Apple Slab Pie

#### Step 1: Make the Pie Dough
To begin, prepare the pie crust. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with pea-sized pieces of butter.

Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Once the dough forms, divide it into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill them in the refrigerator for at least **30 minutes**.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the dough chills, prepare the apple filling. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices. In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until the apples are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the apples to release their natural juices.

#### Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has chilled, take one portion of it and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about the size of your baking sheet (typically 9×13 inches). Carefully transfer the rolled dough to your baking sheet, ensuring it covers the entire bottom and sides of the pan. The dough should slightly overlap the edges of the pan.

#### Step 4: Add the Apple Filling
Pour the apple mixture onto the rolled-out dough, spreading it evenly across the surface. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter, which will melt into the apples as they bake and create a rich, flavorful filling.

#### Step 5: Add the Top Crust
Roll out the second portion of dough to fit over the apple filling. Place the dough over the apples and trim any excess dough, leaving about 1 inch of overhang. Fold the edges of the dough under to create a nice border around the pie. Crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork to seal the pie.

For a golden and glossy finish, you can brush the top of the pie with a beaten egg (egg wash). This will give the pie a beautiful, shiny crust when it’s baked.

#### Step 6: Bake the Apple Slab Pie
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Bake the pie for **45-55 minutes**, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, you can cover them with foil to prevent burning.

#### Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once the pie is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least **30 minutes** before slicing. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to cut clean slices. Serve the pie warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.

### Tips for the Perfect Apple Slab Pie

– **Choose the Right Apples**: A mix of tart and sweet apples creates the perfect balance of flavor. Granny Smith apples provide tartness, while Honeycrisp or Gala apples add sweetness. You can also experiment with other apple varieties to find your preferred taste.

– **Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice**: The lemon juice adds brightness to the filling and helps balance the sweetness of the apples. It also prevents the apples from browning too quickly.

– **Make it Ahead**: Apple Slab Pie can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving. It also freezes well if you want to make it ahead of time for a special occasion.

– **Get Creative with Toppings**: Serve your slab pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an extra special touch.

– **Customize the Filling**: Add-ins like raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) can give your Apple Slab Pie an extra layer of texture and flavor.

### Why You’ll Love Apple Slab Pie

Apple Slab Pie is everything you love about a traditional apple pie, but with the added benefit of being easy to serve, quick to prepare, and perfect for any occasion. The golden, flaky crust and the sweet, spiced apple filling will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a simple yet satisfying dessert that makes a statement—whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging in a sweet treat for yourself.

**Give this Apple Slab Pie a try today, and let it become a new family favorite that’s sure to be requested time and time again!**