Glazed Apple Slab Pie: Sweet, Buttery, and Perfect for Any Occasion
Nothing captures the essence of fall quite like a warm, aromatic apple pie. This Glazed Apple Slab Pie takes classic apple flavors and transforms them into a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just treating yourself. Using puff pastry or homemade pie crust, this recipe is both easy to assemble and visually impressive, with a golden, flaky finish and sweet, tender apple filling.
Ingredients
For the Pie:
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed) or homemade pie crust
- 5 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Glaze:
- ¼ cup apricot jam or honey
- 1 tablespoon water
Why This Pie Works
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Puff pastry or a pre-made pie crust provides a buttery, flaky base without the effort of rolling and crimping dough. The combination of tart and sweet apples, lightly spiced with cinnamon and balanced with sugar, creates a filling that’s soft, juicy, and irresistible. Brushing the pie with an apricot glaze adds shine and a subtle sweetness, making it both beautiful and delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the apples: Peel (if desired), core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them in a large bowl with granulated sugar, cinnamon, flour, and lemon juice to prevent browning and thicken the filling slightly.
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out one sheet of puff pastry or pie crust on the lined baking sheet. Spread the apple mixture evenly across the dough, leaving about 1 inch around the edges.
- Top the pie: Place the second sheet of pastry over the apples. Press the edges to seal and trim any excess dough. Use a fork or knife to create small vents on top to release steam during baking.
- Apply egg wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the top of the pastry for a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden, and crisp.
- Glaze: While the pie bakes, warm apricot jam or honey with water until smooth. Brush the glaze over the hot pie immediately after it comes out of the oven to add shine and subtle sweetness.
- Cool and serve: Let the pie cool for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Baking Tips
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance sweetness and maintain structure during baking.
- Do not overfill—the pie should have space to puff and bake evenly.
- For extra crispiness, chill the pastry sheets before assembling the pie.
- Brush the edges with egg wash as well to achieve uniform browning.
Fun Variations
- Add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts to the apple filling for texture.
- Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract for a richer flavor profile.
- For a caramel twist, drizzle caramel sauce over the apple mixture before covering with the top pastry sheet.
- Use a lattice top instead of a full pastry sheet for a classic, decorative look.
Serving & Storage
This Glazed Apple Slab Pie is perfect for serving as a dessert for family meals, holiday gatherings, or casual brunches. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in a warm oven for a few minutes to regain that freshly baked texture.
Conclusion
This Glazed Apple Slab Pie is a simple yet impressive dessert that combines buttery pastry with tender, sweet-tart apples and a beautiful glaze. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want a comforting treat, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Easy to make, versatile, and endlessly customizable, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the delightful aroma, the crisp pastry, and the warm, flavorful filling that brings a touch of homemade magic to your table.