Apple Slab Pie with Cinnamon Filling and Buttery Crust

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Apple Slab Pie with Cinnamon Filling and Buttery Crust

When it comes to classic homemade desserts, few treats are as comforting as a freshly baked apple pie. If you’re looking for a version that’s easier to serve at parties, holidays, or family gatherings, this Apple Slab Pie with Cinnamon Filling and Buttery Crust is the perfect recipe. Baked in a sheet pan instead of a traditional pie dish, slab pie offers all the cozy flavors of a classic apple pie while providing enough servings to feed a crowd.

This recipe features a flaky, buttery crust wrapped around a generous layer of tender apples coated in a sweet cinnamon filling. The result is a golden, crisp pastry with a rich, fruity center that’s delicious served warm or at room temperature. Whether you’re preparing dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, a potluck, or simply enjoying an autumn baking day, this apple slab pie is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Slab Pie

This recipe combines everything people love about traditional apple pie with the convenience of baking in a larger pan.

Here are a few reasons to make it:

  • Perfect for serving a crowd
  • Easy to slice into neat portions
  • Loaded with tender cinnamon-spiced apples
  • Features a buttery, flaky homemade crust
  • Great for holidays, picnics, and celebrations
  • Can be made ahead of time
  • Delicious with or without toppings

Because it bakes in a rectangular pan, every slice has the ideal balance of crust and filling.

Ingredients

For the Buttery Pie Crust

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1½ cups cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 8–10 tablespoons ice water

For the Cinnamon Apple Filling

  • 8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Optional Toppings

  • Coarse sugar
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Fresh whipped cream
  • Caramel drizzle
  • Chopped pecans

The Best Apples for Baking

Not all apples bake the same. Firm varieties hold their shape and provide the best texture.

Excellent choices include:

  • Honeycrisp
  • Granny Smith
  • Pink Lady
  • Braeburn
  • Jonagold
  • Fuji

For the best flavor, combine a tart apple with a sweeter variety.

Kitchen Equipment

You’ll need:

  • Jelly roll pan (approximately 10×15 inches)
  • Rolling pin
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or food processor
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Pastry brush
  • Sharp knife or apple slicer

How to Make Apple Slab Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough

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

Add the cold butter cubes.

Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small pieces of butter still visible.

Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together.

Divide the dough into two equal portions.

Shape each into a rectangle, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least one hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices.

Place them in a large bowl.

Add:

  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Allspice
  • Cornstarch
  • Lemon juice
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Mix thoroughly until every apple slice is evenly coated.

Allow the mixture to rest for 15 minutes.

This helps the apples release some of their juices while allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 3: Roll the Bottom Crust

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly flour your work surface.

Roll one piece of chilled dough into a rectangle slightly larger than your jelly roll pan.

Carefully transfer it into the pan, gently pressing it into the corners and along the sides.

Trim any excess dough if necessary.

Step 4: Add the Apple Filling

Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.

Arrange the apples into an even layer so every slice of pie has a balanced amount of filling.

Step 5: Add the Top Crust

Roll the second piece of dough into another rectangle.

Carefully place it over the apples.

Seal the edges by pressing them together and crimping with a fork or your fingers.

Cut several small slits across the top to allow steam to escape while baking.

Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash

Whisk together the egg and milk.

Brush the entire top crust with the egg wash.

For extra crunch and sparkle, sprinkle coarse sugar over the surface.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until:

  • The crust is deep golden brown
  • The filling is bubbling through the vents
  • The apples are fork-tender

If the edges begin browning too quickly, cover them loosely with strips of aluminum foil.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Allow the pie to cool for at least one hour.

Cooling gives the filling time to thicken, making the slices cleaner and easier to serve.

Tips for a Perfect Buttery Crust

Use Very Cold Butter

Cold butter creates steam pockets during baking, producing a flaky texture.

If the butter softens while making the dough, chill it before rolling.

Avoid Overmixing

Handle the dough as little as possible.

Overworked dough develops more gluten, resulting in a tougher crust.

Chill Before Baking

Refrigerate the assembled pie for 15–20 minutes before baking.

This helps prevent the crust from shrinking and improves flakiness.

Slice Apples Evenly

Uniform slices cook at the same rate and create a consistent filling.

Flavor Variations

This recipe is easy to customize.

Caramel Apple Slab Pie

Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the top crust.

The caramel melts into the apples for an extra-rich dessert.

Apple Cranberry Slab Pie

Mix one cup of fresh cranberries into the filling for a bright, tangy flavor that’s especially popular during the holidays.

Apple Walnut Pie

Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra crunch.

Streusel Apple Slab Pie

Replace the top crust with a crumb topping made from butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oats.

Bake until crisp and golden.

What to Serve with Apple Slab Pie

This pie pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings.

Popular choices include:

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Cinnamon ice cream
  • Fresh whipped cream
  • Salted caramel sauce
  • Maple whipped cream
  • Hot coffee
  • Chai tea
  • Warm apple cider

These additions make the dessert even more inviting for holiday gatherings.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Freezing Instructions

Apple slab pie freezes well after baking.

Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Tips

For the best texture, warm slices in a 325°F (163°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes.

Microwave reheating works for convenience, but the crust will be softer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a slab pie?

A slab pie is a rectangular pie baked in a sheet or jelly roll pan rather than a traditional round pie plate. It produces more servings and is ideal for entertaining.

Can I use store-bought pie dough?

Yes. Store-bought pie dough saves time and still delivers a tasty dessert. Homemade dough offers the flakiest texture and richest flavor.

Why is my filling runny?

Excess moisture or insufficient thickener can make the filling watery. Cornstarch helps absorb the apple juices and creates a firm, sliceable filling.

Can I prepare the pie ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the pie, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I make this recipe with pears?

Yes. Replace part or all of the apples with firm pears for a delicious seasonal variation.

Nutritional Information

Approximate nutrition per serving (based on 16 servings):

  • Calories: 355
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 165mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Slab Pie with Cinnamon Filling and Buttery Crust is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the timeless flavor of homemade apple pie but needs a recipe that serves more people with ease. The flaky, buttery crust pairs beautifully with tender apples coated in a warm cinnamon-spiced filling, creating a dessert that’s as comforting as it is impressive.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday feast, a family gathering, or simply treating yourself to a cozy homemade dessert, this slab pie delivers reliable results every time. It’s easy to prepare, simple to slice, and even better when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Keep this recipe in your baking collection, and you’ll always have a crowd-pleasing dessert ready for special occasions and everyday celebrations alike.

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