Yummy Apple Slab Pie is a delightful twist on the traditional apple pie, perfect for those occasions when you need a dessert that serves more and impresses all. This pie combines the classic, cozy flavors of autumn – apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg – in a more expansive format that makes it ideal for large gatherings, family reunions, or any festive celebration. The slab pie’s larger surface area allows for a more generous filling-to-crust ratio, ensuring every bite is packed with the delicious, spiced apple flavor.
This recipe is particularly great for the fall season but can be enjoyed year-round. It’s a fantastic way to bring the warmth and comfort of a homemade apple pie to a larger group without the intricacy of making multiple traditional pies.
Choosing Ingredients and Cooking Tips:
- Apples: Opt for varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their firm texture and balance of sweetness and tartness. Make sure the apples are thinly sliced for even cooking.
- Pie Crusts: Refrigerated pie crusts are a convenient option. However, for a homemade touch, you can make your own pie dough.
- Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for that classic apple pie flavor. Always use fresh spices for the best flavor.
- Lemon Juice: This adds a slight tartness to balance the sweetness of the apples and prevents browning.
Making the Dish:
- Preparation: Rolling the pie crusts to the right size is crucial. Ensure the crust is evenly laid out in the pan for consistent baking.
- Apple Mixture: Coat the apples evenly with the spice mixture to ensure every slice is flavorful.
- Baking: Monitor the pie while baking, as oven temperatures can vary. The filling should be bubbling, and the crust golden brown.
- Cooling and Glazing: Allow the pie to cool before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting and running off.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Filling Variations: Add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Spice Variations: Experiment with adding a bit of allspice or clove for a different spice profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use a vegan pie crust and substitute the butter in the crust with a plant-based alternative.
Yummy Apple Slab Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and a testament to the versatility of classic apple pie. It’s perfect for those who love the traditional pie but need something a bit larger for special occasions. With its inviting aroma and scrumptious taste, this slab pie is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Apple Slab Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts, brought to room temperature as per package instructions
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 9 cups of thinly sliced, peeled apples (approximately 9 medium apples)
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Take the pie crusts out of their packaging. On a lightly floured surface, unroll the crusts and stack them on top of each other. Roll them out into a 17×12-inch rectangle.
- Carefully place the rolled crust into a 15x10x1-inch baking pan, ensuring it fits snugly into the corners. Fold any excess pastry under to align with the edges of the pan. Crimp the edges for a finished look.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture until well blended.
- Add the sliced apples to the sugar mixture, tossing them until they are evenly coated.
- Evenly spread the apple mixture over the crust in the prepared pan.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 33 to 38 minutes, or until the crust turns a golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 45 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the milk until it forms a smooth glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pie. Allow the glaze to set for approximately 30 minutes before serving.
This Yummy Apple Slab Pie is an excellent dessert that combines the classic flavors of a Dutch apple pie with the convenience of serving a larger group. The recipe is perfect for autumn gatherings, offering the warm, spiced flavors of apple and cinnamon. It’s a delightful treat that’s big enough to serve up to 15 people, making it ideal for family reunions, potlucks, or any festive occasion. The pie’s crumbly topping and delicious apple filling, coupled with a sweet glaze, create a dessert that’s both visually appealing and irresistibly tasty.