Glazed Apple Slab Pie

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Of course! Glazed Apple Slab Pie is a fantastic, crowd-feeding dessert that takes the cozy flavors of a classic apple pie and transforms them into an easy-to-serve, rectangular treat. It’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or any time you need to serve a large group.

The “slab” format means more surface area for a delicious glaze and easier slicing into neat squares.

Glazed Apple Slab Pie

This recipe uses a half-sheet pan (approximately 13×18 inches) and is designed for ease and big flavor.

Yields: 24 generous servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 45-55 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

· 2 boxes (14.1 oz each) refrigerated pie crusts (4 crusts total), at room temperature

For the Apple Filling:

· 4 lbs baking apples (about 8-10 medium), such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix
· ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
· ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
· 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
· ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· 1 tablespoon lemon juice
· 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
· Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping & Glaze:

· 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water (for egg wash)
· 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (like turbinado or “sugar in the raw”)
· 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
· 2-3 tablespoons milk or apple cider
· ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Line the Pan: Unroll two of the pie crusts. Place them in a 13×18-inch half-sheet pan, pressing them together and up the sides to form one solid crust. It’s okay if it’s rustic and doesn’t go all the way up the sides. Patch any holes with excess dough.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

  1. Peel and Slice: Peel, core, and thinly slice all the apples (about ¼-inch thick).
  2. Combine: In a very large bowl, toss the apple slices with the lemon juice. Add the granulated sugar, ¼ cup flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
  3. Fill the Crust: Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust and spread it into an even layer. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.

Step 3: Add the Top Crust and Bake

  1. Create the Top: Unroll the remaining two pie crusts. You can create a full top crust by pressing them together, or for a more rustic look, tear them into large pieces and lay them loosely over the apples, creating a “cobblestone” effect with gaps for steam to escape.
  2. Seal and Vent: If using a full top crust, crimp the edges with a fork and cut several slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
  3. Egg Wash: Brush the top crust (whether full or cobblestone) with the beaten egg wash. Sprinkle generously with coarse sugar.
  4. Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
  5. Cool: Place the entire slab pie pan on a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial for the filling to set, making it easier to slice.

Step 4: Add the Glaze and Serve

  1. Make the Glaze: Once the pie is completely cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk or cider, and vanilla extract. Add more liquid, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a drizzle-able consistency.
  2. Glaze the Pie: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled slab pie.
  3. Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the pie into 24 squares. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Slab Pie

· Apple Choice: Using a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp, Fuji) apples creates the best, most complex flavor.
· Prevent a Soggy Bottom: The high heat and relatively short baking time help, but for an extra-crisp bottom, you can pre-bake the bottom crust for 10-12 minutes before adding the filling (use pie weights or prick with a fork).
· Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Slicing into a warm slab pie will result in a soupy mess. Letting it cool allows the pectin in the apples to set the filling.
· Make it Your Own: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries or raisins to the filling, or ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before baking.
· Serving Suggestion: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for the ultimate dessert.

This Glazed Apple Slab Pie is a guaranteed showstopper that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Enjoy!

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