Rustic Apple Slab Pie – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe
Introduction
As the leaves begin to change colors and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to indulge in warm and comforting desserts. One recipe that captures the essence of fall is the Rustic Apple Slab Pie. This delicious dessert combines the natural sweetness of apples with a flaky crust, creating a treat that is sure to please both young and old alike.
There’s something special about the aroma of apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen. It brings back memories of gathering around the table with loved ones, enjoying the simple pleasures of homemade desserts. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or simply want to treat yourself, this Rustic Apple Slab Pie is the perfect choice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why this Rustic Apple Slab Pie is a must-try dessert:
1. Easy to make: This recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any advanced baking skills. Even if you’re new to baking, you can still create a delicious pie to impress your friends and family.
2. Bursting with flavor: The combination of tart apples, warm spices, and buttery crust creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
3. Versatile: While this recipe calls for apples, you can easily customize it with your favorite fruits. Try using pears, peaches, or a combination of berries for a unique twist.
4. Perfect for sharing: This Rustic Apple Slab Pie is meant to be enjoyed with loved ones. It’s a great dessert to bring to potlucks, parties, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ to ½ cup ice water
For the filling:
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt for the crust. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a separate bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until the apples are well coated.
- Roll out one portion of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 15×10-inch baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet and gently press it into the corners.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll out the second portion of the dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
- Use a sharp knife to make a few slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape. Optionally, brush the top crust with milk or beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake the Rustic Apple Slab Pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips to ensure your Rustic Apple Slab Pie turns out perfectly:
– Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a well-balanced flavor.
– For a flaky crust, make sure your butter is cold and handle the dough as little as possible.
– If the edges of the pie start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
– Serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your Rustic Apple Slab Pie:
– Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for extra texture.
– Sprinkle a streusel topping made of oats, brown sugar, and butter over the pie before baking for a crunchy twist.
– Substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier crust.
Serving Suggestions
This Rustic Apple Slab Pie is delightful on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:
– Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
– Drizzle caramel sauce over each slice for a decadent touch.
– Pair with a hot cup of apple cider or a steaming mug of coffee.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the pie crust in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the pie crust up to 3 days in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Q: Can I freeze the Rustic Apple Slab Pie?
A: Absolutely! Wrap the baked and cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in the freezer. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust instead?
A: While homemade pie crust adds a special touch, you can certainly use store-bought crust if you’re short on time. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for baking times and temperature.
Final Thoughts
The Rustic Apple Slab Pie is the epitome of fall comfort and a delightful treat for any occasion. Its buttery crust and flavorful apple filling will make your taste buds dance with joy. Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making a pie from scratch – this recipe is approachable even for beginners. So, grab a few fresh apples, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of creating a delicious dessert that will bring warmth and happiness to your home.
Rustic Apple Slab Pie – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe
A delightful fall dessert that combines tart apples with warm spices in a flaky crust, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ to ½ cup ice water
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt for the crust. Add the cold cubed butter and cut into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, mix until the dough comes together, then divide into two portions and refrigerate.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine sliced apples, sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
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Roll out one portion of the chilled dough to fit a baking sheet. Transfer and press into the corners. Spread apple filling, then top with the second portion of dough. Trim, crimp edges, make slits, and optionally brush with milk or beaten egg.
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Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Let cool before serving.
