Classic Rustic Apple Slab Pie
This delightful rustic apple slab pie is a treasured recipe passed down through generations. It's perfect for those who shy away from traditional pie making, as it offers a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the comforting flavors of apple pie. The crushed cereal crust adds a delightful crunch, while the sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples melt in your mouth. This pie not only makes for a wonderful dessert that's sure to impress family and friends, but it also freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy a slice of home-baked goodness anytime you please. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it cold for a refreshing snack, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
2 1/2 cups (All-purpose flour, sifted)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Kosher salt)
Shortening
1 cup (Vegetable shortening)
Egg
1 (Separated into yolk and white)
Milk
as needed (Whole milk, to complete 2/3 cup with egg yolk)
Special K cereal or corn flakes
2-3 handfuls (Crushed into chunks)
Apples
8-10 (Peeled and thinly sliced (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith))
Sugar
1 cup (Granulated sugar)
Cinnamon
to taste (Ground cinnamon)
Butter
to taste (Cut into small pieces for dotting)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the shortening using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2
Separate the egg yolk from the egg white. Reserve the egg white for later use in glazing the crust.
3
In a measuring cup, combine the egg yolk with enough milk to make a total of 2/3 cup. Whisk until well blended.
4
Pour the milk and egg mixture into the flour mixture all at once. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
5
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and flatten slightly.
6
On a floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to fit a jelly roll pan or large cookie sheet. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the pan.
7
Sprinkle 2-3 handfuls of crushed Special K or corn flakes evenly over the crust to create a barrier for the filling.
8
In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and thinly sliced apples with sugar and a generous sprinkling of cinnamon. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cereal layer, then dot with small pieces of butter.
9
Roll out the second portion of dough and gently place it over the apple filling. Use a sharp knife to cut small, even slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
10
Whisk the reserved egg white until frothy. Brush the egg white over the top crust to give it a golden finish.
11
Place the pie in a preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
12
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Optionally, drizzle a light powdered sugar glaze over the pie while it’s still warm for an added touch of sweetness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Classic Rustic Apple Slab Pie?
It is a treasured family recipe that offers a simpler way to enjoy apple pie, featuring a crushed cereal crust and cinnamon-spiced apples.
How many apples do I need for this recipe?
You will need 8 to 10 apples.
What type of apples are best for this slab pie?
Tart apples, such as Granny Smith, are the preferred choice for this recipe.
What is the purpose of adding cereal to the crust?
The crushed cereal creates a barrier that prevents the filling from making the bottom crust soggy while adding a nice crunch.
Which cereals can I use for the crust barrier?
You can use either Special K cereal or corn flakes crushed into chunks.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The pie should be baked at 375°F (190°C).
How long does the apple slab pie need to bake?
Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Can I freeze this apple slab pie?
Yes, this pie freezes beautifully, making it great for future snacks or desserts.
How should I serve the Classic Rustic Apple Slab Pie?
It can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed cold.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is designed for those who might shy away from traditional pie making due to its simple assembly.
What kind of pan should I use for this recipe?
A jelly roll pan or a large cookie sheet is required.
How do I prepare the egg for the dough?
Separate the egg, using the yolk for the dough mixture and reserving the white for the top glaze.
How much milk is needed?
You should use enough milk to reach a total of 2/3 cup when combined with the egg yolk.
What should the dough texture look like before adding liquid?
The flour and shortening mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
How do I finish the top crust before baking?
Cut small, even slits to let steam escape and brush with frothy egg white for a golden finish.
Can I add a glaze to the pie?
Yes, you can optionally drizzle a light powdered sugar glaze over the pie while it is still warm.
What type of shortening is used in the crust?
The recipe calls for one cup of vegetable shortening.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be peeled and thinly sliced.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifies using half a teaspoon of kosher salt.
How do I incorporate the shortening into the flour?
You can use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the shortening into the flour and salt.
How many dough portions are made?
The dough is divided into two equal portions for the top and bottom crusts.
What type of sugar is used for the filling?
One cup of granulated sugar is used to sweeten the apple mixture.
How much cinnamon should I use?
The recipe suggests a generous sprinkling of ground cinnamon to taste.
What is the role of the butter in the filling?
Small pieces of butter are dotted over the apples before adding the top crust for added richness.
How do I know when the pie is finished baking?
The crust should be a golden brown color and the apples should be tender.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include apple pie, rustic, slab pie, easy dessert, family recipe, freezer friendly, holiday baking, and fruit pie.
Is this a good recipe for holidays?
Yes, its large size and classic flavors make it perfect for holiday baking.
Do I need to sift the flour?
The recipe recommends using 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, sifted.
What do I do with the egg white?
Whisk it until frothy and brush it over the top crust before putting the pie in the oven.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients including the crust components and filling.