Slab pie is a delicious and versatile dessert that is perfect for feeding a crowd. It is similar to a traditional pie, but larger in size and made in a rectangular baking dish or sheet pan. Slab pie is a great option for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, as it can easily be sliced into square or rectangular pieces for easy serving.
The crust of a slab pie is typically made from scratch using ingredients like flour, butter, and sugar. It is rolled out and fitted into the baking dish, forming a sturdy base for the filling. The filling can be made with a variety of fruits, such as apples, berries, or peaches, mixed with sugar, spices, and sometimes cornstarch or flour to thicken the juices. The fruit filling is then poured onto the crust, and a second layer of crust is added on top to seal in the juices and create a flaky, golden-brown crust.
Ingredients
To make a delicious Slab Pie, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup ice water
- 6 cups fresh or frozen fruit (such as apples, berries, or peaches)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten
- Sanding sugar, for sprinkling
For the crust of the Slab Pie, you will need all-purpose flour, salt, unsalted butter, and ice water. The crust is made by combining the flour and salt, and then cutting in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The ice water is added gradually until the dough comes together. This crust recipe yields a flaky and buttery base for the pie.
The filling of the Slab Pie is made with fresh or frozen fruit. You can use a variety of fruits such as apples, berries, or peaches, depending on your preference. The fruit is combined with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The sugar helps to sweeten the fruit, while the cornstarch acts as a thickener for the filling. The lemon juice adds a tangy flavor, and the vanilla extract enhances the taste of the fruit.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Slab Pie Recipe
Preparing a delicious slab pie involves several steps. Here is a detailed guide to help you with the process:
1. Prepare the Dough
Start by making the pie crust dough. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water and mix until the dough comes together. Divide it into two equal portions, shape them into disks, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling
While the dough is chilling, you can prepare the filling for your slab pie. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced fruits (such as apples, berries, or peaches), sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.). Toss until the fruit is well coated. Let the filling sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Roll out the Dough and Assemble
Once the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to the required temperature. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into a rectangular shape that fits your baking sheet. Transfer the rolled dough onto the baking sheet and gently press it into the corners. Spoon the fruit filling evenly over the dough. Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
Chef Tips for Making Slab Pie
When making a slab pie, professional chefs have a few tips and tricks to ensure the best results. Here are some expert recommendations:
- Use a Deep Baking Dish: Slab pies have a higher filling-to-crust ratio compared to regular pies, so it’s important to use a deep baking dish to prevent overflow. A deep-dish will also help the crust cook evenly and prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Precook the Filling: To avoid a soggy bottom crust, pre-cooking the filling is essential. This step allows excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in a perfectly crisp crust. It’s crucial to cool the filling completely before pouring it into the pie crust.
- Add a Streusel Topping: While a lattice or full crust topping is traditional for pies, slabs pies often benefit from a streusel topping. This crumbly mixture of flour, butter, and sugar adds an extra layer of texture and flavor to the pie.
Following these tips from professional chefs will help you achieve a delicious and visually appealing slab pie. Enjoy!
Reviews
I recently tried making a slab pie for the first time and I was blown away by how delicious and easy it was to prepare. The recipe I followed was for a blueberry slab pie and it turned out to be absolutely scrumptious. The crust was perfectly flaky and buttery, while the filling was bursting with juicy and sweet blueberries. It was the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, and every bite was a delight.
One of the things I loved most about making a slab pie was how convenient it was. Instead of dealing with multiple pie crusts and trying to crimp them together, I simply rolled out one large sheet of dough and pressed it into a baking sheet. The process was much quicker and less fussy than making a traditional pie. Plus, the rectangular shape of the slab pie made for easy and neat slicing. It was perfect for serving a crowd, and everyone loved the generous slice they got.
Overall, I highly recommend trying a slab pie if you’re looking for a delicious and impressive dessert. It’s a great option for any occasion, whether it’s a casual summer barbecue or a holiday gathering. Plus, you can easily customize the filling to your liking with different fruits or even savory ingredients. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to try more slab pie recipes in the future.
I recently came across a recipe for Slab Pie and decided to give it a try. Being an avid baker, I have tried my hand at many desserts, but this one truly exceeded all my expectations. The first thing that caught my attention was its unique shape and presentation. The rectangular shape of the pie made it stand out from the typical round pies I usually bake. It looked absolutely stunning when sliced and served, making it perfect for special occasions or gatherings.
What made Slab Pie even more appealing to me was the versatility of the recipe. I could use any fruit filling of my choice, which allowed me to experiment and be creative. I decided to make a mixed berry filling, using a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. The filling was sweet and tangy, bursting with fresh flavors. The crust was flaky and buttery, just the way I like it. It provided the perfect balance to the sweet filling. The best part was that the crust-to-filling ratio was ideal, ensuring that every bite was flavorful and satisfying.
The Slab Pie was a hit among my family and friends. It was devoured within minutes, with everyone going back for seconds. I received numerous compliments on both the taste and the presentation of the pie. The recipe was easy to follow, and the instructions were clear and concise. I also appreciated that I could make the pie in advance and serve it cold or at room temperature. Overall, making and tasting this Slab Pie was truly a delightful experience, and I will definitely be making it again in the future!
The Slab Pie recipe is absolutely delicious! I recently made it for a family gathering and it was a hit. The crust was perfectly flaky and the filling was just the right amount of sweet. Everyone loved the combination of flavors, and the fact that it was made in a large baking sheet made it easy to serve a crowd.
I followed the recipe exactly and was pleasantly surprised at how simple it was to make. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and all of the ingredients were readily available. I especially loved the addition of cinnamon and nutmeg in the filling, as it added a warm and cozy flavor. The pie baked up beautifully and smelled amazing while it was in the oven.
The Slab Pie was a big hit with everyone at the gathering. It was the perfect dessert to end the meal, and there were no leftovers! I will definitely be making this recipe again in the future, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a delicious and crowd-pleasing dessert. Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe!
As someone who loves to bake and try out new recipes, I recently stumbled upon the amazing world of Slab Pies. Let me tell you, these pies are a game changer! The recipe I followed was simple and straightforward, but the end result was absolutely divine.
One of the things that immediately caught my attention was the size of the Slab Pie. It’s much larger than a regular pie, making it perfect for parties or gatherings. The crust, made from scratch, was flaky and buttery, providing the perfect base for the delicious filling.
The filling itself was a combination of fresh fruits, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. The flavors melded together beautifully, creating a sweet and tangy filling that complemented the crust perfectly. I couldn’t resist taking a bite as soon as the pie was out of the oven.
The Slab Pie was a hit with everyone who tried it. The combination of the buttery crust and the fruity filling was simply irresistible. I would highly recommend giving Slab Pie a try if you’re looking to impress your friends and family with a delicious and unique dessert. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
I recently tried making a slab pie for the first time, and I must say, it was a huge hit! The recipe I used was simple to follow and the results were absolutely delicious. The crust was perfectly flaky and the filling was just the right balance of sweet and tart. I loved how easy it was to serve the pie, with its rectangular shape making it easy to cut into neat slices. It was a real crowd-pleaser and I received so many compliments on both the taste and presentation of the pie.
One of the things I really enjoyed about making the slab pie was how versatile it is. I chose to make a mixed berry filling, combining strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. However, you could easily customize the filling to suit your preferences or whatever fruit is in season. I can imagine that a slab pie with peaches or apples would be equally delicious. Plus, the larger size of the slab pie means that you can serve a larger number of people with just one pie, which is perfect for gatherings or parties.
Overall, I highly recommend trying your hand at making a slab pie. It’s a fun twist on traditional fruit pies and offers a unique way to serve dessert to a crowd. With its beautiful presentation and delicious taste, it’s sure to be a hit at your next event. Don’t be intimidated by the size, as it’s quite simple to make and the results are well worth the effort. I can’t wait to experiment with different flavors and fillings in the future!
As someone who loves baking, I was thrilled to come across the recipe for Slab Pie. I must say, this dessert exceeded all of my expectations! The crust was perfectly flaky and buttery, providing the ideal base for the sweet and tangy filling. I chose to make a strawberry-rhubarb slab pie, and the combination of the two fruits was simply divine. The filling had just the right amount of sweetness, and the rhubarb added a delightful tartness. It was a match made in heaven.
One of the things I loved most about making this slab pie was its size. It’s perfect for serving a crowd, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or parties. Plus, the rectangular shape makes it easier to cut and serve. I was worried that the pie would be too big for my oven, but it fit perfectly on a baking sheet.
The final result was a beautiful and delicious dessert that received rave reviews from my family and friends. They couldn’t get enough of this slab pie, and I was thrilled to see it disappear so quickly. I will definitely be adding this recipe to my go-to collection. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress, I highly recommend giving Slab Pie a try!
