Description
Hearty German-style crumb-topped apple slab pie delivers classic Midwestern comfort straight from baking traditions. Generous layers of spiced apples nestle beneath buttery crumbs, promising sweet satisfaction that connects family and memory.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 lbs apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced, crisp)
- ⅓ cup (70 g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (75 g) light brown sugar (packed)
- 1.5 tbsps lemon juice (fresh)
- 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 (14.1 oz/400 g) box refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie crust dough)
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter (chilled, diced into small cubes)
- ⅓ cup (70 g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (75 g) light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup (97 g) quick oats
- ½ cup (70 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (115 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsps half and half (or more as needed)
Instructions
- Preparation: Dust work surface with flour and heat oven to 425°F. Unroll and layer refrigerated pie crusts, stretching to create a 17 by 12-inch rectangular shape.
- Crust Placement: Carefully transfer dough into a jelly roll pan, pressing to cover completely and folding edges underneath for a refined finish.
- Crumb Topping: Combine granulated and brown sugars, oats, flour, and salt. Cut in chilled butter until mixture resembles coarse, uneven crumbs.
- Apple Filling: Whisk sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a mixing bowl. Slice apples, toss with lemon juice, and coat thoroughly with spice mixture.
- Assembly: Spread apple mixture evenly across crust, ensuring uniform coverage. Sprinkle crumb topping generously over the entire surface.
- Baking: Place in preheated oven for 33-38 minutes, covering with foil during final 10 minutes to prevent over-browning. Test apple tenderness with a toothpick.
- Finishing: Remove from oven and cool naturally. Optional: Whisk powdered sugar with half and half to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over cooled pie and slice into elegant squares for serving.
Notes
- Optimize Apple Selection: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and balanced sweetness that holds up during baking.
- Prevent Apple Browning: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice immediately to maintain fresh color and prevent oxidation.
- Ensure Crisp Crust: Avoid overworking pie dough to maintain flakiness and prevent tough, dense texture.
- Master Crumb Topping Technique: Cut cold butter into dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or frozen grated butter for perfect, uneven crumb consistency.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg