Apple slab pie is a delightful twist on the classic, offering a rustic charm and ease of baking. Using puff pastry elevates the experience, creating a beautifully flaky and buttery crust that perfectly complements the sweet and tart apple filling. This guide will walk you through creating this impressive dessert, answering common questions along the way.
What is an Apple Slab Pie?
An apple slab pie is essentially a rectangular apple pie, baked in a shallow pan rather than a traditional pie dish. This shape allows for easy slicing and serving, making it perfect for parties or potlucks. The use of puff pastry simplifies the process, eliminating the need for making a pie crust from scratch. The result is a stunning, delicious pie that's surprisingly simple to make.
How do you make an apple slab pie with puff pastry?
This recipe provides a straightforward approach to creating a delectable apple slab pie using puff pastry:
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet (14.1 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 6-8 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
- Assemble the pie: Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Gently transfer it to the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread the filling: Evenly distribute the apple mixture over the puff pastry, leaving about a 1-inch border. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
- Fold and crimp: Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the apple filling, crimping the edges to seal. You can create a decorative edge if desired.
- Egg wash: Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar (optional).
- Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes! The best apples for pie are a mix of tart and sweet varieties. Granny Smith apples provide tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add sweetness. Experiment with your favorite combinations to find your perfect blend of flavors.
How do I store leftover apple slab pie?
Store leftover apple slab pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze apple slab pie?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked or baked apple slab pie. For best results, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What are some variations of apple slab pie with puff pastry?
You can easily customize your apple slab pie. Consider adding:
- Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch.
- Spices: Experiment with different spice combinations, such as cardamom or ginger.
- Dried fruit: Incorporate raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots for extra sweetness and texture.
- Citrus zest: A little lemon or orange zest brightens the flavor profile.
With its ease of preparation and impressive presentation, apple slab pie with puff pastry is a delightful dessert for any occasion. Enjoy!
