Apple Slab Pie Recipe (Easy, Buttery, and Perfect for a Crowd)

If you love homemade apple pie but need something that’s easier to serve at family gatherings, this apple slab pie is exactly what you’re looking for! It has all the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie, with a buttery crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a sweet, crumbly topping.

Unlike traditional round pies, this version is baked in a large rectangular pan, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. You can slice it into neat squares, serve it straight from the pan, and skip the hassle of cutting delicate pie wedges.

Whether you’re planning Thanksgiving dinner, hosting a fall gathering, or simply craving a cozy homemade dessert, this easy apple slab pie is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Slab Pie

There’s something special about the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. And this recipe makes it easy to bring those warm, comforting flavors to your kitchen.

• Perfect for a crowd: A large rectangular pie provides plenty of servings for parties and family gatherings.
• Buttery homemade crust: The tender bottom crust pairs beautifully with the juicy apple filling.
• Delicious crumb topping: Brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter create a sweet, golden finish.
• Easy to serve: Simply cut the pie into squares or rectangles.
• Great for holidays: A wonderful dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and fall celebrations.

Plus, you can prepare several components ahead of time, making holiday baking a little less stressful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This homemade apple slab pie has three delicious layers: a buttery crust, a sweet apple filling, and a cinnamon crumb topping.

For the Crust

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the homemade crust.
• 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps create a tender texture.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
• ½ cup butter: Use cold butter for the best texture.
• 2 egg yolks, beaten: Help bind the dough and add richness.
• 4 tablespoons water: Brings the dough together.

For the Apple Filling

• 8 medium apples: Peel, core, and slice them into thin wedges.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Prevents browning and balances the sweetness.
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the apple juices.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting flavor.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the filling.

For the Crumb Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the base of the crumb topping.
• ⅔ cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a rich caramel flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives the topping its classic apple pie flavor.
• ⅔ cup butter: Creates a buttery, crumbly texture.

Tip: Granny Smith apples are a great choice because they hold their shape during baking. You can also mix them with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter filling.

How to Make Apple Slab Pie

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: Approximately 1 hour
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours
Servings: 12–16

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 10 × 15-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easier removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1½ cups flour, 1½ tablespoons sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Cut in ½ cup of cold butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg yolks and water. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit the bottom of your prepared pan. Carefully transfer it to the pan and press it into an even layer.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice.

Add 1¾ cups sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Gently mix until the apples are evenly coated.

Spread the apple mixture over the prepared crust, distributing the slices evenly.

Cut 2 tablespoons of butter into small pieces and scatter them over the apples.

Step 4: Prepare the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.

Add ⅔ cup of butter and work it into the dry ingredients using a fork, pastry blender, or your fingertips.

Continue mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple filling.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

If the topping starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the pie with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

This allows the filling to settle and makes the pie easier to cut into neat squares.

Serve warm or at room temperature, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Tips for the Best Apple Slab Pie

A few simple tricks will help your homemade apple slab pie turn out delicious every time.

Choose firm apples. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn apples hold their shape well during baking.

Slice the apples evenly. Thin, evenly sized slices cook at the same rate and create a more consistent filling.

Keep the butter cold. Cold butter helps create a tender crust and a deliciously crumbly topping.

Don’t overwork the dough. Mix only until the ingredients come together to avoid a tough crust.

Spread the filling evenly. Make sure the apples reach the corners of the pan so every slice has plenty of fruit.

Allow the pie to cool. Cutting it immediately after baking can cause the warm filling to spill out.

If you’re worried about spills, place the baking pan on a larger baking sheet before putting it in the oven.

Delicious Variations to Try

This apple slab pie is wonderful as written, but you can easily give it your own twist.

• Caramel apple slab pie: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the finished pie.
• Apple pecan slab pie: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans to the crumb topping.
• Apple cranberry slab pie: Mix 1 cup of fresh cranberries into the apple filling for a sweet and tart combination.
• Maple apple slab pie: Replace a small portion of the sugar with pure maple syrup.
• Extra-spiced apple pie: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the filling.

For an extra-special dessert, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled pie.

What to Serve With Apple Slab Pie

This buttery, cinnamon-spiced dessert is delicious on its own, but a few simple additions make it even better.

A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic choice. The cold, creamy ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm apple filling.

You can also serve it with freshly whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

For a cozy fall afternoon, enjoy a slice with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or warm apple cider.

It’s also a wonderful addition to a Thanksgiving dessert table alongside pumpkin pie and pecan pie.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Apple slab pie stores well, making it a convenient dessert to prepare ahead of time.

Room temperature: Keep the pie covered in a cool place for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator: Store the pie in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.

Reheating: Warm individual slices in a 325°F oven for approximately 10–15 minutes, or until heated through.

For the best texture, reheat the pie in the oven rather than the microwave to help keep the topping crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best apples for apple slab pie?

Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice because they have a tart flavor and hold their shape during baking. Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Braeburn apples also work well.

Can I make apple slab pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake it a day before serving and store it covered. Warm it briefly in the oven before serving if you prefer it warm.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes. Refrigerated pie crust can save time. Roll out enough dough to cover the bottom of your 10 × 15-inch pan, joining pieces as needed.

Why is my apple slab pie watery?

Some apple varieties release more moisture during baking. Using firm baking apples and the recommended amount of flour helps keep the filling from becoming too watery.

Can I freeze apple slab pie?

Yes! Allow the baked pie to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This apple slab pie is everything you love about traditional apple pie, made even better for sharing. With its buttery homemade crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and golden brown sugar crumb topping, it’s a dessert that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, preparing a family gathering, or simply enjoying apple season, this easy recipe is sure to bring smiles to the table.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and enjoy a delicious homemade dessert that tastes like a little slice of fall!