I love my Apple Slab Recipe that brings together sliced apples, granulated and brown sugars, and a blend of cinnamon with a hint of nutmeg. I mix melted unsalted butter with fresh lemon juice and all purpose flour to create a satisfying crust that makes this dessert ideal for feeding a crowd.

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I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen lately and couldn’t wait to share my twist on a classic apple pie in a new format – Apple Slab Pie Bars. I love that this recipe is a huge, party-sized dessert, perfect for feeding a crowd without all the fuss of slicing individual pies.

I mixed together 2 cups all purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup melted unsalted butter with a pinch of salt to create a sturdy, flaky crust. For the filling, I layered 6 cups thinly sliced apples with 3/4 cup brown sugar, a dash of lemon juice, 2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp nutmeg.

Then I sprinkled a topping made with 1 cup all purpose flour, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup cubed cold unsalted butter, and a hint of cinnamon. This recipe is a fun spin on a sheet apple pie recipe and is super easy to prepare so you can impress your friends with minimal stress.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a bunch different reasons. First, I love that it combines so many flavors in one dish—the tender, spiced apples with the sweet, crumbly topping just hit the spot every time I make it. Second, I really appreciate how easy it is to put together. Even if I’m a little busy, I can quickly mix the ingredients and feed a crowd without too much hassle. Third, I enjoy that it’s a fun twist on traditional apple pie—being baked on a large sheet and served in squares makes it perfect for parties, and it’s always a hit with my friends. Lastly, the crunchy topping mixed with the soft apples gives a really nice texture contrast that makes each bite interesting.

Apple slab pie is basically party pie. It’s like, an apple pie thats baked on a large baking sheet then cut into squares. I think there is nothing better then sharing a warm slice with my friends and family. The steps are pretty simple: I press a flour and butter crust onto a baking sheet, lay out a layer of sliced apples, sprinkle on a spiced mix, and finish it off with a crumbly topping made from flour, brown sugar and cold butter. It all bakes together until the top is golden and the apples turn soft. Even though the recipe seems a bit complicated with all the different mixes, it ends up being super satisfying once everything comes together. I always feel proud after serving it knowing that such an easy dessert can really wow everyone.

Ingredients

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All purpose flour offers carbohydrates and helps bind the pie layers together in a tasty way.
Apples are loaded with fiber and vitamins plus they give a sweet, tangy burst of flavor.
Unsalted butter infuses richness and moisture while adding a creamy smooth texture to each bite.
Brown sugar provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the apples.
Lemon juice adds a bright, fresh tang that makes the flavors pop and balance the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon warms up the dish with a hint of spice and a lovely aroma.
Ground nutmeg gives a subtle spicy depth that enhances the overall flavor of the bars.

Ingredient Quantities

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 tsp salt

6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 6 to 8 apples)

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 tbsp lemon juice

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

2 tbsp all purpose flour (for the filling)

1 cup all purpose flour (for the topping)

1 cup brown sugar (for the topping)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for the topping)

1 tsp ground cinnamon (for the topping)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a large baking sheet.

2. In a bowl, mix 2 cups all purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 3/4 cup melted unsalted butter until just combined. Press this dough evenly onto the baking sheet.

3. Arrange 6 cups of thinly sliced apples (peeled and cored) over the crust.

4. In a separate bowl, stir together 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, and 2 tbsp all purpose flour. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the apples.

5. For the topping, combine 1 cup all purpose flour, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in another bowl. Add 1/2 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter and mix with your fingers or a fork until it forms a crumbly texture.

6. Spread the topping evenly over the apple layer.

7. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the topping turns golden and the apples are tender.

8. Let the pie cool completely before cutting it into squares and serving. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 375°F)
2. Large baking sheet (to be lightly greased)
3. At least three mixing bowls (one for the dough, one for the apple filling, and one for the topping)
4. Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate ingredient portions)
5. A spatula or similar tool (to mix ingredients and press the dough evenly onto the sheet)
6. A fork (or pastry cutter) for mixing the topping with the butter
7. A sharp knife (to slice the apples, if they aren’t pre-sliced)

FAQ

Q: What type of apples should i use for these pie bars?

A: You can use any apples you have on hand but i recommend using firm apples like Fuji or Granny Smith because they hold up good during baking.

Q: Can i make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes you can prep the apples and crust early however its best to bake them right before serving so that the topping stays crisp.

Q: How do i know when the apple slab pie bars are done?

A: The edges should look light golden and the filling will be bubbly. If you insert a toothpick into the crust and it comes out clean, then they are ready.

Q: What if i don't have cold butter for the topping?

A: Try cubing your butter and chilling it in the freezer for a few minutes before use. Cold butter helps keep the topping crumbly and crunchy.

Q: Can i substitute the brown sugar with regular sugar?

A: You can but the brown sugar adds molasses flavor and moisture to the filling and topping. Using granulated sugar may change the taste and texture a bit.

Apple Slab Pie Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have all purpose flour, a gluten free blend works fine at a one to one ratio
Use salted butter in place of unsalted butter but reduce the added salt in the recipe a bit
You can swap light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a slightly different, richer flavor
If lemon juice is not available, a little bit of apple cider vinegar can be used instead

Pro Tips

1. Try chopping your apples as uniformly as possible so they cook evenly; if the slices are too thick some pieces might still be crunchy while others are soft, plus they mix better with the spices.

2. When making the topping, work quickly with the cubed cold butter – if it starts to melt too much before you’re done, chill your bowl for a bit so the topping stays nice and crumbly.

3. Keep an eye on the oven towards the end of the baking time, since all ovens are different; you might need to adjust the time a little if the topping starts browning too fast.

4. Let the pie cool completely before slicing it up; it might be tempting to dig in sooner but the filling needs time to set so your pieces hold together better.