Easy 11×7 Inch Apple Slab Pie: The Ultimate Small Batch Apple Dessert
As January 23rd rolls around, pie enthusiasts everywhere celebrate National Pie Day, a perfect excuse to indulge in America’s favorite dessert. While many think of classic round pies, we’re here to introduce you to a fantastic alternative that offers both convenience and irresistible flavor: the Apple Slab Pie. More specifically, we’re focusing on a delightful, scaled-down version baked in an 11×7 inch pan. Traditional slab pies are often massive, designed to feed a large crowd and typically baked in a standard sheet pan. Our meticulously crafted 11×7 inch Apple Slab Pie, however, is perfectly suited for intimate family dinners, smaller gatherings, or when you simply crave a substantial slice of homemade apple pie without the overwhelming leftovers of a full-sized sheet pan.
You might be wondering, what’s the real advantage of making a small slab pie versus a traditional round pie? It’s a valid question, and one I pondered myself before embarking on this baking adventure. But now that I’ve experienced the joy of this compact creation, I can confidently say it’s a game-changer. Slab pies, by their very nature, are incredibly easy to cut into neat, uniform squares or rectangles, making serving a breeze, especially when hosting. No more awkward attempts to extract the first slice from a round pie, potentially marring its beautiful presentation. Furthermore, their rectangular shape is exceptionally practical for storage. They fit snugly into crowded freezers or refrigerators, optimizing space in a way a bulky round pie never could.
Another significant benefit of the slab pie format, particularly for those who appreciate a good crust, is the elevated dough-to-fruit ratio. If you’re like me and have recently developed a passion for creating truly exquisite pie dough – perhaps a laminated pie crust known for its exceptional flakiness and buttery flavor – then the slab pie is your perfect canvas. This increased crust surface area allows the delicate layers of your homemade dough to shine through in every bite, adding a textural dimension that complements the sweet and tangy apple filling beautifully. Despite this generous crust ratio, rest assured, there’s still a plentiful and satisfying amount of juicy, spiced apple filling to enjoy. The balance is truly impeccable, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that defines the perfect apple pie experience.
The Perfect Apple Selection for Your Slab Pie
Now, for a confession that might resonate with many home bakers: I genuinely do not enjoy peeling apples. It’s often the most tedious part of pie-making. This is another reason why I adore this particular recipe! By scaling down to an 11×7 inch pan, we naturally reduce the overall volume of apples needed, which means significantly less peeling time. It’s a small victory, but a victory nonetheless, making the baking process more enjoyable and less of a chore.
For this recipe, I opted for a combination of Granny Smith and Fuji apples. Granny Smith apples are a classic choice for apple pie due to their firm texture, which holds up well during baking, and their delightful tartness, which provides a crucial counterpoint to the sweetness of the sugar and spices. Adding a Fuji apple introduces a subtle sweetness and a slightly different crisp texture, creating a more complex flavor profile in the final pie. You could also experiment with other pie-friendly apples like Honeycrisp for a crisp, sweet-tart flavor, Braeburn for its balanced sweetness and acidity, or Golden Delicious for a milder, sweeter taste. A blend of two or three varieties often yields the most interesting and well-rounded apple pie. The beauty of this recipe is that the filling holds together exceptionally well, preventing any watery disasters and ensuring every slice is firm and satisfying.
Baking Success: Tips for Your 11×7 Inch Apple Slab Pie
Achieving the perfect apple slab pie goes beyond just following the recipe; a few key tips can elevate your baking game. Firstly, ensuring your pie dough is properly chilled is paramount. Cold dough is easier to handle, less likely to stick, and creates those coveted flaky layers. Don’t be afraid to pop it back into the fridge if it starts to get too warm while you’re rolling it out. When assembling, make sure to spread the apple filling evenly. This ensures consistent baking and that every piece gets a fair share of fruit. The preheated baking sheet placed in the oven is a crucial step for preventing a soggy bottom crust, ensuring your pie has a beautifully golden and crisp base.
Knowing when your pie is perfectly baked can sometimes be a challenge. Look for a deeply golden-brown crust and listen for the satisfying bubbling sound of the filling. This indicates that the apples are tender and the juices have thickened. Don’t rush the cooling process; allowing the pie to cool on a wire rack lets the filling set completely, making for cleaner cuts and a more enjoyable texture. If you try to slice it too soon, the filling might still be too liquid. Patience is a virtue when it comes to pie!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This 11×7 inch Apple Slab Pie is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While it’s utterly delicious on its own, warm from the oven, you can elevate the experience with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream (a la mode) or a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a touch of rustic charm, a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving adds an elegant finish. It’s also surprisingly delightful for breakfast or brunch, especially if you have any leftovers – though with a pie this good, that’s a big “if”!
Feeling adventurous? Consider these delightful variations. Drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top after it cools for a caramel apple slab pie. Introduce different spices like a pinch of cardamom or ground ginger for a unique twist on the classic apple pie flavor. You could also mix in a handful of fresh or frozen cranberries with your apples for an added tartness and beautiful color, or other berries like blackberries or raspberries for a mixed fruit pie. For those who prefer a less traditional top crust, swap out the second layer of dough for a buttery streusel or crumb topping, made with flour, sugar, butter, and a hint of cinnamon. These simple modifications can transform your classic apple slab pie into a new family favorite, catering to various preferences and occasions.
Our Easy 11×7 Inch Apple Slab Pie Recipe
Here’s the detailed 11×7 inch Apple Slab Pie recipe if you want to try it for your next family meal or a special occasion. You won’t regret it!
Recipe
11×7 inch Apple Slab Pie
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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11×7 inch pan
Ingredients
- Dough for a double crust pie store bought or homemade, preferably a flaky all-butter crust
- Filling
- 2 pounds apples peeled cored and cut into small chunks (Granny Smith and Fuji recommended)
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
- Tiny pinch salt
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or one egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water (for egg wash)
- Sparkling Sugar (optional for a beautiful, crunchy topping)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place a large rimmed baking sheet into the oven while it preheats. This helps prevent a soggy bottom crust.
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In a large bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and chunked apples with lemon juice, tossing gently until the apples are thoroughly coated. Add the sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and a tiny pinch of salt to the apples. Stir carefully to ensure all apple pieces are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
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To assemble the pie: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of your pie dough into a rectangle large enough to fit your 11×7 inch pan with some overhang. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough into the pan, pressing it gently into the corners and allowing it to come about ¾ of the way up the sides.
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Spread the apple mixture evenly over the dough-lined pan, ensuring a consistent layer of fruit.
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Roll the second ball of dough into another large rectangle, similar in size to the first. Carefully drape this top crust over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough from the edges, then press the top and bottom crusts together around the perimeter of the pan, pinching them to seal tightly. Make several small cuts or decorative vents in the center of the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
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Brush the top crust evenly with heavy cream or an egg wash (one egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) for a golden sheen. For an extra touch of sweetness and sparkle, sprinkle generously with sparkling sugar, if desired.
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Carefully place the pie pan onto the preheated baking sheet in the oven. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling thickly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil. Once baked, transfer the pie to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly, ensuring perfect slices.
Storing Your Apple Slab Pie
Proper storage ensures your delicious apple slab pie remains fresh and enjoyable for longer. Once the pie has cooled completely, you can cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigerating the pie is a good option. In the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. For even longer storage, this small slab pie freezes beautifully! You can freeze individual slices or the entire pie (well-wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil) for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for future gatherings.
Why This 11×7 Inch Apple Slab Pie is a Must-Try
In conclusion, this 11×7 inch Apple Slab Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a smart baking solution that combines the comforting familiarity of a classic apple pie with modern convenience. It’s the perfect size for today’s smaller households, offering easy portioning and efficient storage without compromising on taste or quality. Whether you’re celebrating National Pie Day, hosting a small get-together, or simply craving a delicious homemade treat, this recipe promises a delightful experience. Its rich, spiced apple filling, encased in a buttery, flaky crust, is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, enjoy the process, and prepare to savor every perfect bite of this incredible apple slab pie!