Deliciously Easy Flat Apple Pie Recipe for Dessert Lovers
When it comes to classic American desserts, few things are as iconic as a perfectly baked apple pie. The aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting from the oven can make even the toughest of critics swoon with delight. But what if I told you there was a way to take the humble apple pie to new heights of deliciousness? Enter the flat apple pie, also known as an apple slab pie.
Unlike a traditional round apple pie, this recipe calls for baking the filling on a flat surface, creating more surface area for that sweet and buttery crust to caramelize. Think of it as a cross between a pie and a rustic tart, but bigger and better than either. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love bigger and better when it comes to dessert?
I first discovered this recipe from none other than the Pioneer Woman herself, Ree Drummond. Her easy-to-follow instructions inspired me to try my own version of the flat apple pie, tweaking ingredients along the way until I found what I consider to be the perfect combination of flavors.
So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into this delicious adventure with me. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a pie that will have your taste buds singing praises. Trust me when I say that once you try this flat apple pie recipe, there will be no going back to the traditional round pie ever again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Shut the front door! If you love apple pie but don’t want to spend hours making it, this flat apple pie is going to be your new love. Imagine a sheet of buttery crust with sweet and tart granny smith apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon baked on top. It’s like a heavenly slice of perfection!
What makes this dessert recipe so easy is that there are no fussy slices, complicated folds or crimps involved. No need to worry about making the perfect pie crust or getting the edges just right. This flat apple pie is all about laying down a single layer of crust in a large baking dish or sheet pan, packing it with juicy sliced apples, and baking until golden brown.
But delicious doesn’t have to mean unhealthy. You can make easy substitutions like using unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk, whole-wheat flour instead of white flour, or coconut oil instead of shortening. Plus, you can also cut down on the sugar without sacrificing flavor by using a mixture of granulated sugar and lemon juice.
And let’s talk about the versatility of this recipe. Need a dessert for a potluck? A family gathering? A holiday dinner? A picnic? This flat apple pie is your go-to-dessert anytime and anywhere. It can be served hot out of the oven with vanilla ice cream for a warm treat or chilled in the fridge for an afternoon snack.
So grab some crisp granny smith apples and give this easy flat apple pie recipe a try. Don’t be surprised when everyone at the table asks for seconds!
Ingredient List
Ingredients for Perfect Flat Apple Pie Recipe
Making a flat apple pie requires certain ingredients that are easy to find at home or the grocery store. For this recipe, you will need:
Flat Apple Pie Crust: You can make it from scratch or use pre-made crusts if you’re short on time. If making it yourself, grab these items:
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ cups of shortening (chilled)
- 1 egg yolk
- Milk
Apple Filling:
- 2 cups of peeled, sliced Granny Smith apples
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Fresh lemon juice
-
Toppings:
-
Corn flakes (crushed)
- Apple Glaze
Making the perfect pie crust requires both tender-loving care and determination. You can cut your butter into small cubes and work with it in a large mixing bowl. Mix well until the dough is smooth and there are no more traces of flour.
The filling that brings this pie to life needs fresh granny smith apples cut into thin slices, a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, flour and fresh lemon juice to create a flavor bomb inside the crust. Don’t forget the crushed cornflakes to sprinkle on top before baking to create a crispy texture.
Finally, an Apple Glaze is used to coat the top of the pie after taking it out from the oven. The glaze enhances the pie’s colors and flavors while keeping it moist and delicious in each bite.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s dive right in to this easy flat apple pie recipe! First, preheat your oven to 375°F. While that’s heating up, take out a large bowl and stir together 3-3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 tsp salt and 1-1/2 cups shortening until the mixture is crumbly.
Next, in a separate small bowl, beat an egg yolk together with enough milk to make 1 cup of liquid. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Set the dough aside for a moment.
In another large bowl, mix together the peeled and sliced apples with some fresh lemon juice to prevent browning. Use 6-8 large Granny Smith apples for best result.
In a separate bowl, mix together 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Pour this mixture over the apples and toss to coat evenly.
Press 1 of the easy flat pie crusts into a flat rectangular shape on a floured surface until it is roughly 18×12 inches (like a cookie sheet). Then lift it up and place it into a greased 15×10 inch baking dish. Press it into the dish so it lays nice and flat without any bubbles or pockets.
Pour your apple mixture onto the crust in the dish, spreading it out evenly from corner to corner.
Gently press your second flat pie crust onto the top of the apple filling, trimming off any excess dough if necessary. You can make fun designs with any extra dough you have!
Finally, sprinkle some crushed cornflakes over the top of the pie as they will help absorb any excess moisture. Bake your new rustic apple tart at 375°F for 45-50 minutes until golden brown on top.
BONUS Try our delicious apple glaze recipe. Mix together some confectioners’ sugar with some freshly squeezed lemon juice or milk until it’s drizzling consistency. Drizzle over baked apple slab pie before serving!
Substitutions and Variations
A flat apple pie recipe is a delicious dessert that can be modified and customized to fit your preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try to make this recipe even more exciting:
– Use different types of apples: Granny Smith apples are the most commonly used variety for apple pies, but feel free to experiment with other types, such as Honeycrisp, Braeburn or Fuji. Each type of apple has a distinct flavor and texture, so you can choose the ones that suit your taste buds best.
– Add spices: While cinnamon is a staple spice for apple pies, you can also add other flavors such as nutmeg, allspice, ginger or cardamom. These spices will elevate the flavor profile of your pie and add an extra layer of complexity.
– Make it savory: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding non-traditional savory elements like cheddar cheese or bacon bits to your pie. These ingredients complement the sweetness of the apples and create a unique flavor combination.
– Try different crusts: The perfect pie crust is crucial for any pie recipe, so choose wisely! You can stick with a classic buttery crust, or explore alternative options like puff pastry or shortbread crust. Additionally, you can also try making this recipe into a rustic apple tart recipe or a flat apple galette.
– Experiment with glazes: Feel free to add an extra drizzle of sweetness to your flat apple pie by creating glazes using ingredients like honey, maple syrup or brown sugar. A simple apple glaze made out of confectioner’s sugar and lemon juice works well too.
By trying out these substitutions and variations, you can create a masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this delectable flat apple pie, the options are endless.
To enhance the wonderful aroma and flavors of cinnamon and apples, I suggest topping your warm slice with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The sweet, creamy texture complements the warm, spicy notes beautifully. Alternatively, for a healthier option, Greek yogurt or a dollop of honey can also be delicious.
But flat apple pie is not only for dessert! In fact, it can make an excellent breakfast or brunch item. Pair a slice with a cup of hot coffee or tea and start your day on a sweet note.
If you’re serving this pie as part of a larger meal, it pairs well with savory dishes such as roasted chicken, grilled pork chops or pan-seared salmon. The tartness of Granny Smith apples can also help cut through rich dishes like casseroles or stews.
For that ultimate autumnal experience, why not pair this pie with homemade pumpkin spice latte? The nutty flavors of both will perfectly complement each other.
In any case, this flat apple pie is versatile enough to pair well with many different beverages and dishes. Whether you serve it as the main attraction or as an accompaniment to your favorite savory items, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve mastered the art of baking the perfect flat apple pie, you may find yourself craving for more even on days when you’re not really up to baking. Fear not, for this recipe is perfect for making ahead and storing.
To make ahead: you can prepare the slab pie dough in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for several days, or freeze it for a couple of months. Once you’re ready to bake, take out the dough from the fridge or freezer, let it thaw and proceed to assemble your flat apple pie.
To store: cover your flat apple pie with plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for about two days. If you’re keeping it longer, you can place it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just remember that the crust may become a bit soggy if it’s left in the fridge for long periods of time.
To reheat: if you’d like to enjoy a warm slice of flat apple pie, simply put it in the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through. To avoid over-browning your crust, cover your flat apple pie loosely with foil before reheating.
Bear in mind that reheating a flat apple pie with glaze may cause it to crack or separate, therefore, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top instead. You can also omit sprinkling altogether and just serve your deliciously buttery-cinnamon pie as it is – after all, nothing beats a piping hot slice that’s crispy on the outside and bursting with juicy apples on the inside.
Whether you want an easy dessert option that can be prepared ahead of time or just want leftovers ready to go, this flat apple pie recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings anytime.
Tips for Perfect Results
Let’s face it – baking isn’t always easy. But with a few helpful tips, you can achieve perfection with your flat apple pie.
First and foremost, make sure to use cold ingredients when making your pie crust. This includes the butter, shortening, and liquid. By using cold ingredients, the fat in the crust will melt more slowly, creating a flakier texture.
Another key tip is to not overwork the dough. Mix until just combined as an overworked dough can lead to a tough and chewy crust.
When slicing the apples, it’s important to make consistent and even slices for even baking. Aim for 1/4 inch thickness slices for optimal results.
For a perfect golden brown crust, brush melted butter over the pie before placing it in the oven. Additionally, sprinkle some granulated sugar on top of the crust before baking for an extra sweetness.
But if you want to take your flat apple pie to the next level, try adding a glaze made from powdered sugar and apple juice after baking.
Lastly, let your pie cool completely before slicing into it. This will allow the filling to set properly and avoid a runny mess.
With these simple tips, you’ll have a delicious flat apple pie that is sure to impress everyone at your next gathering.
Bottom Line
This flat apple pie recipe is something that everyone should give a try. With its delicious crust and filling, it is sure to delight your taste buds. It’s perfect for serving at your family gatherings, holiday parties or get-togethers with friends. Take a slice of this pie, enjoy the flavors of cinnamon, sugar and tart apples encased in a perfect pie crust.
Not convinced yet? Well, let me remind you that this recipe is easy to make, requires only a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, and it makes enough for 12-16 people! Plus, the versatile nature of flat apple pie lends itself to all kinds of variations and substitutions.
So go ahead and indulge yourself in this mouth-watering treat. Whether you want to follow the traditional recipe or experiment with your own twist, you can’t go wrong with this easy flat apple pie recipe. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for it!
Flat Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 egg, separated
- milk
- Special K cereal or corn flakes cereal
- 8 -10 apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- cinnamon
- butter
Instructions
- Mix together the flour and salt; cut in the shortening.
- Separate the egg yolk from the egg white. Set the egg white aside to glaze the top crust.
- Put the egg yolk in a measuring cup; add milk to make 2/3 cup; beat slightly.
- Add the milk/egg mixture to the flour mixture all at once.
- Mix together until it holds together.
- Gather into a ball and separate into 2 equal portions.
- Roll out the first half to fit into a jelly roll pan or a large cookie sheet.
- Sprinkle 2 or 3 handfuls of crushed cereal on top of the crust. I just use my hands to crush the cereal.
- Mix the apples with the sugar and spread on top of the cereal.
- Sprinkle the apples with cinnamon and dot with butter.
- Roll out the second crust. Gently place over the top of the apples.
- Whisk the reserved egg white until frothy; brush the top crust with it.
- Cut small uniform slits on the top crust.
- Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes.
- Glaze lightly with a powdered sugar glaze while still warm if desired.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Chloe
Chloe is passionate about creating unique dishes that draw on the flavors of her favorite cultures. She loves experimenting with new ingredients and pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. Her enthusiasm for cooking is infectious, and she is always eager to share her creations with friends and family.