Caramel Apple Slab Pie is a delightful fall dessert featuring a buttery crust filled with cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples, topped with a crunchy oat crumb and drizzled with rich homemade caramel sauce. This pie is perfect for large gatherings, blending tart apples with sweet caramel for an irresistible treat. As the leaves change and the crisp air arrives, nothing is more comforting than a slice of this homemade dessert. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Slab Pie
This easy caramel apple slab pie recipe is not just a crowd-pleaser; it’s a celebration of fall flavors. Here are a few reasons to love it:
- Perfect for large gatherings, serving 12 slices effortlessly.
- Uses simple ingredients that you likely have at home.
- The combination of tart Granny Smith apples and sweet caramel makes it a delightful treat.
- Great for holidays and special occasions, adding a festive touch to your table.
- Can be made ahead of time, saving you prep on busy days.
- Versatile enough to be served warm or chilled, making it suitable for any season.
This apple slab pie recipe is truly a winner for your next fall gathering!
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Slab Pie
Gather these items:
- 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shortening, butter-flavored
- 12 tablespoons cold water
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 1/2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices (about 10 cups)
- 1 cup rolled oats, quick-cooking
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Caramel Apple Slab Pie Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 15x10x1 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter-flavored shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, starting with 4 tablespoons, stirring with a fork. Continue adding the remaining water one tablespoon at a time until the dough is evenly moistened. Form the dough into a ball using your hands.
- Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a 19×13-inch rectangle. Wrap the dough around your rolling pin and carefully unroll it into the prepared baking pan, pressing it gently against the pan and up the sides without stretching. Trim the edges to extend 1/2 inch beyond the pan. Fold and flute the edges as desired. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Step 4: In a very large bowl, toss together the sugar, 1/3 cup flour, ground cinnamon, and the peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture. Spread this filling evenly over the chilled crust.
- Step 5: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, and all-purpose flour. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until the topping mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the apple filling.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil during the last 5-10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Step 7: While the pie bakes or cools, combine brown sugar, butter, half-and-half, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low to medium heat, whisking constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until the caramel thickens. Remove from heat.
- Step 8: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the slightly cooled pie just before serving. Alternatively, allow the caramel to cool completely and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Pro Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Slab Pie
Keep these in mind:
- Use tart Granny Smith apples for a perfect balance of flavors.
- Make sure your butter is cold for a flaky crust.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of nutmeg or a squeeze of lemon juice to the apple mixture.
- Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting to help it set.
Best Ways to Serve Caramel Apple Slab Pie
Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or spiced cider for a perfect fall treat.
How to Store and Reheat Caramel Apple Slab Pie
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. This pie is also great for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeks!
Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Slab Pie
What is caramel apple slab pie?
Caramel apple slab pie is a large-format dessert featuring a buttery crust filled with spiced apples, topped with a crunchy oat topping and homemade caramel sauce. It’s an easy caramel apple slab pie recipe that’s perfect for gatherings.
Can I make caramel apple slab pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This caramel apple dessert can be prepared a day in advance. Simply bake and allow it to cool, then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for the best flavor.
How do I avoid common mistakes with caramel apple slab pie?
To avoid a soggy bottom crust, ensure that your apples are well-drained and not overly juicy. Also, bake the pie until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender for the best texture.
Variations of Caramel Apple Slab Pie You Can Try
If you want to mix things up, consider these variations:
- Add nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
- Experiment with different apple varieties for varied flavors, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji.
- Use a store-bought crust for a quick and easy version of this delicious caramel apple slab pie.
- Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a twist on this classic dessert.
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Thanksgiving Cheesecake Recipe or our Apple Snickerdoodles.
For more tips on baking, visit Baking Chocolate Oatmeal Bars or explore our Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars.
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Delicious Caramel Apple Slab Pie for Gatherings
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramel Apple Slab Pie is a delightful fall dessert featuring a tender, buttery crust filled with cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples, topped with a crunchy oat crumb and drizzled with rich homemade caramel sauce. Perfect for large gatherings, this slab pie blends tart apples with sweet caramel for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
- 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shortening, butter-flavored
- 12 tablespoons cold water
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 1/2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices (about 10 cups)
- 1 cup rolled oats, quick-cooking
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 15x10x1 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter-flavored shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, starting with 4 tablespoons, stirring with a fork. Continue adding the remaining water one tablespoon at a time until the dough is evenly moistened. Form the dough into a ball using your hands.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a 19×13-inch rectangle. Wrap the dough around your rolling pin and carefully unroll it into the prepared baking pan, pressing it gently against the pan and up the sides without stretching. Trim the edges to extend 1/2 inch beyond the pan. Fold and flute the edges as desired. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- In a very large bowl, toss together the sugar, 1/3 cup flour, ground cinnamon, and the peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture. Spread this filling evenly over the chilled crust.
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, and all-purpose flour. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until the topping mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the apple filling.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil during the last 5-10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- While the pie bakes or cools, combine brown sugar, butter, half-and-half, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low to medium heat, whisking constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until the caramel thickens. Remove from heat.
- Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the slightly cooled pie just before serving. Alternatively, allow the caramel to cool completely and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Notes
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Caramel Apple Slab Pie