Caramel Apple Slab Pie is a delicious twist on a classic dessert. It combines sweet, juicy apples with a buttery crust, all topped with homemade caramel. This pie is perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. It’s easy to slice and serve, making it an ideal choice for parties or potlucks.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great way to showcase seasonal apples, especially Granny Smiths, which add a delightful tartness. The combination of flavors from the apples and caramel brings comfort and joy. Plus, it’s a fun project that can involve the whole family in the kitchen!
How to Make Caramel Apple Slab Pie
Follow these simple steps to create your own Caramel Apple Slab Pie.
Ingredients:
- 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter-flavored shortening
- 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 quick-cooking rolled oats
- 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
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 15x10x1-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- To make the dough, combine 3 1/3 cups of flour and salt in a large bowl. Using a pastry blender, cut in the shortening until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- Add four tablespoons of cold water to the mixture and stir with a fork. Repeat with the remaining water one tablespoon at a time until the dough is moistened. Use your hands to form it into a ball.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 19×13-inch rectangle. Wrap it around the rolling pin and roll it into the prepared baking pan. Gently press the dough up the sides of the pan, trimming it to 1/2 inch beyond the edge. Fold the edge over and flute as desired. Chill the pan in the fridge.
- In an extra-large bowl, mix the sugar, 1/3 cup flour, cinnamon, and apples until the apples are evenly coated. Carefully spread the apple mixture over the chilled crust.
- For the crumb topping, combine the oats, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup flour in a bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup of butter until crumbly and sprinkle it over the apples.
- To make homemade caramel, melt 1 cup of brown sugar, 4 tablespoons of butter, half-and-half, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over low heat until smooth. Drizzle the caramel over the crumb topping.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. Let it cool before slicing.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Slab Pie
Serve this pie warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for an added treat!
How to Store Caramel Apple Slab Pie
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that warm, cozy flavor again.
Tips to Make Caramel Apple Slab Pie
- Chill your dough well to make it easier to handle.
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for more flavor.
- Customize your crumb topping by adding nuts or spices like nutmeg.
Variation
For a nutty flavor, consider adding 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping. You can also try using different types of apples or even mixing in pears for variation.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen pie crust?
A: Yes, you can use a store-bought frozen pie crust to save time. Just be sure to bake it according to the package instructions.
Q: How long does it take to make Caramel Apple Slab Pie?
A: It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake, so you can have this pie ready in under two hours!
Q: Can I make the pie ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy making and sharing this wonderful Caramel Apple Slab Pie!
Caramel Apple Slab Pie
Ingredients
For the crust
- 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter-flavored shortening
- 12 tablespoons cold water
For the filling
- 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)
For the crumb topping and caramel
- 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
- 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
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 15x10x1-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- To make the dough, combine 3 1/3 cups of flour and salt in a large bowl. Using a pastry blender, cut in the shortening until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- Add four tablespoons of cold water to the mixture and stir with a fork. Repeat with the remaining water one tablespoon at a time until the dough is moistened. Use your hands to form it into a ball.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 19×13-inch rectangle. Wrap it around the rolling pin and roll it into the prepared baking pan. Gently press the dough up the sides of the pan, trimming it to 1/2 inch beyond the edge. Fold the edge over and flute as desired. Chill the pan in the fridge.
Apple Filling
- In an extra-large bowl, mix the sugar, 1/3 cup flour, cinnamon, and apples until the apples are evenly coated. Carefully spread the apple mixture over the chilled crust.
Crumb Topping and Caramel
- For the crumb topping, combine the oats, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup flour in a bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup of butter until crumbly and sprinkle it over the apples.
- To make homemade caramel, melt 1 cup of brown sugar, 4 tablespoons of butter, half-and-half, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over low heat until smooth. Drizzle the caramel over the crumb topping.
Baking
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. Let it cool before slicing.
