Description
This Caramel Apple Slab Pie is a delightful twist on a classic apple pie, featuring a rich homemade caramel sauce, a flaky buttery crust, and a crunchy crumb topping with oats and brown sugar. Perfect for fall gatherings or any occasion that calls for a comforting, sweet dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Dough
- 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shortening, butter-flavored
- 12 tablespoons cold water
Apple 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)
Crumb Topping
- 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter
Homemade Caramel
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Dough: In a large bowl, combine the 3 1/3 cups flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Cut in 1 cup of butter-flavored shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 12 tablespoons of cold water, tossing with a fork until the dough forms a ball. Wrap in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Apple Filling: In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced Granny Smith apples with 2/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup flour. Cut in 1/2 cup butter until the mixture is crumbly. Set aside.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough into a large rectangle to fit your baking sheet or slab pan. Transfer the dough to the pan, trimming edges as needed.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread the apple filling evenly over the pie dough base. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake the Pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie on the center rack for about 45-55 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Make the Homemade Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 4 tablespoons butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Slowly stir in 1/2 cup half-and-half and cook until the caramel thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the sliced pie before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Make sure to use tart Granny Smith apples for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavor.
- Keep the shortening or butter cold to ensure a flaky pie crust.
- You can prepare the crumb topping ahead of time and refrigerate for up to a day.
- The caramel sauce can be reheated gently if made ahead.
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing to let the filling set for cleaner cuts.
Keywords: Caramel apple pie, slab pie, apple dessert, fall dessert, crumb topping, homemade caramel sauce