How to Make Apple Slab Pie from Scratch

Who doesn’t love a warm, comforting slice of apple pie? But what if you could take that classic dessert and make it even better? Enter the apple slab pie – a delightful twist on the traditional favorite. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating this mouthwatering treat from scratch. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:
All-purpose flour	4 cups
Salt	1 teaspoon
Unsalted butter	1 1/2 cups (cold and cubed)
Shortening	1/2 cup (cold)
Ice water	8-10 tablespoons

For the Filling:
Apples	8-10 medium, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well)
Granulated sugar	3/4 cup to 1 cup (adjust based on the sweetness of the apples and preference)
Brown sugar	1/2 cup
Cinnamon	2 teaspoons
Nutmeg	1/4 teaspoon
All-purpose flour	1/4 cup (for thickening)
Lemon juice	1 tablespoon

For Assembly and Topping:
Egg wash	1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Coarse sugar	for sprinkling on top (optional)
Milk or cream	for brushing the crust

Instructions:

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this delectable apple slab pie from scratch:

Prepare the Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and salt.
2. Incorporate Fats: Cut in the cold butter and shortening using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water Gradually: Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, form into rectangles, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Make the Filling

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice.
2. Mix Thoroughly: Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to macerate and draw out some of the juices.

Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 15×10-inch rimmed baking sheet or jelly roll pan.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one piece of the dough into a rectangle about 18×13 inches, then transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
3. Add Filling: Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust.
4. Top and Seal: Roll out the second piece of dough and place it over the filling, sealing the edges by crimping with a fork or your fingers.
5. Ventilate: Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
6. Add Finishing Touches: Brush the top with the egg wash or milk/cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

Bake and Serve

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. Cool: Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set, making it easier to cut.