Apple Slab Pie
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the Filling:
8-10 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the cold butter cubes and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan or baking sheet with raised edges.
3. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs into a rectangle large enough to fit the bottom and sides of the baking pan (about 10×15 inches).
Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Trim any excess dough.
5. Add the Apple Filling:
Spread the prepared apple filling evenly over the crust in the pan.
6. Top the Pie:
Roll out the second disc of dough into another rectangle large enough to cover the filling. Carefully place it on top of the apples.
Pinch the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
7. Bake the Pie:
Brush the top of the pie with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it over the top of the pie.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. Add the Optional Glaze (if desired):
While the pie is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
Once the pie has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top for extra sweetness.
9. Cool and Serve:
Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.