Mouthwatering Apple Slab Pie: How to Make the Perfect Recipe

Hello bakers! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook — where passion meets the plate. Baking is my love language, and this Apple Slab Pie recipe is one I’ve perfected over countless family gatherings. At Bikren Cook, we believe food isn’t just about taste — it’s about creating memories around the table. This rectangular pie is perfect for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply when you want leftovers for breakfast (I won’t tell!).

There’s something magical about the aroma of apples and cinnamon filling your home. This slab pie delivers all the delicious flavors of a traditional apple pie but in a form that’s easier to serve and share. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients & Preparation for Your Mouthwatering Apple Slab Pie

Crust Components

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1¾ cups cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • ¾ cup ice water (you might not need it all)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Apple Filling Essentials

  • 5 pounds baking apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn work beautifully)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing Touches

  • 1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
  • 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar for sprinkling
  • Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Mouthwatering Apple Slab Pie

Preparing the Perfect Crust

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or food processor to cut the butter into the flour until pea-sized pieces form.
  3. Mix apple cider vinegar with ½ cup ice water.
  4. Gradually add the water mixture to the flour, stirring with a fork until the dough just holds together when pinched. Add more water if needed, one tablespoon at a time.
  5. Divide dough into two portions, one slightly larger than the other. Form into rectangles, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Creating the Apple Filling

  1. Peel, core, and slice apples into ¼-inch thick slices.
  2. In a large bowl, toss apple slices with both sugars, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
  3. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to extract juices.
  4. Drain excess liquid, then toss apples with cornstarch and vanilla until evenly coated.

Assembly and Baking

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Position rack in lower third of oven.
  2. On a floured surface, roll out the larger dough portion into a rectangle about 12×16 inches.
  3. Transfer to a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan, letting dough hang over edges.
  4. Spread apple filling evenly across the dough.
  5. Roll out the second dough portion to about 11×15 inches.
  6. Place over filling and trim excess dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang.
  7. Fold and crimp edges decoratively or press with fork tines to seal.
  8. Brush top crust with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
  9. Cut several steam vents in the top crust.
  10. Bake for 45-55 minutes, until crust is golden and filling is bubbling. If edges brown too quickly, cover with foil.
  11. Cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before cutting to allow filling to set.

Looking for more apple dessert inspiration? Check out my Apple Pie Cupcakes for a fun twist on this classic flavor!

Pro Tips for Perfect Mouthwatering Apple Slab Pie

Avoiding Soggy Bottoms

  • Blind bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding filling if you’re worried about sogginess.
  • Use a glass or ceramic pan for more even heat distribution.
  • Mix apple varieties for the best flavor and texture balance.

Tool Recommendations

  • A pastry cutter makes incorporating butter much easier.
  • Invest in a good rolling pin with adjustable thickness rings.
  • A pizza cutter works wonderfully for cutting clean slices.

Storage & Reheating

Store your apple slab pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. You can also freeze unbaked pie for up to 3 months—just add 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Flavor Variations for Your Mouthwatering Apple Slab Pie

Caramel Drizzle

Add a generous drizzle of caramel sauce over the top after baking for an indulgent twist. 📌 Discover more delicious recipes on Bikren Cook’s Pinterest — your next favorite meal is waiting!

Cheddar Cheese Crust

Mix ½ cup of sharp cheddar cheese into your pie dough for a savory-sweet combination that’s particularly delicious.

Cranberry Apple

Add 1 cup of fresh cranberries to the apple filling for a tart contrast that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. For more cranberry inspiration, check out my White Chocolate Cranberry Tart.

Serving Suggestions for Mouthwatering Apple Slab Pie

This versatile dessert can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion:

  • For everyday enjoyment, serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • For brunch, pair with a sharp cheddar cheese and hot coffee.
  • For holiday gatherings, serve with cinnamon whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
  • Complement with warm beverages like apple cider, chai tea, or hot chocolate.

If you’re looking for another fall-perfect dessert, my Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are always a hit!

FAQs About Mouthwatering Apple Slab Pie

Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. The entire pie can be assembled and frozen unbaked for up to 3 months—just add about 20 minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.

How Do I Know When My Pie Is Done?

Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling filling. If you can insert a knife into the center and the apples feel tender (not crunchy), it’s ready. The internal temperature should reach about 175°F if you’re using a thermometer.

Can I Use Pre-Made Pie Crust?

Yes! While homemade crust has the best flavor, you can absolutely use store-bought refrigerated pie crusts for convenience. You’ll need 2-3 packages depending on the brand.

A Slice of Comfort

There’s something profoundly satisfying about serving a homemade apple slab pie. Perhaps it’s the way the flaky crust shatters under your fork, or how the warm spiced apples comfort on the coldest days. Whatever the reason, this Mouthwatering Apple Slab Pie is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—make it for Thanksgiving, bring it to a potluck, or simply bake it on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy throughout the week. The joy of pulling a perfectly golden pie from the oven never gets old.

Fire up your oven and try this recipe tonight! I promise you’ll be greeted with smiles and empty plates.

📌 Explore more recipes on Bikren Cook’s Pinterest.

Printable Recipe Card

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