Buttery Crumb-Topped Apple Slab Pie Recipe for Fall Gatherings

Crumb-topped apple slab pie redefines ordinary desserts into extraordinary culinary experiences that delight family gatherings.

Sweet, tangy apples nestled beneath a buttery, golden crumble create irresistible textural contrast in every delectable bite.

Baking enthusiasts appreciate this rustic pastry’s generous serving style that feeds crowds with minimal effort.

Traditional pie techniques meet innovative sheet pan preparations, resulting in a show-stopping dessert that looks professionally crafted.

Seasonal ingredients and simple techniques make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Warm spices and crunchy topping elevate this classic treat beyond standard fruit pies.

Comfort and nostalgia merge in a single, memorable dessert that sparks conversation and creates lasting memories.

What’s to Love About Crumb-Topped Apple Slab Pie

• Effortless Crowd-Pleaser: This slab pie serves a large group with minimal effort, making it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday celebrations.
• Textural Symphony: Enjoy the delightful contrast between the crisp, buttery crumb topping and the soft, tender spiced apples nestled in a flaky crust.
• Quick Seasonal Comfort: Whip up this delicious dessert in under an hour, capturing the warm, nostalgic flavors of autumn with its cinnamon-nutmeg-infused apple filling and rustic presentation.
• Versatile Serving Style: Easily slice into portable squares that are both elegant for formal events and casual enough for everyday treats, with an optional sweet glaze for extra indulgence.

What You Need for Apple Slab Pie with Crumb Topping

• Pie Crusts: Pre-made, easy-to-use pastry that provides a convenient base for the slab pie, saving time and effort.

• Apples, Lemon: Tart apples with bright citrus provide a balanced, classic pie filling with a touch of acidity.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that caramelize and enhance the apple flavor.
• Flour: Thickens the apple filling and creates a smooth texture.
• Oats: Adds a rustic, hearty texture to the crumb topping.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple's natural sweetness.
• Salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Butter: Chilled butter creates a flaky, rich crumb topping with a tender texture.
• Half and Half: Provides creamy consistency for the optional glaze.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a sweet, smooth glaze for the finished pie.

Baking Instructions for Crumb Apple Slab Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Workspace

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Dust a clean surface with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Roll Out the Pie Crust

• Remove pie crusts from package
• Stack crusts on top of each other
• Roll out to create a 17 by 12-inch rectangle

Step 3: Transfer Crust to Baking Pan

• Carefully move crust to a 15 by 10 by 1-inch jelly roll pan
• Gently press crust into pan corners
• Fold and crimp edges for a decorative finish
• Chill in refrigerator

Step 4: Create Crumb Topping

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Oats
• Flour
• Salt

Cut in chilled butter using a pastry cutter until mixture becomes crumbly

Refrigerate topping until needed

Step 5: Prepare Apple Filling

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Toss sliced apples with lemon juice

Coat apples thoroughly with sugar mixture

Step 6: Assemble the Slab Pie

• Spread apple mixture evenly over chilled crust
• Gently press apples down
• Sprinkle chilled crumb topping over apples

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

• Bake for 33-38 minutes
• Tent with foil during last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning
• Check apple tenderness with a toothpick
• Remove from oven and let cool

Step 8: Optional Glaze Finish

• Whisk powdered sugar with half and half
• Create a thick but pourable consistency
• Drizzle over cooled pie
• Cut into squares and serve

Tips for a Flaky Crust and Juicy Apple Filling

• Choose Crisp Apples: Select firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness.
• Slice Uniformly: Cut apple slices to consistent thickness to ensure even baking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy.
• Chill the Topping: Keep the crumb mixture cold before sprinkling to help create a crispy, golden-brown texture when baked.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts on the bottom crust to absorb excess apple moisture.
• Check Browning Early: Monitor the pie after 25 minutes and tent with foil if the top begins to brown too quickly, protecting the delicate crumb topping.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Slab Pie

• Refrigerate: Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the crumb topping crisp by avoiding direct contact with plastic wrap.
• Freeze: Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy crumb topping and bring out the pie's delicious flavors. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the crust's texture.

Pairing Ideas for Apple Crumb Pie

• Pair with Rich Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm, spiced apple slab pie to create a heavenly contrast between the hot dessert and cold, smooth dairy.
• Match with Caramel Chai Latte: The warm, aromatic chai spices complement the cinnamon and nutmeg in the pie, while a drizzle of caramel adds depth to the sweet apple flavors.
• Serve with Aged Bourbon: A smooth, slightly oakey bourbon enhances the dessert's warm spices and buttery crumb topping, creating a sophisticated after-dinner treat for adults.
• Enjoy with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Dollop freshly whipped cream infused with a hint of cinnamon on top of each slice to elevate the pie's classic apple pie experience.

Variations on Classic Apple Slab Pie

• Caramel Apple Fusion: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the baked pie for extra richness and deep flavor complexity.
• Berry Blended Slab: Replace half the apples with mixed berries like raspberries and blackberries to create a tangy fruit profile.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Incorporate chopped pecans or almonds into the crumb topping for added texture and subtle nuttiness.
• Spiced Harvest Version: Enhance the spice blend by adding ground cardamom and ginger to the existing cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, aromatic experience.

Crumb-Topped Apple Slab Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Midwestern classic apple slab pie delivers rustic charm with its buttery, flaky crust and generous layer of cinnamon-spiced apples. Generous crumb topping adds delightful texture, making this dessert perfect for sharing at family gatherings or potlucks you’ll want to remember.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling ingredients:

• 4 lbs peeled, cored, and thinly sliced crisp apples
• ⅓ cup (70g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (75g) packed light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Crust:

• 1 (14.1 ounces/400 grams) box refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie crust dough)

Topping ingredients:

• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, chilled and diced into small cubes
• ⅓ cup (70 grams) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (75 grams) packed light-brown sugar
• 1 cup (97 grams) quick oats
• ½ cup (70 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup (115 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons half and half, or more as needed

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Instructions

1. Meticulously prepare your workspace by dusting a flat surface with a light coating of flour and preheating the oven to a precise 425°F.
2. Carefully unroll refrigerated pie crusts, layering them atop each other, and gently stretch into a generous 17 by 12-inch rectangular shape.
3. Delicately transfer the dough into a spacious jelly roll pan, ensuring complete coverage with gentle pressing and neatly folding edges underneath for a polished appearance.
4. Create the crumbly topping by blending granulated and brown sugars with hearty oats, flour, and a pinch of salt, then incorporate chilled butter using a pastry cutter until texture resembles coarse, uneven crumbs.
5. Prepare the apple filling by whisking together sugars, flour, warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a touch of salt in a separate mixing bowl.
6. Slice apples and gently toss with fresh lemon juice, then thoroughly coat with the prepared spice mixture to ensure even distribution.
7. Distribute apple mixture uniformly across the prepared crust, pressing softly to create an even layer.
8. Generously sprinkle the reserved crumb topping across the apple surface, covering completely.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 33-38 minutes, strategically placing foil over the top during the final 10 minutes to prevent excessive browning.
10. Verify doneness by testing apple tenderness with a toothpick; remove from oven and allow to cool naturally.
11. Optional: Create a luxurious glaze by whisking powdered sugar with half and half until achieving a smooth, drizzleable consistency.
12. Once cooled, drizzle glaze across the surface and slice into elegant squares for serving.

Notes

• Chill the pie crust beforehand to prevent shrinking and maintain a flaky texture during baking.
• Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavor and texture in the filling.
• Use a pastry cutter or cold fingers to create a crumbly topping that will provide a delightful crunchy contrast to the soft apple filling.
• Tent the pie with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning while ensuring the apples cook thoroughly.
• Allow the pie to cool completely before adding the optional glaze to prevent it from melting and maintain a beautiful drizzled appearance.
• Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg