Few desserts capture the warmth of home quite like a slice of apple pie. But when you want to serve a crowd without losing that homemade charm, this Classic Apple Slab Pie is the perfect choice. It has everything you love about traditional apple pie — flaky, buttery crust, soft caramelized apples, and that comforting cinnamon aroma — baked in a large pan so everyone gets a piece.
Crispy on the outside and tender in the middle, this pie combines old-fashioned simplicity with a modern presentation. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a holiday dessert table, or a cozy weekend treat, every square of this apple slab pie is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
2 sheets puff pastry or 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
6 tablespoons cold water
For the Filling:
6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
¾ cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
For the Glaze (optional):
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparing the Crust
If you’re using puff pastry, thaw it according to the package instructions. If making homemade crust, start by combining flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add cold water one tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together. Divide it into two portions, shape into discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
This chilling time allows the butter to firm up, ensuring a flaky, golden crust when baked.
Making the Apple Filling
While the dough chills, prepare the filling. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl and toss with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
The flour helps thicken the juices as the apples bake, and the combination of cinnamon and nutmeg adds that classic pie flavor. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes — the apples will start releasing their natural juices, which will create a rich, syrupy coating.
Assembling the Pie
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
Roll out one portion of dough (or one sheet of puff pastry) to fit the bottom and sides of your pan. Gently press it into the corners, making sure it sits evenly. Spoon the apple filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly, then dot the top with small pieces of butter for extra richness.
Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the apples. Tuck the edges together and crimp them to seal. You can also make a lattice pattern if you want a more rustic look.
Cut small slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking.
Baking the Slab Pie
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and flaky and the filling is bubbling through the vents.
Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes — every oven bakes a little differently. If the edges start browning too quickly, cover them lightly with foil.
When done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting. The filling will set as it cools, giving you clean, perfect slices.
Making the Glaze (Optional)
If you prefer a touch of sweetness on top, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled pie for a glossy, bakery-style finish. It adds a lovely hint of vanilla and gives the crust a delicate shine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Classic Apple Slab Pie warm, either plain or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of flaky crust, warm spiced apples, and cold creamy ice cream is simply irresistible.
It’s also delicious with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch. This dessert works beautifully for potlucks, picnics, and holiday dinners because it’s easy to slice, serve, and share.
Tips for Perfect Apple Slab Pie
• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples — like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp — for the best flavor balance.
• Keep your butter and water cold when making the crust to ensure maximum flakiness.
• Don’t overfill the pan — the apples will soften and release juices during baking.
• Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing so the filling holds together.
• For a festive twist, sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy, golden finish.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe takes the charm of traditional apple pie and makes it practical for larger gatherings. By baking it in a slab form, you get more servings with the same amount of effort. The thin layers of flaky crust bake evenly, and every piece gets a balance of crust and filling — no soggy bottoms or uneven slices.
The combination of butter, sugar, cinnamon, and apples is timeless. The crust provides the perfect contrast to the tender filling, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is pure comfort.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can use this same method for other fruits — try peach, pear, or cherry variations by adjusting the spices and sugar slightly.
Home-Cook Review
“I made this apple slab pie for our family get-together, and everyone loved it! The crust was buttery and flaky, and the apples baked perfectly soft without being mushy. I’ll never go back to regular pie — this version is easier, prettier, and just as delicious. I even added the glaze on top, and it looked straight out of a bakery!”
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes to refresh the crispness of the crust.
You can also freeze individual slices. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat gently.
Final Touch
Classic Apple Slab Pie is proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. With buttery layers of pastry and sweet, cinnamon-kissed apples, it’s a dessert that brings people together around the table.