If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that perfectly captures the cozy flavors of autumn in one glorious pan, this Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender slices of tart Granny Smith apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust, topped with a crunchy oat crumb and crowned with a luscious, homemade caramel drizzle. Bursting with warmth, sweetness, and just a hint of spice, this pie is a showstopper for gatherings or a special treat to savor on a crisp evening. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary day into something truly delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe comes to life with simple pantry staples and fresh apples, proving you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something extraordinary. Each component plays a role — from the tender crust to the flavorful filling and the irresistible caramel topping that ties it all beautifully together.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for both the pie crust and crumb topping, essential for that perfect bite.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and deepening the overall taste.
- Butter-flavored shortening: Adds tenderness and a flaky texture to the crust with buttery notes.
- Cold water: Keeps the dough moist and easy to work with while helping it hold together perfectly.
- Sugar and brown sugar: Bring sweetness to the filling and crumb topping, with brown sugar adding that rich, molasses touch.
- Ground cinnamon: Spices up the apple filling, giving that classic warmth without overpowering the fruit.
- Granny Smith apples: The star of the show! Their tartness provides the perfect balance to the sweetness of caramel.
- Quick-cooking rolled oats: Create a crisp and rustic texture in the crumb topping that contrasts beautifully with tender apples.
- Butter: Adds richness to both the crumb topping and the luscious homemade caramel sauce.
- Half-and-half: Makes the caramel smooth and creamy, turning it into an irresistible drizzle.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the caramel with a subtle, fragrant sweetness, elevating the overall flavor experience.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness in the caramel, making every bite more nuanced and satisfying.
How to Make Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 15x10x1 inch baking pan and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray to make sure your pie lifts out beautifully when baked. This simple preparation sets the stage for a perfect pie crust that won’t stick or tear.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together flour and salt, then cut in the butter-flavored shortening using a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key for that crumbly, flaky texture. Slowly add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together — moist but not sticky. Form it into a ball and you’re ready for the next step.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fit the Dough
Flour your surface lightly and roll the dough into a 19×13 inch rectangle. To transfer it smoothly into the pan, roll it around your rolling pin and unroll it gently over the pan. Press it evenly into place and up the sides without stretching — this prevents shrinkage during baking. Trim excess dough to about 1/2 inch beyond the pan’s edges, then fold and flute the edges for a lovely finished look. Chill this crust in the fridge while you prepare your filling, allowing it to rest and keep its shape in the oven.
Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling
Toss sliced Granny Smith apples with sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a large bowl, coating every piece evenly. This mixture creates a luscious filling that thickens beautifully during baking, with the flour helping to soak up juice and the cinnamon lending its comforting aroma. Spread the apples evenly over the chilled crust to create a delicious base for your crumb topping.
Step 5: Make and Add the Crumb Topping
In another bowl, combine rolled oats, packed brown sugar, and flour. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until the topping looks like coarse crumbs. This crumb topping adds a satisfying crunch and a touch of caramelized sweetness — a wonderful contrast to the soft, baked apples beneath. Sprinkle it evenly over the filling for an even bake and beautiful golden finish.
Step 6: Bake Your Pie to Perfection
Pop the pie into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the apples are tender and the crumb topping is a gorgeous golden brown. If you notice the edges or topping browning too fast, cover loosely with foil during the last 5 to 10 minutes. Let the pie cool slightly — patience here means your pie will set and slice perfectly.
Step 7: Prepare the Homemade Caramel Sauce
While the pie bakes or cools, whisk together brown sugar, butter, half-and-half, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until your sauce thickens into a shiny, velvety caramel. This luscious sauce brings the whole Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe to its peak of indulgence and can be drizzled warm or stored for later use.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple and classic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over a warm slice, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light, airy contrast. If you want to get fancy, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon for an extra touch of texture and flavor that complements the pie perfectly.
Side Dishes
This pie shines on its own, but if you’re serving it at a gathering, consider pairing it with a crisp, refreshing green salad to balance out the sweetness, or a warm cup of spiced apple cider or chai tea to echo the autumnal flavors in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the slab pie into squares and serving each piece on individual dessert plates drizzled artistically with caramel. You might also consider layering slices into a trifle dish with whipped cream for a visually stunning dessert, or turning leftovers into pie parfaits by layering pie chunks with yogurt or ice cream in clear glasses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making snacking or dessert for the next few days super easy and satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this pie later, wrap it well in plastic wrap followed by foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To prevent sogginess, it’s best to freeze before baking or freeze baked slices individually. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your pie slices in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to revive that fresh-baked flavor and texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, since the crust can get soggy, but in a pinch, a quick zap can work if you’re careful not to overheat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples give a wonderful tartness and hold their shape beautifully, you can mix in or substitute other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji to vary the flavor slightly. Just make sure they’re crisp and not too soft.
Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just note that textures might vary slightly, especially in the crumb topping and crust, but it will still be delicious.
Can I prepare the dough and filling ahead of time?
Definitely! The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 2 days before rolling. The apple filling can be tossed and mixed but best assembled just before baking to avoid excess moisture.
How do I avoid a soggy bottom crust?
Rolling the dough and chilling it before adding the filling helps, as does using the right flour amount in the filling to absorb juices. Baking on the bottom rack of your oven can also promote a crisper crust.
Can the caramel sauce be made in advance?
Yes, caramel sauce can be prepared up to a week ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Warm gently before drizzling over your pie for that decadent finish.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe is a true labor of love that rewards you with every rich, tender bite. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, fills your kitchen with the best smells, and leaves everyone asking for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own cozy, crowd-pleasing favorite!
Print
Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Slab Pie is a delightful dessert perfect for gatherings, featuring a buttery crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, a crunchy oat topping, and a rich homemade caramel drizzle. The slab pie format offers plenty of servings, making it ideal for parties or family meals.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter-flavored shortening
- 12 tablespoons cold water
Apple Filling
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 1/2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick (about 10 cups)
Crumb Topping
- 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter
Homemade Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 15x10x1 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Use a pastry blender to cut in the butter-flavored shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in 4 tablespoons of cold water with a fork, then add the remaining water tablespoon by tablespoon until the dough is moist. Gather the dough into a ball using your hands.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough out into a 19×13 inch rectangle. Wrap the dough around the rolling pin and gently unroll it into the prepared pan, pressing to fit and pushing the dough up the sides without stretching. Trim excess dough to 1/2 inch beyond the pan edges, fold and flute the edges to your liking. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a very large bowl, toss together sugar, flour, cinnamon, and sliced apples until the apples are evenly coated. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust in the pan.
- Make Crumb Topping: In another large bowl, combine rolled oats, packed brown sugar, and flour. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender until crumbs form. Sprinkle this crumb topping evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake the Pie: Bake the pie for 40 to 45 minutes until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. If the topping or crust edges brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil for the final 5 to 10 minutes of baking. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Homemade Caramel: While the pie is baking or cooling, 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 the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the cooled pie before serving, or allow the caramel to cool and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast to the sweet caramel and topping.
- Keep the shortening and water cold to ensure a tender, flaky crust.
- Cover the pie with foil if it browns too fast to prevent burning.
- Caramel sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated; warm slightly before drizzling.
- This slab pie is excellent for serving large groups as it yields 24 servings.
