Easy & Impressive Slab Caramel Apple Pie: Your Go-To Holiday Dessert
Slab Caramel Apple Pie with Salted Caramel Sauce isn’t just a dessert; it’s a holiday tradition reimagined for ease and maximum enjoyment. Imagine a generous, golden homemade pastry crust, overflowing with a perfectly spiced apple filling, topped with a delightful crumbly streusel, and then generously drizzled with rich, homemade salted caramel sauce. This isn’t your average apple pie – it’s designed to be effortlessly delicious, simple to serve, and guaranteed to impress a crowd at any festive gathering.
The holiday season, with its twinkling lights and festive cheer, also brings a flurry of preparations. If the thought of endless cooking and baking leaves you feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. The countdown to Thanksgiving and Christmas can be exhilarating yet daunting, especially when planning for family dinners and celebratory parties. This year, simplify your dessert strategy without compromising on flavor or elegance. Our Slab Caramel Apple Pie offers a brilliant solution to holiday baking stress, allowing you to create a show-stopping dessert that feeds everyone with minimal fuss.
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A Stress-Free Holiday Dessert Solution
Honestly, I love pie so, so much. It’s often my preferred dessert over cake, cupcakes, or even candy. For me, pie is the ultimate sweet treat, and when autumn arrives, apple pie reigns supreme. The comforting aroma of baked apples and warm spices instantly brings to mind cozy gatherings and festive celebrations.
Why Choose a Slab Pie?
For many home bakers, the classic round apple pie can be a source of frustration. Achieving a perfectly flaky, non-soggy bottom crust, or mastering a beautiful lattice top, often feels like a culinary challenge. I, too, have faced my share of soggy crusts and “artistic” (read: messy) lattice designs! That’s precisely why this Slab Caramel Apple Pie is a game-changer. Forget the pressure of perfection; this recipe focuses on incredible flavor and effortless presentation. Baked in a standard half sheet pan, it offers several advantages:
- Feeds a Crowd: A slab pie yields significantly more servings than a traditional round pie, making it ideal for large family gatherings or holiday parties. No need to bake multiple pies!
- Easy to Slice: Its rectangular shape makes slicing neat, consistent portions a breeze. No more awkward, crumbling slices when serving.
- Even Baking: The shallow depth of a sheet pan allows for more even baking, reducing the risk of a soggy bottom crust and ensuring uniform doneness.
- Simple Assembly: Instead of intricate crust designs, you simply line the pan, add the filling, and sprinkle on a delicious crumb topping. It’s a foolproof method that guarantees a beautiful result every time.
- Flavor First: This recipe prioritizes taste. The combination of sweet, tart apples, warm spices, buttery crumb, and decadent salted caramel ensures every bite is pure bliss.
Essential Tools and Ingredients
Before you dive into baking this magnificent dessert, let’s ensure you have the right tools and the best ingredients on hand.
Essential Equipment:
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need several sizes to prepare the crust, filling, and crumb topping separately. Stainless steel bowls are versatile and easy to clean.
- Half Sheet Pan: This is the star of the show! A standard 18×13-inch half sheet pan is essential for achieving the perfect slab pie shape and even bake.
- Pastry Cutter (or two forks): Crucial for incorporating cold butter into the flour for a perfectly flaky crust. If you don’t have one, two knives or even your fingertips can work, but a pastry cutter makes the job much easier.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the pie crust to fit your sheet pan.
- Saucepan and Whisk: Indispensable for creating that luscious, smooth salted caramel sauce.
- Apple Peeler & Corer: While not strictly ‘must-haves’ if you’re handy with a knife, these tools will significantly speed up your apple prep.
Key Ingredients Spotlight:
- Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet caramel and sugar in the filling, ensuring the pie isn’t overly sweet. They also hold their shape well during baking. You can experiment with a mix of apples, like Honeycrisp for sweetness and Fuji for firmness, but Granny Smiths are a reliable choice.
- Cold Unsalted Butter: The secret to a flaky pie crust. Keep it cubed and very cold until you’re ready to use it.
- Spices (Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cloves, Nutmeg): This blend creates that iconic warm, comforting apple pie flavor. Cardamom adds a subtle, unique twist that elevates the pie beyond the ordinary.
- Quick-Cooking Rolled Oats: These contribute to the delightful crunchy texture of the crumb topping.
- Brown Sugar: Used in both the topping and the caramel, it adds a deeper, molasses-rich sweetness compared to granulated sugar.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slab Caramel Apple Pie
Making this Slab Caramel Apple Pie might seem like several steps, but each component is straightforward, making the entire process manageable and enjoyable. Here’s how to bring it all together:
Perfecting the Homemade Crust
A truly exceptional pie starts with a stellar crust. Our recipe calls for a simple, flaky homemade pastry crust that’s incredibly easy to make. The key is to use very cold butter and minimal handling. Combine all-purpose flour, a touch of salt, granulated sugar, and ground cardamom (for a subtle, aromatic hint) in a large bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. Gradually drizzle in ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking it, as this can lead to a tough crust. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least two hours (or up to five days). This chilling period is crucial for developing flavor and making the dough easier to roll.
Crafting the Apple Filling
While your crust is chilling, prepare the star of the show: the apple filling. Peel, core, and chop your Granny Smith apples into uniform pieces. Aim for about 10 cups, as apples cook down significantly. In a large bowl, toss the chopped apples with granulated sugar, all-purpose flour (this helps absorb excess moisture from the apples, preventing a soggy bottom), fresh lemon juice (to brighten the flavor and prevent browning), pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. Mix everything until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugar. This filling can be made up to two hours ahead of time and kept covered in the refrigerator.
Creating the Irresistible Crumb Topping
Just before assembling your pie, whip up the irresistible crumb topping. In a clean mixing bowl, combine quick-cooking rolled oats, packed brown sugar, and all-purpose flour. Add softened butter and use your pastry cutter or even your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until a coarse crumb mixture forms. This topping adds a wonderful texture and additional sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced apples. It’s truly what makes this slab pie stand out!
Baking Your Slab Pie to Golden Perfection
Now for the exciting part – assembly and baking! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out your chilled pie crust into an 18×13-inch rectangle, roughly the size of your half sheet pan. Carefully transfer the rolled dough into the pan, pressing it gently into the corners and up the sides to form a rimmed edge. Trim any excess dough. Next, spread the prepared apple filling evenly over the crust. Finally, sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the apple layer, ensuring a delightful, even crunch in every bite. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the crumb topping is toasty, and the apple filling is bubbling sweetly. Allow the pie to cool slightly in the pan before adding the caramel sauce.
Whipping Up the Salted Caramel Sauce
The salted caramel sauce is arguably the easiest component to prepare, yet it delivers the biggest impact! In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, half-and-half, pure vanilla extract, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to a rich, pourable sauce. The constant whisking is key to preventing scorching and ensuring a smooth consistency. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and drizzle generously over the slightly cooled slab pie. The combination of warm apple pie and rich, salty-sweet caramel is simply divine.
More Apple Pie Inspired Recipes
If you love the flavors of apple pie as much as we do, you might enjoy exploring these other delightful recipes:
- Apple Pie Old Fashioned
- Apple Pie Infused Whiskey
- Chocolate Chip Apple Pie Bread Pudding
- Easy Individual Bourbon Apple Pies
Make-Ahead Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday
One of the greatest benefits of this slab pie recipe is its flexibility for holiday meal prep. You can prepare several components ahead of time, freeing up valuable time on the big day.
- The Pie Crust: This can be a huge time-saver! Prepare the dough as instructed, wrap it tightly in plastic, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months; just thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling.
- The Salted Caramel Sauce: Make the caramel sauce up to 2 days in advance. Once prepared, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, whisking until it’s smooth and pourable again.
- The Apple Filling: You can peel, chop, and mix the apple filling ingredients up to 2 hours before assembling and baking the pie. Keep it covered in the refrigerator to prevent the apples from browning.
This strategic approach to preparation allows you to tackle different elements of the pie at your convenience, making your holiday baking experience much more relaxed and enjoyable. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re serving a perfectly fresh, warm slab pie with minimal last-minute effort!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Slab Caramel Apple Pie is a showstopper on its own, but a few serving suggestions and variations can make it even more memorable.
Serving Suggestions:
- Warm with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The classic pairing! The cold, creamy ice cream melting over the warm pie is an unbeatable experience.
- Dollop of Whipped Cream: A cloud of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and lightness.
- Extra Caramel Drizzle: For the true caramel lovers, offer an extra pitcher of warm salted caramel sauce on the side for guests to add as they please.
Variations to Explore:
- Mixed Apples: While Granny Smiths are excellent, feel free to use a blend of tart and sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for a more complex flavor profile.
- Nutty Topping: Add a half cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to your crumb topping for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with a pinch of allspice or a touch of ground ginger in your apple filling for a slightly different aromatic twist.
- Add a Splash of Booze: A tablespoon of bourbon or spiced rum in the apple filling or even in the caramel sauce can add a sophisticated depth of flavor (ensure it’s cooked off if serving to kids).
However you choose to serve it, this Slab Caramel Apple Pie is sure to be the star of your dessert table.
Slab Caramel Apple Pie with Salted Caramel Sauce Recipe
In conclusion, this Easy Slab Caramel Apple Pie with Salted Caramel Sauce isn’t just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple baking can be while still producing extraordinary results. It eliminates the common pitfalls of traditional pie-making, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. From its golden, flaky crust to its perfectly spiced apple interior, crowned with a delectable crumb topping and finished with a luxurious salted caramel drizzle, every element works in harmony to create a truly unforgettable dessert. So, whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, embrace the ease and deliciousness of this slab pie. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Happy baking, and enjoy the sweet rewards!
Slab Caramel Apple Pie with Salted Caramel Sauce
equipment
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French Wire Whisk
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
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Half Sheet Pan
ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 14 Tbsp unsalted butter very cold and cubed
- 6 Tbsp cold water
- 10 cups peeled and chopped Granny Smith apples
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup butter
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup Half-and-half
- 1/2 Tbsp Vanilla
- 1/2 tsp salt
instructions
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To make the pie crust, add flour, salt, and sugar for the crust to a large bowl. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut in the butter until it resembles a coarse meal. The butter should be pea-sized or smaller. Drizzle over cold water, 1 Tablespoon at a time, bringing the mixture together with your hands. Stop adding water when the dough begins to form large clumps.
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Use your hands to knead the dough until the flour is fully incorporated and the dough is no longer sticky. Form dough into a ball and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
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When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375˚F.
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Add all of the filling ingredients to a large bowl. Stir until combined and set aside.
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On a floured, flat work surface, roll out chilled pie crust into an 18×13-inch rectangle. Place dough into a half sheet pan, and press up the rimmed edge. Trim the dough that hangs over the edges. Make sure to smooth out the crust so it fits into the corners of the pan.
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Spread filling on top of the crust in an even layer.
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Add oats, sugar, and flour for the crumb topping to a large clean bowl. Stir together until combined. Add butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut in the butter until it forms a coarse crumb texture. Sprinkle evenly on top of the filling.
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Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the crust is golden and crumble is toasty. Remove from oven and cool slightly in the pan.
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While the pie is cooling, make the salted caramel. Add all the caramel ingredients to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, for 5 to 7 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat and drizzle on top of the slab pie.