Apple Slab Pie

If you need a dessert for a party, look no further than apple slab pie. This extra-large pie is made for feeding a crowd, and you don't have to fuss with multiple pies, fussy crusts, or layered desserts to get everyone fed.

Apple slab pie is every bit as flavorful as a traditional apple pie with its warming spices of cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. A mix of apples (we suggest Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala) ensures the just-right combination of tart and sweet and creamy and crunchy apples once the pie is baked.

Whether this pie is going to be this year's Thanksgiving dessert or a potluck dessert to end the meal in a splash, it's sure to make everyone who snags a square thrilled.

What Is a Slab Pie Exactly?

A slab pie is a rectangular pie that's extra-large and made to serve a crowd. Most slab pies are made in a baking pan that's at least 10-by-15 inches (that's the size this recipe uses). A 9-by-13 casserole dish may be used for some slab pie recipes, too.

Instead of wedges, most slab pies will be served as squares or rectangles, and of course, a topping of ice cream is always welcome.

Apple Slab Pie Ingredients

Most of the ingredients for apple slab pie are precisely what's used in a traditional apple pie recipe, but a bit more of everything is needed to make this slightly oversized pie. Check your pantry, fridge, and spice cabinet. This is what you'll need to make this special dessert.

To make the apple slab pie crust, you will need:

• all-purpose flour
• granulated sugar
• salt
• unsalted butter
• water

For the crumble topping, you’ll need:

• butter
• flour
• salt
• light brown sugar
• walnuts (if you choose)
• cinnamon

For the filling, you’ll need:

• maple syrup
• cornstarch
• lemon juice
• ginger
• allspice
• a mix of apples
• light brown sugar
• cinnamon
• salt

Vanilla ice cream is an optional ingredient for pie a la mode.

How To Make Apple Slab Pie

The steps for making an apple slab pie are identical to the smaller pies you've probably made before. But just clear some extra space on your kitchen counter. This one requires a few more inches for the extra-large crust.

Here's a brief outline for how to make apple slab pie. The full list of instructions is further below:

• Step 1. Make the crust: Pulse together flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a food processor until the ingredients are combined. Add butter and drizzle in the water until the dough clumps together with a crumbly consistency. Cover a work surface with plastic wrap. Put the dough in the center, and then use the plastic wrap to work the dough into a rectangular shape. Wrap it tightly, and chill until firm.
• Step 2. Make pie topping: Stir to combine flour, brown sugar, walnuts, cinnamon, and salt. Work butter into the flour mixture until it forms a crumbly dough. Cover it and chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Step 3. Put crust in pan: Roll the crust out on a lightly floured work surface into a rectangle, and then transfer it to a jelly roll pan. Fold overhanging dough under itself, and then crimp the edges and chill.
• Step 4. Make pie filling: Whisk to combine brown sugar, maple syrup, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and salt in a large bowl. Add the apples and stir to coat.
• Step 5. Prepare pie for oven: Spread the filling over the chilled crust, and sprinkle the crumble over the top. 
• Step 6. Bake pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet in the lower third of the oven and bake at 375°F until the filling is bubbling and the apples are tender, 45 to 50 minutes. Transfer the pie to a wire rack, and let it cool to room temperature before serving. Top with ice cream if you like. 

Is It Better To Slice or Cube Apples for Pie?

For apple pie, you can slice or cube apples in preparation of the filling. Either way works—it’s a matter of personal preference—but try to keep the pieces uniform in size for uniform cooking, no matter what shape you pick.

What Does Apple Slab Pie Taste Like?

This apple slab pie has a tender, sweet fruit filling with a buttery crust. All of that is topped with a crunchy crumble topping for a perfectly layered texture.

During baking, the filling gets deliciously gooey, but the variety of apples hold their shape. Walnuts add a subtle nuttiness for those who like that (and those who don’t can easily just leave them out of the recipe).

How To Store Apple Slab Pie

This flavorful apple slab pie is enough to feed a crowd—it’s equivalent to approximately two regular 9-inch apple pies. If you have leftovers, you can store it for several days in the fridge.

Transfer it to an air-tight container, or cover it tightly with plastic wrap for storage.

Editorial contributions by Alesandra Dubin.