Here’s a big, detailed recipe write-up for your Glazed Apple Slab Pie with everything you asked: introduction, ingredients, instructions, history, benefits, formation, conclusion, lovers, and nutrition. 🍏🥧
🍎 Glazed Apple Slab Pie Recipe
📖 Introduction
The Glazed Apple Slab Pie is a rustic yet elegant dessert that transforms the classic American apple pie into a large, shareable treat perfect for family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations. Unlike the traditional round pie, a slab pie is baked in a rectangular pan, making it easier to cut into squares or bars. Its golden, flaky puff pastry or pie crust encases layers of spiced apples, lightly sweetened and topped with a glossy glaze. The aroma of baked apples, cinnamon, and sugar fills the home, creating warmth and nostalgia in every bite.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Pie
- 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed) or homemade pie crust
- 5 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for depth)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (prevents browning and balances sweetness)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornstarch (thickener)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (or cream for richness)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions & Method
- Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
- Place in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour.
- Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out puff pastry or pie crust to fit the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan (or a sheet pan).
- Place one layer of dough in the pan, pressing gently into the corners.
- Assemble the Pie
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the bottom crust.
- Place the second sheet of puff pastry (or rolled-out crust) over the apples.
- Seal edges by crimping with a fork. Cut a few slits on top for steam to escape.
- Brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and flaky, and the apples are tender.
- Allow to cool slightly before glazing.
- Glaze
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle over the warm pie for a glossy finish.
- Serve
- Slice into squares or bars and serve warm or at room temperature.
📜 History
Apple pie has long been considered a symbol of American tradition, though its origins trace back to Europe, particularly England and the Netherlands. The concept of the “slab pie” became popular in the U.S. during the mid-20th century, when families wanted desserts that were easier to prepare in large batches for gatherings. Puff pastry versions modernize the classic recipe, offering a lighter, crispier texture compared to dense pie crust.
🌟 Benefits
- Nutritional Balance: Apples provide dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C.
- Convenient: A slab pie serves many people at once, making it perfect for parties.
- Customizable: Works with different apple varieties, spices, and even additional fruits (like pears or cranberries).
- Comfort Food: Combines nostalgic flavors with a festive, shareable form.
🏗️ Formation
This pie is formed by layering a pastry crust, filling it with spiced apples, sealing with another crust, baking to golden perfection, and finishing with a sweet vanilla glaze. It’s essentially a “giant pop tart” in appearance, but much more sophisticated in taste.
💖 Conclusion & Lovers
The Glazed Apple Slab Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a centerpiece. Lovers of apple pie will appreciate its balance of tart and sweet, flaky and soft, classic and modern. It’s a dessert for gatherings, potlucks, Thanksgiving tables, or cozy evenings with family.
🥰 Lovers of This Recipe
- Apple pie lovers who crave something new.
- Families who want an easy yet festive dessert.
- Holiday bakers looking for a show-stopping treat.
- Anyone who loves warm, cinnamon-scented comfort food.
🥗 Nutrition (per serving, approx. 1 square of 12)
- Calories: ~260 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Sugars: 22 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fiber: 3 g
✨ In short: A warm, golden, glazed apple slab pie is a timeless dessert that brings joy, comfort, and nostalgia to every table.
Would you like me to also write a Christmas-themed version of this recipe (with cranberries, nuts, or spiced glaze) so it fits into holiday gifting and celebration posts?