🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Crust
-
Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
-
Cut in butter: Blend in butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture is crumbly.
-
Add water: Gradually add ice water until dough comes together.
-
Chill: Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling
-
Slice & toss: Thinly slice apples and coat with lemon juice.
-
Spice it up: Combine apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla (if using). Let sit for 10 minutes to release juices.
3. Assemble the Slab Pie
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Roll bottom crust: On a floured surface, roll one dough disc into a 14×19-inch rectangle. Fit into a rimmed 13×18-inch baking sheet.
-
Add filling: Spread apple mixture evenly over the crust. Dot with butter cubes.
-
Top it off:
-
Classic top: Roll out second crust and lay it over.
-
Lattice: Cut strips and weave across the filling.
-
-
Seal & finish: Crimp edges with a fork. Brush crust with milk or egg wash.
-
Optional topping: Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mix and dot with extra butter or nuts.
4. Bake
-
Shield edges: Cover crust edges with foil to prevent burning.
-
Bake for 60–70 minutes or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.
-
Test doneness: Insert a knife—it should come out hot with soft apples.
5. Cool & Serve
-
Rest 2–3 hours to let the filling set.
-
Serve warm or at room temp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle.
👩🍳 Pro Tips for Pie Success
-
Use a mix of apples: Combines tart and sweet flavors for depth.
-
Avoid soggy crust: Pat apples dry before mixing.
-
Crispy base tip: Brush the bottom crust with melted butter before adding filling.
-
Upgrade with crunch: Add a streusel topping (½ cup oats, ¼ cup sugar, 2 tbsp butter).
💡 Creative Variations
| Twist | Add This |
|---|---|
| Caramel Swirl | Drizzle caramel sauce over filling before topping |
| Cheesecake Layer | Spread sweetened cream cheese under the apples |
| Pumpkin Spice | Add 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice to the filling |
| Boozy Boost | Toss apples with 2 tbsp apple cider or Calvados |
🧾 Approximate Nutrition (Per Slice)
-
Calories: 350
-
Fat: 15g
-
Carbs: 50g
-
Fiber: 3g
❤️ Why It’s Everyone’s Favorite
This isn’t just dessert—it’s a warm memory waiting to happen. With its nostalgic flavors and rustic charm, this slab pie brings people together. Whether you’re channeling grandma vibes or just trying to impress your guests, this one’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
🍽 Grandma’s Best Advice
-
Cool completely: Makes cleaner slices and richer flavor.
-
Make-ahead magic: Crust and filling can be prepped the night before.
-
Serve with flair: Dust with powdered sugar, add a cinnamon stick, or pair with spiced rum ice cream.