Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *apple crumb slab pie*! It’s one of those desserts that just feels like home. The buttery crust is so flaky, and it perfectly cradles the sweet, spiced apple filling that practically melts in your mouth. I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering; the smell of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through the house had everyone rushing to the kitchen! Trust me, there’s something magical about cutting into a slab of this pie and seeing all those beautiful layers. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings everyone together. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 cups sliced apples (I love using a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor!)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for that perfect golden crust!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
- Now, add the softened butter to your dry mixture. Using a fork or your fingers, mix until it becomes crumbly. You want a nice, sandy texture here!
- Take half of that crumbly mixture and press it firmly into a greased baking pan. This will be the base of your pie, so make sure it’s even and compact.
- In another bowl, toss together your sliced apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. The apples should be coated nicely with all those warm spices!
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust you just pressed down. Don’t be shy with those apples; they’re the star of the show!
- Now, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the apples, followed by the rolled oats. This is what gives it that delicious crumbly top!
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly. You’ll know it’s done when the apples are bubbling a bit!
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a bit before slicing it up. This helps everything set just right.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for those busy days!
- Easy to serve: Just slice, plate, and enjoy—no fuss, no mess!
- Great for gatherings: This slab pie is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for parties, potlucks, or family get-togethers.
- Delicious flavor: The combination of sweet and tart apples with warm spices makes every bite heavenly.
- Perfect dessert option: Whether it’s a cozy weeknight treat or a festive celebration, this pie fits every occasion.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *apple crumb slab pie* turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you nail it every time:
- Apple selection: For the best flavor, I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combo gives you that delightful balance in taste!
- Chill the butter: If you can, try chilling your butter before mixing it into the flour. This helps create a flakier crust, which is just heavenly when baked!
- Don’t overmix: When you’re combining the butter with the dry ingredients, be gentle! You want that crumbly texture, not a doughy one. Less mixing means a lighter crust.
- Check for doneness: Keep an eye on your pie while it’s baking. Ovens can vary, so start checking around the 45-minute mark. You want that beautiful golden brown topping and bubbling apples!
- Let it cool: I know it’s tempting, but let your pie cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This helps everything set up nicely and makes it easier to cut clean slices.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a pro at making this delightful pie in no time!
Variations
One of the best things about this *apple crumb slab pie* is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch it up based on your mood or what you have on hand. Here are some delightful variations to consider:
- Pear and Apple Combo: Swap out some of the apples for ripe pears. They add a wonderful sweetness and a different texture that’s just divine!
- Berry Burst: Toss in some fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries along with the apples. The tartness of the berries creates a lovely contrast with the sweetness of the filling.
- Nuts for Crunch: Add a 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for a satisfying crunch. Just be sure to chop them finely so they mix in well!
- Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with different spices! A pinch of ginger or cloves can add a warm, aromatic kick to the filling. You could even try a dash of pumpkin spice for a cozy twist!
- Caramel Drizzle: After baking, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top before serving. It adds a rich, indulgent touch that everyone will love!
These variations not only keep things exciting but also let you personalize the pie to your taste. Don’t hesitate to get creative—you might just discover your new favorite version!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers from your delicious *apple crumb slab pie*? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Proper storage is key to keeping that buttery crust and sweet apple filling tasting fresh.
- Storing: Once your pie has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container if you prefer. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—if it lasts that long!
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the pie! Just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for about 2–3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Now, let’s talk reheating. The best way to reheat your pie is to warm it in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Bake for about 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you like a crispy crust, you can remove the foil for the last 5 minutes!
And there you have it! Enjoy your beautiful pie, whether fresh out of the oven or reheated to perfection!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional facts for this delightful *apple crumb slab pie*? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated values per serving. Keep in mind that these are just estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so always consider that when you’re baking!
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
So, there you have it—enjoy this pie knowing you’ve got a sweet treat that’s a little indulgent but oh-so-worth-it! Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for the filling?
Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, frozen apples work just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain them a bit before mixing them with the other ingredients to avoid excess moisture.
What’s the best way to slice the pie?
I recommend using a sharp knife and cutting the pie while it’s still slightly warm for the cleanest slices. If you let it cool completely, it might be a bit crumbly, but still delicious!
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in the oven before serving to bring back that fresh-baked goodness!
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
You’ll know your *apple crumb slab pie* is ready when the top is a beautiful golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling slightly around the edges. It’s hard to resist that smell!
Can I add more spices to the filling?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with spices like ginger, allspice, or even a hint of cloves. It’ll add a lovely depth of flavor to your pie that’s sure to impress!
Apple Crumb Slab Pie: 7 Comforting Layers of Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious apple crumb slab pie with a buttery crust and sweet apple filling.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 cups sliced apples
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt.
- Add butter and mix until crumbly.
- Press half of the mixture into a greased baking pan.
- Mix apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and remaining sugar in a bowl.
- Spread apple mixture over the crust.
- Top with remaining crumb mixture and oats.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for better flavor.
- Serve warm with ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: apple crumb slab pie
