Glazed Apple Slab Pie Recipe

✨ Introduction

The Glazed Apple Slab Pie is a rustic, bakery-style dessert that combines the comforting flavor of apple pie with the practicality of serving a large group. Unlike a traditional round pie, a slab pie is baked in a rectangular sheet pan, making it easy to cut into squares and serve to a crowd. With buttery pastry, tender spiced apples, and a shiny glaze on top, this dessert is a perfect balance of homey comfort and elegant presentation. It’s ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or Sunday family dinners.

📜 History of Apple Slab Pie

Apple pies have roots going back to medieval Europe, but it was in America that apple pie became iconic, often dubbed “as American as apple pie.” The slab pie is a practical evolution of the classic – baked in sheet pans during the 19th and 20th centuries when cooks needed to feed large families, farmhands, or church gatherings. Today, slab pies remain popular because they are easier to serve, travel well, and look impressive when glazed.

💎 Benefits of Glazed Apple Slab Pie

Feeds a Crowd – Easier than making multiple round pies.
Rich in Fiber & Vitamins – Apples provide antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C.
Customizable – Works with different apple varieties or spices.
Visually Appealing – The glaze gives a shiny, bakery-style finish.
Comforting Flavor – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramelized apple notes warm the soul.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 12–16)

For the Pastry

4 cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1½ cups unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
1 cup ice water (as needed)

For the Apple Filling

8 medium apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp combo is ideal)
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground allspice
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk (or cream)
½ tsp vanilla extract

🍳 Instructions & Methods

Step 1: Make the Pastry

In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and sugar.
Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough holds together.
Divide dough in two portions, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and slice apples into thin wedges.
Toss apples with sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
Let rest for 15 minutes to draw out juices.

Step 3: Assemble the Slab Pie

Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
Roll out one portion of dough to fit a 10×15-inch sheet pan. Press into the bottom and sides.
Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust.
Roll out the second dough portion and lay it on top (or cut into lattice strips for design).
Trim and crimp edges to seal. Cut small slits on top for steam release.

Step 4: Bake

Brush the top crust lightly with milk or egg wash.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown and filling is bubbling.
Cool for at least 30 minutes before glazing.

Step 5: Glaze

Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle or brush glaze over the cooled pie.
Let set for 10 minutes before slicing.

🏗️ Formation (Serving Styles)

Classic Squares – Cut into neat squares for parties or buffets.
À la Mode – Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Caramel Drizzle – Add caramel sauce on top for indulgence.
Mini Slab Bites – Slice into small bars for lunchboxes or bake sales.

❤️ Lovers of This Dish

Apple Lovers – Enjoy the pure flavor of spiced apples.
Home Bakers – A great recipe for showcasing pastry skills.
Families & Crowds – Perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Holiday Enthusiasts – A seasonal favorite at Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Sweet Tooths – The glaze adds extra sweetness and shine.

🏁 Conclusion

The Glazed Apple Slab Pie is more than a dessert – it’s a piece of tradition, family, and comfort baked into a golden sheet. With its flaky crust, sweetly spiced apple filling, and shiny glaze, it’s the perfect treat to share with loved ones. Its beauty lies in both its simplicity and its ability to delight crowds with each bite. Whether you bake it for a holiday feast, a cozy Sunday dinner, or just because apples are in season, this pie will always win hearts.