Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe

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If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances cozy autumn flavors with a little bit of show-stopping flair, then this Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, cinnamon-kissed Granny Smith apples nestled in a buttery, flaky crust, topped with a golden oat crumb and finished off with a luscious homemade caramel drizzle. It’s a dessert that not only feeds a crowd but fills your home with the most inviting aroma imaginable. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just treating yourself, this slab pie brings all the warmth and comfort of apple pie with a glorious caramel twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of simple but essential ingredients is all it takes to create this captivating Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe. Each element plays a unique role—flour for the perfect flaky crust, tart Granny Smith apples for that refreshing bite, and a rich homemade caramel that ties everything together with silky sweetness.

• 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender structure of the crust.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
• 1 cup shortening, butter-flavored: Ensures a wonderfully flaky and flavorful crust.
• 12 tablespoons cold water: Helps bind the dough while keeping it tender.
• 2/3 cup sugar: Sweetens the apple filling just right without overpowering.
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the filling so it’s juicy but not runny.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spiced notes that brighten the apples.
• 3 1/2 pounds Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the caramel and sugar beautifully.
• 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats: Gives the crumb topping a hearty, rustic texture.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: For a rich, molasses-kissed sweetness in the topping and caramel.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Combines with oats for a crumbly, golden topping.
• 1/2 cup butter: Binds the crumb topping and makes it perfectly crisp.
• 4 tablespoons butter: Vital for creating that smooth, luscious caramel sauce.
• 1/2 cup half-and-half: Adds creaminess to the caramel without heaviness.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Brings depth and a subtle sweet aroma to the caramel.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the caramel’s sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.

How to Make Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready once your pie is assembled. Spray a large 15x10x1 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray so the pie releases easily after baking. This simple prep step sets the stage for a flawless slab pie experience.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a big mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt, and then work in the butter-flavored shortening with a pastry blender until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water starting with 4 tablespoons, stirring gently with a fork and adding the rest a tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together. This technique keeps the crust flaky and tender—a must for any great pie.

Step 3: Roll Out Dough

Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough into a generous 19×13 inch rectangle. Carefully wrap the dough around your rolling pin and transfer it to the prepared pan, pressing it evenly into the bottom and up the sides without stretching. Trim so about half an inch of dough hangs over the edges, then fold and flute the edges neatly. Pop the crust in the fridge while you prepare the filling to keep it firm and ready for baking.

Step 4: Prepare Apple Filling

In a very large bowl, combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon before tossing in the sliced Granny Smith apples until every bite is coated in this spiced, sweet mixture. This ensures your filling has just the right sweetness and thickens slightly as it cooks, giving that classic apple pie texture.

Step 5: Make Crumb Topping

Mix the rolled oats, brown sugar, and flour in another bowl, then use a pastry blender to cut in the butter until crumbs form. This topping adds a beautiful golden color and a delightful crunchy contrast that’s simply irresistible once baked.

Step 6: Bake the Pie

Spread the apple filling evenly over the chilled crust and sprinkle the crumb topping generously on top. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. If the edges start browning too quickly, tent with foil to prevent burning while the pie finishes baking. Once done, let it cool just a bit—you want it warm but not too hot for the caramel.

Step 7: Prepare Homemade Caramel

While the pie is baking or cooling, combine brown sugar, butter, half-and-half, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens into a silky caramel. This homemade caramel is the star component that elevates the pie to pure decadence.

Step 8: Serve

Drizzle the warm caramel lavishly over the cooled pie just before serving, or let the caramel cool and store it in the fridge to use later. This final touch transforms an already delicious slab pie into a truly unforgettable dessert.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate your Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe by adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle also adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast that your guests will adore.

Side Dishes

This slab pie pairs perfectly with hot beverages like spiced chai tea, coffee, or even a rich hot chocolate. For a more substantial pairing, serve it alongside a creamy custard or a subtle cheese plate featuring mild cheddars or bries to balance the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your slab pie into smaller squares for a rustic, family-style dessert platter, or serve with a decorative drizzle pattern using the caramel sauce and a dusting of cinnamon sugar. For celebrations, add edible flowers or apple slices fanned fancy on each serving to impress your guests with both flavor and visual delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigeration helps maintain freshness for about 5 days while preserving the caramel’s smooth texture.

Freezing

You can freeze fully baked slab pie by wrapping it well in plastic and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pie stays delicious for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving.

Reheating

To bring your slab pie back to life, warm slices gently in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes. This method revives the crisp topping and tender filling without drying it out. If desired, add a fresh drizzle of caramel right before serving for that just-made feel.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide the perfect tartness and firmness, you can substitute with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples. Just be mindful of their sweetness and adjust sugar accordingly to maintain balance.

Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie dough up to two days in advance and keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors meld and makes rolling out easier when you’re ready to bake.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of homemade?

While homemade caramel is a highlight of this recipe, using a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce can save time and still taste great. Just warm it slightly to drizzle over the pie for the best texture.

What if I don’t have a pastry blender?

No worries! You can use two butter knives to cut the shortening into the flour or even your fingers if you work quickly to avoid warming the butter. The key is to create pea-sized pieces of shortening for flakiness.

How do I prevent the crust edges from burning?

To avoid overly browned crust edges, cover them loosely with strips of aluminum foil about halfway through baking. This shields the edges while allowing the center to cook through evenly.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe enough—whether for cozy family nights, festive gatherings, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day. Easy to make but impressive to serve, it combines classic flavors and comforting textures that everyone will love. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

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