Caramel Apple Slab Pie

There’s something magical about autumn that stirs the soul, and one dish that captures this warmth is the Caramel Apple Slab Pie. Every time I make it, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the sweet aroma of baked apples filled the air. The first time I tasted it, I could hardly contain my excitement. The combination of flaky crust and gooey caramel, paired with tart Granny Smith apples, is simply irresistible. It’s a dessert that brings family and friends together, transforming any gathering into a cozy celebration. The excitement of slicing into this slab pie, revealing layer upon layer of deliciousness, never gets old. It’s perfect for those crisp fall days, when you want something comforting to share over a warm drink. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving or just a weekend treat, this pie is a showstopper. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a memory in the making, filled with laughter, love, and a touch of nostalgia.

Key Ingredients for Caramel Apple Slab Pie

The ingredients for the Caramel Apple Slab Pie are carefully chosen to create a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The tartness of the Granny Smith apples shines through, complemented by the sweetness of the caramel sauce. Each component plays a vital role, coming together to form this irresistible dessert.

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – This rich ingredient adds a luscious flavor to the filling while helping to soften the apples as they cook.
• 3 pounds Granny Smith Apples (about 8 apples) – Their tartness is perfect for balancing the sweetness of the caramel.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – This brightens the flavor of the apples and helps prevent browning.
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar – Essential for sweetening the filling and creating a rich caramel flavor.
• ¼ cup (32 g) cornstarch – This thickens the filling, ensuring it holds together beautifully when sliced.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – The warm spice adds depth and enhances the apple flavor.
• ¾ cup caramel sauce (plus more for serving) – This is the star of the show, providing that ooey-gooey goodness.
• 3 recipes all-butter pie crust – A flaky crust is key to holding all the delicious filling.
• Egg wash and sanding sugar – These add a golden sheen and a touch of sweetness on top.

Step by Step Guide for Caramel Apple Slab Pie

Making the Caramel Apple Slab Pie is a fun and rewarding experience. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have a delicious dessert that looks as good as it tastes!

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples approximately ¼-inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and meld perfectly with the other ingredients.
2. Melt the butter in a very large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced apples and cook, stirring often, until they just start to soften, about 7 to 9 minutes. You want them to maintain some firmness for the pie.
3. Add the lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and caramel sauce to the skillet. Stir everything to coat the apples well. Cook until the mixture boils, then continue cooking for 2 additional minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature (or at least 2 hours). This cooling step is crucial for thickening the filling.
4. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, spray a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Prepare the pie crust by dividing it into 3 portions. Set one portion aside and roll the remaining two into a rectangle that’s approximately 12×17 inches. Place this in the prepared pan, leaving some crust hanging over the edges.
6. Roll out the third section of the pie dough to a 12-inch circle. Using cookie cutters, cut out shapes from the dough. Re-roll the scraps as needed until you’ve used it all. This adds a charming touch to your pie’s presentation.
7. Add the cooled filling to the pie crust in the pan, spreading it out evenly. Top with the pie crust shapes you cut out earlier, arranging them artfully on top. This creates a beautiful crust that also allows the filling to peek through.
8. Brush the top with an egg wash and sprinkle with sanding sugar. This will give your pie a lovely golden color and a sweet crunch.
9. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the top is light golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning. The pie will thicken as it cooks and more as it cools.
10. Once baked, let the pie cool completely before slicing. This helps it set further. Serve with additional caramel sauce and a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat.
11. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. This pie is also delicious served cold!

Recipe Variations about Caramel Apple Slab Pie

The beauty of the Caramel Apple Slab Pie lies in its versatility. Here are some variations and tips to keep things exciting:

• Fruit Variations: Substitute Granny Smith apples with other fruits like pears or a mix of berries for a refreshing twist.
• Nutty Surprise: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or ginger to give the pie a unique flavor profile.
• Caramel Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle more caramel sauce on top just before serving.
• Refrigerated Crusts: To save time, feel free to use refrigerated pie crusts. Just note that you’ll need 2 packages for this recipe.
• Serving Options: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with whipped cream for a delightful contrast.

What Goes Well With This Caramel Apple Slab Pie

Serving the Caramel Apple Slab Pie can be as creative as making it! Here are some ideas to consider:

• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm pie beautifully, offering a creamy contrast to the sweet caramel.
• Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream can be dolloped on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Hot Beverages: Pair it with a warm drink, like apple cider or hot chocolate, to create a cozy atmosphere.
• Other Desserts: Serve it alongside other autumn desserts, like pumpkin pie or pecan pie, for a delightful dessert spread.
• Seasonal Fruits: Fresh fruits like pears or berries can be a refreshing side dish that balances the sweetness of the pie.
• Cheese Plate: A cheese platter with aged cheddar works beautifully to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors of the pie.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Caramel Apple Slab Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a heartfelt creation that brings warmth and joy. Its rich flavors and comforting textures make it a must-try for anyone wanting to celebrate the essence of autumn. So, roll up your sleeves and get baking; you won’t regret it! Everyone will be asking for seconds!

Caramel Apple Slab Pie

The ultimate comfort food for autumn, this Caramel Apple Slab Pie is bursting with juicy apples and drizzled with warm caramel. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this dessert will leave everyone craving more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 15 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 pounds Granny Smith Apples (about 8 apples)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup caramel sauce plus more for serving
• 3 recipes all butter pie crust
• Egg wash and sanding sugar

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Large Pot
• Mixing Bowl
• Peeler
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Peel, core, and slice apples approximately ¼-inch thick.
2. Melt butter in a very large skillet. Add apples and cook, stirring often, until the apples just start to soften, about 7 to 9 minutes.
3. Add the lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and caramel sauce. Stir to coat and cook until the mixture boils, then cook for 2 additional minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature (or at least 2 hours).
4. Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with nonstick cooking spray.
5. Make pie crust and divide into 3 portions. Set one portion aside and roll the remaining two into a rectangle that’s approximately 12×17 inches. Place in prepared pan, leaving some hanging over the edges of the pan.
6. Roll out the third section of the pie dough to a 12-inch circle. Cut shapes with cookie cutters, re-rolling dough as needed to use it all.
7. Add the filling to the pie. Top with pie crust shapes. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sanding sugar.
8. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until filling is bubbly and top is light golden. Cool completely before slicing.
9. Serve with additional caramel sauce and/or ice cream.
10. Store pie in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

• Semi-Homemade Hack: Use refrigerated pie crusts to speed up the process! If using refrigerated, they come in packs of 2 and you’ll need 2 packages (3 crusts).

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Meet Jade Summer

Reliability is just as important as flavor. I am the one double checking measurements and testing temperatures. I cooked this recipe repeatedly, troubleshooting any tricky parts, so you can trust that it will turn out perfectly the very first time you try it.