When it comes to desserts, few things can rival the charm and deliciousness of a well - baked pie. And if you're looking for a pie that can easily feed a crowd, slab pies are the way to go. These pies, baked on a sheet pan, are not only convenient but also come in a variety of flavors that are sure to satisfy every sweet tooth.
One of the classic flavors when it comes to pies is apple. Apple slab pies are a timeless choice that combines the warmth of cinnamon, the tartness of apples, and the buttery goodness of the crust. To make an apple slab pie, start by preheating your oven to 375°F. You'll need about 6 - 8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced. In a large bowl, combine the apples with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of all - purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the apples are evenly coated.
For the crust, you can either use a pre - made pie crust or make your own. If making your own, combine 2 1/2 cups of all - purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 cup of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, gradually add 1/4 - 1/2 cup of ice water, stirring until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, roll out one half to fit the bottom of a 9x13 - inch sheet pan. Press the dough into the pan, pour the apple filling over it, and roll out the other half of the dough for the top crust. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape, and bake for about 45 - 50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Another popular flavor is pumpkin. Pumpkin slab pies are perfect for fall gatherings, especially around Thanksgiving. To make a pumpkin slab pie, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 can (15 ounces) of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 egg, 1/2 cup of evaporated milk, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well until smooth.
Roll out a pie crust to fit the bottom of a 9x13 - inch sheet pan and press it into the pan. Pour the pumpkin filling over the crust and bake for about 30 - 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the pie cool for a while before serving. You can top it with whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.
Cherry slab pies are also a crowd - pleaser. They offer a burst of sweet and tart cherry flavor. To make a cherry slab pie, preheat your oven to 375°F. You'll need about 3 cups of fresh or frozen cherries, pitted. In a medium bowl, combine the cherries with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
Roll out a pie crust for the bottom of a 9x13 - inch sheet pan and press it into the pan. Pour the cherry filling over the crust, roll out another crust for the top, cut slits in it, and bake for about 35 - 40 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Let the pie cool slightly before slicing and serving.
These slab pies are not only great for picnics, potlucks, and holiday gatherings but also easy to make. They can be customized with your favorite fruits and spices, and they're sure to be a hit at any event. So, the next time you're planning a gathering, consider baking one of these delicious slab pies to complete the dessert spread.
You can also experiment with other flavors like blueberry, peach, or even a combination of different fruits. For a blueberry slab pie, follow a similar process as the cherry pie but use fresh or frozen blueberries. You can add a little lemon zest to enhance the flavor. Peach slab pies are wonderful in the summer when peaches are in season. Just make sure to peel and slice the peaches before using them in the filling.
When it comes to the crust, you can play around with different types of flours. For example, using whole - wheat flour in part or in whole can add a nutty flavor and more nutritional value to the crust. You can also add some oats to the crust for a crunchy texture. And don't forget about the toppings. In addition to whipped cream, you can sprinkle some crushed nuts, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce over the pies to make them even more appealing.
Slab pies are a practical and delicious option for any occasion. They're easy to transport, cut into slices, and share with a large group of people. Whether you're a novice baker or an experienced one, these recipes are sure to yield wonderful results. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and start baking these amazing slab pies today!
