Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bountiful Berry Slab Pie?
It is a crowd-pleasing summer dessert made with juicy berries and a flaky crust, baked in a rimmed baking sheet rather than a traditional pie dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This slab pie recipe makes 12 generous servings.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The pie should be baked in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C).
What size baking sheet should I use?
You will need a 15x10-inch rimmed baking sheet for this recipe.
Which fruits work best for the filling?
You can use fresh berries like blueberries and raspberries, or stone fruits like pitted cherries or peaches cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
How long does the slab pie need to bake?
Bake the pie for 40 to 55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Does the pie need to cool before serving?
Yes, it should cool on a wire rack for approximately 45 minutes until it is just warm to the touch.
How should I store leftover pie?
Leftovers can be kept at room temperature for up to two days if covered loosely with plastic wrap.
What are the dimensions for rolling out the dough?
The bottom crust should be rolled into an 18x13-inch rectangle, and the top crust into a 16x11-inch rectangle.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each of the 12 servings contains approximately 193 calories.
How much fat and protein are in one serving?
Each serving contains 9g of fat and 2g of protein.
Why do I need to prick the top crust?
Pricking the top crust with a fork allows steam to escape during the baking process, preventing the crust from becoming soggy.
How do I seal the top and bottom crusts together?
Fold the edge of the bottom crust over the top crust and use your fingers to crimp the edges together.
What ingredients are used for the Pate Brisee?
The dough is made with 5 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of coarse salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 lb of cold unsalted butter, and 2/3 cup of ice water.
How much fruit is required for the filling?
The recipe calls for 6 to 7 cups of fresh berries or prepared stone fruit.
What thickening agent is used for the fruit?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of cornstarch to thicken the fruit filling.
Should the butter be cold or at room temperature?
The butter for the pate brisee should be cold and cut into small cubes.
What do I brush on top of the crust before baking?
You should brush the surface with cream or an egg wash thinned with a little water.
How much sugar is sprinkled on top of the pie?
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of granulated sugar over the top before baking for added sweetness and crunch.
Is this pie suitable for outdoor gatherings?
Yes, it is ideal for summer picnics and family reunions as it serves a crowd easily and can be served at room temperature.
What is the total carbohydrate content per slice?
One slice contains 27g of carbohydrates.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, you should chill the dough after fitting it into the pan and again after adding the fruit filling.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor in the filling.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour is used both for making the pate brisee and for dusting the rolling surface.
How much sugar is in the filling?
The berry filling uses 1 1/4 cups of granulated sugar.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, the pate brisee can be prepared ahead of time as directed in the recipe.
How many sticks of butter are in the crust?
The crust requires 1 lb of butter, which is equivalent to 4 sticks.
What kind of salt is used in the filling?
The filling uses 1/4 teaspoon of standard salt to enhance the flavor.
Is the pie best served warm or cold?
It is best enjoyed the day it is baked, served either warm or at room temperature.
Can I use a mixture of different berries?
Yes, you can experiment with different combinations of your favorite seasonal produce.