-purpose flour – Thickens the filling as it bakes.

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – Classic spice that complements the apples.

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds warmth and complexity.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor profile.

For the Topping

1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (egg wash) – Creates a golden, glossy finish.

Coarse sugar (optional) – Adds sparkle and crunch to the crust.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.

2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Gradually add ice water, stirring just until the dough begins to come together.

4. Divide the dough into two discs (one slightly larger for the bottom crust), wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

> Pro Tip: Keep all ingredients cold. Chilling the dough ensures a flakier crust and prevents shrinkage.

2. Make the Apple Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples with lemon juice, sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.

2. Toss until the apples are evenly coated and set aside.

> Pro Tip: Let the apples sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out some juice. Drain slightly if needed to avoid soggy crust.

3. Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger dough disc to fit a 10x15-inch rimmed baking sheet with overhang.

3. Transfer the dough to the pan and gently press into the corners.

4. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the bottom crust.

5. Roll out the second dough disc and lay it over the apples. Trim excess and crimp the edges to seal.

6. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

7. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if using.

> Pro Tip: For a decorative touch, use cookie cutters to create shapes from extra dough and place them on top.

4. Bake

Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden and juices are bubbling.

Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set.

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🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Room Temperature: Keep tightly covered for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Freezer: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

Pair your Apple Slab Pie with:

A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream

A drizzle of warm caramel sauce

A dollop of fresh whipped cream

Hot drinks like apple cider, chai latte, or spiced coffee

Serve it at:

Thanksgiving dinner

Fall potlucks

Holiday brunches

School bake sales

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❤️ Why This Apple Slab Pie is a Favorite

✅ Serves a Crowd – Yields 15–18 generous slices

✅ Easier to Slice & Serve – Uniform squares make for tidy presentation

✅ Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for prepping the day before your event

✅ Travel-Ready – No more delicate pie plates or cracked crusts

✅ Deep Apple Flavor – Balanced with warm spices and just the right sweetness

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🥧 Final Thoughts

This Apple Slab Pie recipe transforms everything you love about the classic dessert into an easier, more practical, and downright more delicious version. With its golden, buttery crust, juicy spiced filling, and crowd-friendly format, it’s guaranteed to become a seasonal staple—and the highlight of every table it graces.

Don’t settle for pie that only serves a few. Go big with a slab pie that satisfies everyone—and makes you look like a baking pro in the process.

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Ready to wow your crowd? Bookmark this recipe, share it with friends, and let the aroma of baked apples and cinnamon fill your kitchen. This is more than a dessert—it’s a tradition waiting to happen.

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