Holiday Slab Pie with the Ultimate Crust

by

Absolutely! Let’s craft a complete, indulgent guide for Holiday Slab Pie with the Ultimate Crust, including everything from history to step-by-step methods and dessert-lover tips.

Holiday Slab Pie with the Ultimate Crust 🥧✨

When it comes to holiday desserts, nothing says “celebration” quite like a pie — but traditional round pies can be limiting when feeding a crowd. Enter the Holiday Slab Pie: a large, sheet-pan dessert that’s easy to serve, versatile, and crowd-pleasing. With a crust that’s both flaky and sturdy, this pie can be eaten by hand or with a fork, and it holds up beautifully no matter the filling. Perfect for fruit lovers, chocolate fans, or anyone seeking that nostalgic, homemade pie taste with a modern twist.

History & Formation

Slab pies, or sheet pies, have roots in American baking traditions where practicality met indulgence. Originally made to feed large groups efficiently, these rectangular pies could be cut into generous slices without the fuss of a round pan. Over time, bakers began perfecting the crust, balancing tenderness with structure to allow for handheld enjoyment. This recipe takes that tradition and elevates it with the ultimate buttery, flaky crust and adaptable fillings for the holidays.

Ingredients

For the crust (makes enough for a 10×15” pan):

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening, cold
  • 8–10 tbsp ice water

For the filling (choose one or mix-and-match):

Apple Cinnamon Filling:

  • 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Mixed Berry Filling:

  • 4 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

  • Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water)
  • Coarse sugar for sprinkling
  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions & Methods

Step 1: Prepare the crust

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add cold butter and shortening. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
  3. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Do not overwork.
  4. Divide the dough into two portions (1 slightly larger for the bottom crust). Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll and fit the crust

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll out the larger portion of dough into a rectangle slightly larger than your 10×15” jelly roll pan.
  3. Gently transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it into the corners and up the sides. Trim any excess.

Step 3: Prepare the filling

  • Mix your chosen filling ingredients in a bowl until evenly coated. Adjust sweetness or thickener as needed depending on the fruit.

Step 4: Assemble the slab pie

  1. Pour the filling evenly over the bottom crust.
  2. Roll out the second portion of dough and cover the filling. You can leave it whole or cut slits/strips for a lattice top.
  3. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

Step 5: Bake

  • Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
  • Let the pie cool for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set slightly.

Serving & Dessert Lovers’ Delight

Slice into generous bars or rectangles for easy serving. These pies are perfect for holiday brunches, office parties, or any festive gathering. Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the experience.

Lovers’ Tip:

  • For a crispier bottom crust, bake the filled pie on a preheated baking sheet to catch drips and enhance browning.
  • Add a handful of toasted nuts or a drizzle of caramel on top for extra holiday flair.

Conclusion

This Holiday Slab Pie is the ultimate balance of practicality and indulgence. The crust is buttery, flaky, and strong enough to pick up by hand, while the filling is rich, sweet, and customizable. Whether you love fruit, chocolate, or nutty combinations, this recipe delivers that classic, homemade pie flavor in a festive, shareable format. Once you try it, this slab pie will become your go-to for every holiday celebration.

If you want, I can also create a step-by-step visual diagram showing how to assemble, lattice, and bake this slab pie so it looks bakery-perfect for your holiday table.

Do you want me to make that next?

Leave a Comment