Apple slab pie, made with flaky puff pastry, is a stunning and surprisingly simple dessert perfect for any occasion. This recipe elevates the classic apple pie, offering a beautiful presentation and a satisfyingly buttery crust. Forget fussy pie crusts; this recipe utilizes readily available puff pastry for a shortcut that doesn't compromise on flavor. This guide will walk you through creating a show-stopping apple slab pie that's sure to impress.
What Makes This Apple Slab Pie Recipe Unique?
This recipe differs from traditional apple pies in its use of puff pastry, resulting in a lighter, flakier crust. The slab pie format allows for easy slicing and serving, making it ideal for parties or potlucks. The combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and buttery puff pastry creates a truly irresistible dessert.
How to Make an Apple Slab Pie with Puff Pastry: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients:
- 1 box (14.1 ounces) refrigerated puff pastry, thawed
- 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour a baking sheet.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. If using nuts, add them now.
- Assemble the Pie: Unfold one sheet of puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the apple filling evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border. Dot with butter pieces.
- Top with Pastry: Carefully lay the second sheet of puff pastry over the apples. Crimp the edges to seal. You can use a fork to create a decorative edge, or simply press the edges together firmly. Cut several slits in the top pastry to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the pastry is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Cool & Serve: Let the pie cool slightly on the baking sheet before slicing and serving. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, you can use frozen puff pastry, but make sure to thaw it completely according to the package instructions before using it.
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
A mix of tart and sweet apples works best. Granny Smith apples provide tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add sweetness.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
You can assemble the pie ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.
How do I store leftover apple slab pie?
Store leftover pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze this apple slab pie?
Yes, you can freeze the baked pie for up to 3 months. Let it thaw completely before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Slab Pie
- For extra flavor, brush the top pastry with a beaten egg before baking.
- Add a sprinkle of coarse sugar to the top pastry before baking for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Don't overcrowd the apples; ensure they're spread evenly for even cooking.
- Let the pie cool slightly before slicing to prevent the filling from running out.
This apple slab pie with puff pastry recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation and stunning presentation make it perfect for both casual weeknight desserts and special occasions. Enjoy!
