Crowd-Pleasing Apple Slab Pie for Parties

If you love classic apple pie but want a dessert that’s easy to cut into portions for a crowd, Apple Slab Pie is your answer. A large, rectangular pie filled with tender, spiced apples and topped with a buttery crust makes it perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or casual get-togethers. Each bite delivers the comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet apples in a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Serve: Cut into squares or rectangles for quick portions.
  • Perfectly Spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of allspice create classic apple pie flavor.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: Can be baked ahead and reheated without losing flavor.

Ingredients

Flat lay of apples, sugar, butter, flour, and spices for apple slab pie

For the Pie Crust

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4–1/2 cup ice water

For the Apple Filling

  • 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step-by-step collage showing preparation of apple slab pie

  1. Prepare the Pie Crust: In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until dough comes together. Divide dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Make the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Ensure apples are evenly coated.
  3. Assemble the Slab Pie: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll one dough disc into a rectangle slightly larger than your baking sheet (about 9×13 inches). Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread apple filling evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the second dough disc and place over apples. Trim edges and crimp to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to release steam. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle coarse sugar if desired.
  4. Bake the Pie: Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling. Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

  • Apple Variety: Combine tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor.
  • Double-Crust Option: Make a lattice top for a decorative look.
  • Spice Twist: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for extra warmth.
  • Make Ahead: Bake the pie a day ahead; cover and store at room temperature or refrigerate overnight.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

  • Room Temperature: Cover and store up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator: Wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

Apple slab pie with golden crust, served with ice cream

  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle.
  • Pair with coffee, spiced cider, or a hot cup of tea.
  • Garnish with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-made pie crust?

Yes! Store-bought crust works fine and saves time.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the pie a day ahead and reheat slightly before serving.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Use a thick apple filling, brush the bottom crust with egg wash or a thin layer of flour before adding apples, and ensure the baking sheet is lined with parchment.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the crust; the texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Ready to Make It?

This Apple Slab Pie combines tender, spiced apples with a flaky, golden crust for a dessert that’s both classic and crowd-friendly. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or simply treating your family, it’s easy to cut into portions and enjoy warm or at room temperature. Bake, slice, and savor the comforting flavors of fall in every bite!

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Flaky apple slab pie with juicy spiced filling

Apple Slab Pie


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  • Author: Myla
  • Total Time: PT1H10M
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Classic Apple Slab Pie with tender, spiced apples and a buttery golden crust, perfect for holidays and gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1/41/2 cup ice water

67 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional)


Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse until coarse crumbs form. Gradually add ice water until dough comes together. Divide into 2 discs, wrap in plastic, refrigerate at least 1 hour.

2. In a large bowl, toss apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla until evenly coated.

3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll one dough disc into a rectangle slightly larger than a 9×13 inch baking sheet. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread apple filling evenly, leaving border around edges. Roll second dough disc, place over apples. Trim edges, crimp to seal, cut slits for steam. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle sugar if desired.

4. Bake 45–55 minutes until crust is golden and filling bubbles. Cool slightly before slicing into squares.

Notes

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor.

Double-crust or lattice top can be used for presentation.

Make ahead and store at room temperature or in the fridge.

Gluten-free option: use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

  • Prep Time: PT20M
  • Cook Time: PT50M
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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