This isn't your grandma's apple pie (though she'd probably love it too!). We're taking the classic comfort of apple pie and elevating it with flaky, buttery puff pastry for a truly decadent treat. This apple slab pie recipe is perfect for sharing (or not!), and its impressive presentation makes it ideal for holidays or special occasions. But don't be intimidated – it's surprisingly easy to make!
What Makes This Apple Slab Pie Unique?
This recipe uses store-bought puff pastry as a shortcut, allowing you to focus on the delicious apple filling. The slab pie format, with its rectangular shape, makes it easy to cut into even slices and provides a beautiful presentation. The combination of the crisp puff pastry and the warm, spiced apple filling creates a delightful textural and flavor contrast that's simply irresistible.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are recommended), 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
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
For the Pastry:
- 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated puff pastry, thawed
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
-
Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour a large baking sheet. Unfold one sheet of puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the apple filling evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about a 1-inch border. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
-
Top with Puff Pastry: Unfold the second sheet of puff pastry and place it over the apple filling. Gently press the edges of the top pastry sheet to seal it to the bottom sheet. Crimp the edges decoratively if desired. Use a sharp knife to score the top pastry in a diamond or grid pattern, allowing steam to escape during baking.
-
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the pastry is browning too quickly, cover the edges loosely with foil.
-
Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool slightly on the baking sheet before slicing and serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
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.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the apple filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake the pie just before serving for the best results.
Can I freeze this apple slab pie?
Yes, you can freeze this apple slab pie, either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the pie completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping and freezing.
What are some variations I can try?
Get creative! Add a sprinkle of coarse sugar or cinnamon before baking for extra flavor and visual appeal. You could also incorporate other spices like cardamom or ginger, or add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
This apple slab pie with puff pastry is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its elegant presentation and irresistible taste will make it a star at any gathering. Enjoy!
