There’s something magical about the first whiff of apples baking with cinnamon and butter. My Flaky Apple Slab Pie fills the kitchen with that sweet, warm aroma that feels like a cozy fall hug. Imagine buttery layers of golden crust surrounding tender spiced apples — baked right on a sheet pan so you can feed the whole family (and then some!). It’s the kind of dessert that belongs at every Thanksgiving table, fall gathering, or weekend baking session. Trust me, this one’s worth pinning for later!
Why You’ll Love It
- Feeds a crowd easily: This slab pie serves 12–18 squares, making it the ultimate party dessert.
- All-butter flaky crust: Every bite delivers that perfect golden crunch and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Classic fall flavor: Filled with spiced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of allspice.
- Perfect for holidays: Ideal for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any festive gathering.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare it in advance and warm it up before serving.
- Endlessly comforting: That warm apple-cinnamon aroma is pure nostalgia.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Inactive Time (Cooling): 2 hours 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 12–18 squares
Ingredients
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 3 sticks (12 oz) unsalted butter, cubed and cold
- ¾ cup very cold water
- 3 ½ to 4 lbs apples, peeled and chopped (about 10 cups)
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- ⅔ to ¾ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp allspice
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water (for brushing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the crust In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and toss to coat. Using your fingers, press the butter into small flakes — pea-sized bits give that signature flaky texture. Stir in the cold water gradually until the dough comes together. Divide into two rectangles, wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Make the apple filling In a large bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice. Mix sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt in a separate bowl, then sprinkle over the apples. Toss well until every piece glistens with sweet, spiced goodness.
- Assemble the slab pie Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Roll out one piece of dough into an 18×13-inch rectangle and gently fit it into the pan, allowing edges to drape over. Chill while you roll the second piece into a 16×11-inch rectangle.
- Fill and seal Pour the apple mixture over the chilled crust — don’t worry if it looks like too many apples; they’ll cook down beautifully. Place the top crust over the filling, trim, and crimp the edges to seal. Brush with cream or egg wash and cut a few steam vents.
- Bake to golden perfection Place the pie (pan and all) on a large baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and the filling bubbles through the vents.
- Cool, slice & serve Allow the pie to cool for at least 45 minutes before slicing — patience pays off! Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or drizzle with maple caramel sauce for a next-level finish.
Variations to Try
- Caramel Apple Twist: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce before placing the top crust.
- Cranberry-Apple: Mix in a handful of dried cranberries for a tart kick.
- Streusel Topping: Skip the top crust and use a cinnamon-brown sugar crumb topping instead.
- Mini Slab Pie Squares: Bake in a smaller pan and cut into bite-sized dessert bars.
Tips from Chef Emma
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples (like Honeycrisp + Granny Smith) for depth of flavor.
- Keep your butter cold — this is the secret to flaky layers!
- Don’t rush the cooling time; it helps the filling set perfectly.
- For crisp edges, reheat leftovers in the oven instead of the microwave.
Nutrition Info per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 380
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Sugars: 28g
- Fat: 17g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 210mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use store-bought pie dough?
A: You can, but homemade dough gives that unbeatable buttery flavor and flakiness! - Q: How far in advance can I make this?
A: You can bake it one day ahead and reheat at 300°F for about 20 minutes before serving. - Q: What apples work best for slab pie?
A: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape beautifully during baking. - Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Cover and keep at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat before serving for best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Flaky Apple Slab Pie captures everything we love about fall baking — buttery crust, cozy cinnamon apples, and that unmistakable homemade warmth. It’s big enough to share, simple enough to make, and beautiful enough to impress. Whether it’s for a festive Thanksgiving dessert or a cozy weekend bake, this pie is pure comfort in every square. Save this Apple Slab Pie recipe to your fall desserts board so you’ll have it ready when pie season calls!
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Flaky Apple Slab Pie – Buttery, Cozy & Perfect for Fall Gatherings
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12–18 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Flaky Apple Slab Pie is the ultimate fall dessert — buttery, crisp, and filled with spiced apples baked in a sheet pan. Perfect for Thanksgiving or cozy weekends!
Ingredients
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 3 sticks unsalted butter, cubed and cold
- ¾ cup cold water
- 3 ½ to 4 lbs apples, peeled and chopped
- Lemon juice
- ⅔ to ¾ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp allspice
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cream or 1 egg with 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare and chill the pie dough for 2 hours.
- Toss apples with sugar, spices, and lemon juice.
- Roll out the bottom crust and fit into a 10×15-inch pan.
- Spread apple filling, top with crust, crimp, and brush with cream.
- Bake at 375°F for 40–45 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool 45 minutes, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor. Let it cool before slicing to keep layers neat. Serve with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Protein: 4g
Keywords: apple slab pie, flaky pie crust, fall dessert, Thanksgiving pie, party pie, apple dessert