Caramel Apple Slab Pie is the quintessential dessert for autumn, capturing the essence of the season in every bite. This delightful treat features a flaky homemade crust brimming with a generous filling of tart Granny Smith apples, spiced just right with cinnamon and sugar. Topped with a crunchy oat crumb layer and drizzled with rich homemade caramel, it’s perfect for large gatherings or cozy family dinners. Let’s dive into how this exquisite dessert can be the highlight of your fall celebrations!
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Slab Pie
This Caramel Apple Slab Pie is truly a crowd-pleaser for a multitude of reasons! Firstly, the combination of crisp apples and warm caramel creates an irresistible flavor profile. Secondly, it’s easy to serve, making it an ideal choice for potlucks or family gatherings. The recipe is also flexible, allowing for delicious adaptations, such as a Caramel Apple Tart or a Gluten-free Caramel Apple Slab Pie recipe. Furthermore, it can be made ahead of time, saving you stress on busy days. Lastly, it captures the comfort of fall with every slice!
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Slab Pie
Gather these items:
- 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shortening, butter-flavored
- 12 tablespoons cold water
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 1/2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices (about 10 cups)
- 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Caramel Apple Slab Pie Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 15x10x1 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter-flavored shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 4 tablespoons of the cold water, stirring with a fork, then continue adding remaining water one tablespoon at a time until the dough is moistened. Form the dough into a ball with your hands.
- Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out into a 19×13 inch rectangle. Wrap dough around your rolling pin and carefully unroll it into the prepared pan, pressing gently to fit and pressing the dough up the sides without stretching. Trim the excess dough to 1/2 inch beyond pan edges, then fold and flute the edges as desired. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Step 4: In a very large bowl, toss sugar, flour, cinnamon, and sliced apples together until apples are thoroughly coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Step 5: In another large bowl, combine rolled oats, packed brown sugar, and flour. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples.
- Step 6: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until apples are tender and topping is golden brown. If the topping or edges brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil for the last 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Step 7: While the pie bakes or cools, combine brown sugar, butter, half-and-half, vanilla, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-low to medium heat. Whisk constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Step 8: Drizzle warm caramel over the cooled pie before serving, or let caramel cool and store in refrigerator until ready to use.
Pro Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Slab Pie
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure your apples are tart for the best flavor contrast.
- For a twist, try adding nuts to the crumb topping.
- Make sure to chill your crust; this helps achieve a flaky texture, which is essential in baking.
- Remember that you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
Best Ways to Serve Caramel Apple Slab Pie
This Caramel Apple Slab Pie is best served warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream. You can also pair it with coffee or a spiced chai for a cozy afternoon treat. For a festive touch, consider serving it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a scoop of caramel ice cream for a Caramelized Apple Dessert experience!
How to Store and Reheat Caramel Apple Slab Pie
To store, simply cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For reheating, place individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or warm the whole pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. This will keep the crust crisp and the filling delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Slab Pie
What’s the secret to perfect Caramel Apple Slab Pie?
The secret lies in using tart Granny Smith apples and balancing the sweetness of the caramel. Also, letting the pie cool slightly before serving helps maintain its structure.
Can I make Caramel Apple Slab Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and crust a day in advance. Assemble and bake the pie on the day you plan to serve it for the best flavor and texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Caramel Apple Slab Pie?
Avoid overmixing the dough, which can lead to a tough crust. Additionally, make sure not to skip chilling the crust before filling, as this is crucial for achieving a flaky texture.
Variations of Caramel Apple Slab Pie You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with variations! You can add a crumb topping made of crushed nuts for added texture, or substitute some apples with pears for a different flavor. For a twist, try a Caramel Apple Pie with a twist by incorporating spices like nutmeg or ginger. These variations ensure that every bite remains delicious and inviting!
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Delicious Caramel Apple Slab Pie for Fall Gatherings
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramel Apple Slab Pie is a delightful dessert featuring a flaky homemade crust loaded with a generous filling of tart Granny Smith apples spiced with cinnamon and sugar, topped with a crunchy oat crumb topping and finished with a rich, homemade caramel drizzle. Perfect for large gatherings or potlucks, this slab pie combines textures and flavors that capture the essence of autumn in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shortening, butter-flavored
- 12 tablespoons cold water
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 1/2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices (about 10 cups)
- 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 15x10x1 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter-flavored shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 4 tablespoons of the cold water, stirring with a fork, then continue adding remaining water one tablespoon at a time until the dough is moistened. Form the dough into a ball with your hands.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out into a 19×13 inch rectangle. Wrap dough around your rolling pin and carefully unroll it into the prepared pan, pressing gently to fit and pressing the dough up the sides without stretching. Trim the excess dough to 1/2 inch beyond pan edges, then fold and flute the edges as desired. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- In a very large bowl, toss sugar, flour, cinnamon, and sliced apples together until apples are thoroughly coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- In another large bowl, combine rolled oats, packed brown sugar, and flour. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until apples are tender and topping is golden brown. If the topping or edges brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil for the last 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- While the pie bakes or cools, combine brown sugar, butter, half-and-half, vanilla, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-low to medium heat. Whisk constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Drizzle warm caramel over the cooled pie before serving, or let caramel cool and store in refrigerator until ready to use.
Notes
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg