Description
This classic Apple Slab Pie recipe features a buttery, flaky double crust filled with a perfectly spiced apple mixture made from Granny Smith and Gala apples. Baked to golden perfection in a jelly roll pan, this large rectangular pie serves 16 and is finished with a sweet maple glaze that adds a delightful touch. Ideal for family gatherings or holiday celebrations, it combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the bright tang of lemon juice for a truly irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon white granulated sugar
- 2 cups unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 3/4 cup ice water
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- 1 tablespoon milk
Apple Filling
- 10 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 4.5 – 5 lbs – Granny Smith and Gala)
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Glaze
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon milk (or more, as needed for drizzling)
Instructions
- Make Pie Crust: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter to cut it into the mixture until it resembles coarse meal. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring well after each addition until the dough begins to clump and stick together, being careful not to add too much water.
- Knead and Chill Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Using floured hands, fold it gently until it’s not too sticky. Form the dough into a ball, divide it in half, flatten each half into a 1-inch thick disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 5 days). The dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine peeled and chopped apples, white and brown sugars, flour, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Roll Out Bottom Crust: Remove one dough disc from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into an 18×13-inch rectangle. Place the dough into the bottom of a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan, trimming the edges to leave about a 1-inch overhang.
- Fill Pie: Spread the prepared apple filling evenly over the bottom crust.
- Roll Out Top Crust: Remove the second dough disc and roll out the same way as the first. Lay it gently over the apple filling.
- Seal Edges: Seal the edges by pinching with your fingers and crimp with a fork to secure the top and bottom crusts together.
- Make Slits and Brush Crust: Cut a few slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon milk and brush this egg wash over the top crust. Sprinkle coarse sugar over the crust for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake Pie: Bake the slab pie in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely, ideally a few hours, to set the filling before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar, pure maple syrup, and enough milk to create a drizzle consistency.
- Glaze Pie: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled pie for a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve and Store: Cut the pie into slices and serve. Store any leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for a flaky crust and helps prevent shrinking during baking.
- Using a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Gala apples gives a balanced flavor and texture.
- Make sure the pie is fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
- The dough can be made ahead and frozen for convenience.
- Adjust spices according to preference for a milder or more intense flavor.
- For a shiny golden crust, do not skip the egg wash step.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple slab pie, apple pie recipe, slab pie, fall dessert, easy apple pie, baked apple pie, homemade pie crust
