Glazed Apple Slab Pie

This Glazed Apple Slab Pie is a delightful dessert combining tender, sweet-tart apples with buttery, flaky pastry and a sweet glaze. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday celebrations, this pie delivers a cozy, home-baked feeling with every bite. The slab format makes it easy to serve and share!

✅ Why You’ll Love This Pie

Flaky and buttery crust: Made from puff pastry or homemade pie crust, providing a crisp, tender base for the apple filling.
Juicy, flavorful apples: Thinly sliced apples create a sweet and slightly tart filling that balances perfectly with the glaze.
Simple to make: No complicated folding or lattice required; easy slab style makes it beginner-friendly.
Beautiful presentation: A glossy glaze on top enhances the look and makes it irresistible.

🍽️ Ingredients

For the Pie:

2 sheets puff pastry (thawed) or homemade pie crust: Provides the foundation of the pie, offering buttery, flaky layers that complement the apples.
5 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well): These varieties hold their shape well and provide a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavor.
½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and enhances the natural apple flavors.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and classic apple pie aroma.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Provides a subtle, fragrant spice note.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – Prevents apples from browning and adds a fresh, bright flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour your surface if using homemade pie crust. Proper preparation ensures even baking and prevents sticking.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples with ½ cup granulated sugar. If desired, add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apple slices are evenly coated.

Apple selection: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to avoid a mushy filling. These varieties hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
Even coating: Make sure all slices are lightly coated with sugar and spices; this ensures every bite is flavorful.
Optional soak: For extra tender slices, let the apple mixture sit for 10 minutes; this draws out some moisture and intensifies the flavor.

3. Roll Out the Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry or homemade pie crust into a rectangle slightly larger than your baking sheet. If using two sheets of pastry, you can either layer them slightly for extra flakiness or use one as the base and one to create a top layer for a sealed pie.

Thickness: Keep the dough about 1/8 inch thick for a perfect balance of crispness and structure.
Prevent shrinkage: Chill the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking if it becomes too soft or sticky.

4. Assemble the Slab Pie

Carefully transfer the rolled pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Fold the edges slightly over the filling to create a natural crust border.

Even layer: Spread apples in a single, even layer to ensure uniform baking and prevent soggy spots.
Edge sealing: Gently press the edges to keep the filling contained while baking, which helps the pie hold its shape.
Optional glaze: Brush a thin layer of beaten egg or milk on the edges to create a beautiful golden crust.

Baking the Glazed Apple Slab Pie

5. Bake the Pie

Place the assembled slab pie in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry edges turn a golden brown and the apple filling begins to bubble. Monitor closely in the last 5 minutes to prevent over-browning or burning.

Visual cue: The edges should be golden while the center appears slightly translucent due to the apple juices.
Even baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure all sides brown evenly.
Juice control: If the apples release a lot of liquid, carefully spoon excess away from the crust edges to prevent sogginess.

6. Prepare the Glaze

While the pie is baking, prepare a simple glaze by combining ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons apple juice or milk. Whisk until smooth. You can also add a few drops of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Consistency: The glaze should be thick but pourable, so it coats the pie without running off.
Flavor enhancement: A hint of cinnamon or nutmeg in the glaze complements the apple filling beautifully.

7. Apply the Glaze and Cool

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 10–15 minutes. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to settle into the crevices between the apples. Let the pie cool further to set the glaze and allow juices to thicken slightly.

Drizzling technique: Use a spoon or small piping bag for controlled application, ensuring an even coating.
Cooling tip: Avoid slicing the pie while it is hot; the filling will be too runny. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes for easier cutting.
Optional garnish: Sprinkle powdered sugar or cinnamon lightly over the glaze for an elegant finish.

In Conclusion

Glazed Apple Slab Pie is the ultimate combination of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors wrapped in a flaky pastry. Its rustic, slab shape makes it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday celebrations, while the glossy glaze adds a professional, bakery-style finish. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can create a dessert that impresses both visually and taste-wise.

Advanced Tips for Perfect Apple Slab Pie

Apple preparation: Slice apples uniformly to ensure even baking; consider soaking in a lemon-sugar mixture for 10 minutes to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
Juice management: If your apples are very juicy, toss them with 1–2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch to thicken the filling slightly.
Pastry texture: Keep puff pastry cold until ready to bake to maintain flakiness; for homemade crust, chill dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling.
Glaze techniques: Brush gently and evenly; consider layering the glaze for a shiny, thick finish without over-soaking the pastry.
Extra flavor: Add a dash of vanilla, maple extract, or a pinch of cardamom to the glaze for subtle complexity.
Storage tip: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days; for longer storage, refrigerate and rewarm slightly before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the slab pie into even rectangles or squares for easy serving and portion control.
Arrange on a wooden board or decorative platter to create a rustic, inviting look.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Sprinkle extra powdered sugar or a light dusting of cinnamon on top for an elegant touch.

Enjoy your Glazed Apple Slab Pie — a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s flaky, juicy, and irresistibly sweet!