Description
This classic Apple Slab Pie recipe features a flaky homemade crust filled with spiced Granny Smith apples and topped with a buttery crumb topping. Perfect for family gatherings, this pie bakes on a large baking sheet and serves 24, offering a delightful balance of tender apples and crisp crumb topping that pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 1/2 cups (385 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (228 grams) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 10 Tablespoons ice cold water, adding 1 Tablespoon at a time
Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar, reserve 1 Tablespoon for topping
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 8 medium-sized Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick
Crumb Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), slightly melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the pie.
- Make Pie Crust: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut 1 cup chilled butter into the flour until pea-sized crumbs form. Be quick to prevent butter from warming. Alternatively, use a food processor.
- Add Water: Gradually add 1 tablespoon of ice cold water at a time, stirring until the dough forms a ball. Stop once dough is non-sticky to avoid over-hydrating.
- Chill Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
- Press Crust: Press the chilled dough evenly into the bottom of a 10×15″ baking sheet. Return to the refrigerator until ready to add filling to keep dough cold.
- Make Crumb Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 2/3 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Drizzle in melted butter slowly, stirring with a fork until crumbs form. Avoid over-mixing to prevent dough formation.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Add sliced apples and toss thoroughly to coat.
- Assemble Pie: Evenly layer the apple mixture on the prepared crust, leaving leftover juices in the bowl. Sprinkle the crumb topping uniformly over the apples.
- Bake Pie: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes until apples are tender and crumb topping is golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow pie to cool at least 1 hour to set. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Use chilled ingredients to ensure a flaky crust.
- Granny Smith apples provide a perfect balance of tartness and firmness.
- Do not overwork the crumb topping; it should remain crumbly, not doughy.
- Allow the pie to cool thoroughly to make slicing easier.
- For extra flavor, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
