Introduction to Apple Slab Pie
When it comes to dessert, apple slab pie is unmatched, especially for gatherings and celebrations. Imagine a delightful, cinnamon-spiced apple filling nestled between layers of buttery crust, all served up in a generous rectangular shape. This pie isn’t just visually appealing; it’s designed for sharing, making it a go-to choice for potlucks, community events, or family reunions.
One of the best features of an apple slab pie is its ease of serving. Instead of fussing over slices, you can cut it into squares or rectangles, ensuring everyone gets their piece without a hassle. Plus, the large size means you can feed a crowd—perfect for events where you want to make a lasting impression.
If you're keen on baking, making an apple slab pie also allows for creativity. You can experiment with different apple varieties or adjust the spices to suit your taste. For additional inspiration, consider checking out this guide on apples to explore which types lend themselves best to baking. Preparing this pie can turn into a memorable experience, gathering friends or family in the kitchen, while the sweet aroma fills the home, promising satisfaction for all who partake.
Ingredients for Apple Slab Pie
Key ingredients you’ll need
Making a delightful apple slab pie that’s sure to impress your friends and family is simpler than you might think. Here’s a list of the essential ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour for a flaky crust
- 1 ½ tablespoons white sugar to add a touch of sweetness
- ½ teaspoon baking powder to help your crust rise
- ¼ teaspoon salt for balance
- ½ cup butter for richness
- 2 egg yolks to bind the crust
- 4 tablespoons water to bring your dough together
- 8 apples (peeled, cored, and cut into thin wedges)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice to enhance apple flavor
- 1 ¾ cups white sugar for the filling
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for that warm spice
Optional ingredients to enhance flavor
To elevate your apple slab pie, consider these optional ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract can add depth to your filling
- Nutmeg for a unique twist
- Raisins or chopped nuts for added texture
With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a delicious dessert that will definitely be the star of any gathering! Looking for more tips? You can check out this essential baking guide for more inspiration!
Preparing Apple Slab Pie
Making an apple slab pie is not just about baking; it's an experience that fills your kitchen with the sweet aroma of fresh apples and spices. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply satisfying your own cravings, let's dive into the delightful steps of preparing this crowd-pleasing dessert.
Gather all your ingredients
Before you start whipping up your pie, it’s important to gather everything you need. Here’s what you’ll require:
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For the crust:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ tablespoons white sugar
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup butter
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2 egg yolks, beaten
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4 tablespoons water
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For the apple filling:
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8 apples, peeled, cored, and cut into thin wedges
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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1 ¾ cups white sugar
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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2 tablespoons butter
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For the crumb topping:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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⅔ cup brown sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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⅔ cup butter
Having everything prepped and ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable!
Make the pie crust
Now, let’s create a flaky and delicious crust for our apple slab pie. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This method is essential for achieving that perfect texture, so take your time!
Add the beaten egg yolks and water, mixing until a dough forms. Roll out the dough to fit a 10x15-inch pan, which is perfect for feeding a crowd. Remember, a good pie starts with a great crust, so don’t skimp on this step!
Prepare the apple filling
Next up, it's time for the star of the show: the apple filling. Combine the apple wedges with lemon juice in a large bowl to prevent browning. Add the sugar, flour, and cinnamon, tossing everything together until the apples are well-coated. Did you know apples are not only delicious but also rich in fiber and vitamin C? You’re not just making a dessert; you’re adding some nutritional value to your meal!
Assemble the slab pie
Pour the apple mixture into your prepared pie crust, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Dot the top with butter for added richness. In a separate bowl, mix together the crumble ingredients, combining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this over the apple filling to create a delightful topping.
Bake to perfection
Finally, bake your apple slab pie in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about an hour. The goal is a beautifully golden top that signals the pie is ready. Baking really brings out the natural sweetness of the apples, making this dessert the highlight of any gathering.
Once done, allow it to cool slightly before slicing—if you can resist the temptation! Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat!
This apple slab pie is not just a recipe; it’s a tradition worth sharing and savoring. Happy baking!
Variations on Apple Slab Pie
Add a Caramel Drizzle
Elevate your apple slab pie by drizzling warm caramel over the top just before serving. This addition not only enhances the sweetness but also adds a delightful gooeyness that contrasts beautifully with the flaky crust. For an extra touch, try a sprinkle of sea salt to bring out those flavors—your guests will be begging for seconds! You can find homemade caramel recipes here or opt for a store-bought one to save time.
Use Different Apple Varieties
Don’t be afraid to mix and match apple varieties to customize your apple slab pie. Sweet options like Fuji or Honeycrisp can be blended with tart Granny Smith to create a rich depth of flavor. Each type of apple offers its own unique twist to the taste and texture, so experiment and find your perfect combo! For more insights on apples, check out this comprehensive guide on apple varieties.
Cooking tips and notes for Apple Slab Pie
Tips for a flaky crust
Creating a perfectly flaky crust is key to a delightful apple slab pie. Start with cold butter; this helps maintain the flakiness. When mixing the dough, don't overwork it; you want small bits of butter to remain visible, as they will create those lovely layers when baked. For an extra crisp crust, consider chilling the pie crust for about 30 minutes before baking.
How to choose the best apples
When selecting apples for your slab pie, aim for a mix of sweet and tart varieties. Granny Smith apples lend a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness of the sugar, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add a nice touch of sweetness. Look for firm, fresh apples with vibrant colors to ensure they hold up well during baking. For a deeper dive into apple varieties, check out resources like this guide.
Serving Suggestions for Apple Slab Pie
Pair with Ice Cream
One of the best ways to elevate your apple slab pie experience is by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture melts into the pie, enhancing the sweet, spiced flavor of the apples. Consider trying other flavors like caramel or cinnamon ice cream for an extra twist! This combination is a crowd-pleaser for any gathering, and who doesn’t love that classic pie à la mode?
Serve with Whipped Cream
If you prefer a lighter topping, homemade whipped cream is an excellent choice. Simply whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract for a delicious finish that complements the pie's richness. You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a festive touch! Whether at a family dinner or a potluck, pairing your apple slab pie with whipped cream will leave your guests raving about your dessert.
Feel free to check out this guide on making homemade whipped cream for tips on achieving the perfect fluffy consistency!
Time breakdown for Apple Slab Pie
Preparation time
To get everything ready for your delightful apple slab pie, set aside about 30 minutes for preparation. This time allows you to peel the apples, mix the dough, and assemble your pie with love.
Baking time
Once your pie is in the oven, it will need about 1 hour to bake. You'll be rewarded with a golden-brown topping that's just begging to be served!
Total time
In total, you're looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for making a delicious dessert that can feed a crowd! Ready to impress your friends and family?
For tips on slicing apples or prepping dough, check out this comprehensive guide by Epicurious. Your apple slab pie will be a hit!
Nutritional facts for Apple Slab Pie
Calories per serving
Each generous serving of this delightful apple slab pie contains approximately 405 calories. It's a satisfying dessert that can be enjoyed by everyone at your gathering without too much guilt!
Key nutrients
Along with its comforting flavor, the apple slab pie is packed with key nutrients:
- Total Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
- Cholesterol: 53mg
- Sodium: 125mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 62g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 42g
- Protein: 3g
Plus, you’ll get a little boost from vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C (4mg) and Calcium (31mg). Incorporating fresh apples not only adds sweetness but also contributes valuable nutrients. For more on the benefits of apples, check out resources from Healthline and WebMD. Enjoy your pie guilt-free, knowing it’s as nourishing as it is delicious!
FAQs about Apple Slab Pie
How can I make the crust extra flaky?
To achieve an extra flaky crust for your apple slab pie, it's essential to keep your butter cold. Consider chilling your flour before mixing or even giving your butter a quick freeze before incorporating it. Also, don’t overwork the dough; stop mixing as soon as everything comes together. Adding small amounts of ice water helps too—just enough to bind, without turning it into a paste.
Can I freeze leftover slab pie?
Absolutely! You can freeze any leftover apple slab pie. Just make sure it's fully cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
What’s the best apple to use for baking?
For baking, it’s best to use apples that hold their shape and flavor. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are fantastic choices for your apple slab pie. They bring a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, ensuring a delicious filling that complements the crust beautifully. For expert recommendations, check out resources from local orchards or trusted food blogs!
Conclusion on Apple Slab Pie
In conclusion, the apple slab pie is an exceptional dessert for gatherings, combining simplicity and indulgence. With its flaky crust and sweet, spiced filling, it’s sure to impress friends and family alike. Try this recipe to create delicious memories around the table. You won’t be disappointed!
Apple Slab Pie
Equipment
- oven
- Mixing Bowl
- rolling pin
- 10x15-inch Baking Pan
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 tablespoons white sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cups butter for dough
- 2 egg yolks beaten
- 4 tablespoons water
- 8 apples peeled, cored and cut into thin wedges
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1.75 cups white sugar for filling
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for filling
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon for filling
- 2 tablespoons butter for dotting filling
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for topping
- 0.67 cups brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for topping
- 0.67 cups butter for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine 1 ½ cups flour, 1 ½ tablespoons sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in ½ cup butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix egg yolk and water together until blended; add to flour and mix to form a dough. Roll out dough to fit the bottom of a 10x15-inch pan.
- Combine apples and lemon juice in a large bowl; add 1 ¾ cups white sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Pour filling into pie crust and dot with 2 tablespoons butter.
- Combine 1 cup flour, ⅔ cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a medium bowl; cut in ⅔ cup butter until crumbly, then sprinkle over apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven until topping is golden brown, about 1 hour.
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