If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that captures the cozy spirit of autumn in every bite, this Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine a buttery, flaky crust holding a mountain of tender, cinnamon-kissed Granny Smith apples, topped with a crunchy oat crumb and finished off with luscious homemade caramel drizzled generously across the surface. It’s like a warm hug on a platter, perfect for sharing with a crowd or indulging in slice after slice. Trust me, once you try this Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated apple season without it.

Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to this pie, the ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a starring role in crafting layers of flavor and texture. From the foundational flour and shortening that create the tender crust, to the tart Granny Smith apples that bring brightness, and the rich brown sugar that adds depth, every element is essential for that perfect harmony.

3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the buttery crust that holds everything together with the ideal flaky structure.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and bringing the crust to life.
1 cup butter-flavored shortening: Adds a tender, flaky texture to the pie crust unlike anything else.
12 tablespoons cold water: Just enough to bring the dough together without making it tough.
2/3 cup sugar: Sweetens the apple filling subtly, blending with the natural fruit sugars.
1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the juicy apple filling as it bakes.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and that classic apple pie spice you crave.
3 1/2 pounds Granny Smith apples (about 10 cups): Their tartness keeps the pie refreshing and perfectly balanced against the sweet topping.
1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats: Adds a rustic, crunchy crumb topping that contrasts lovely with the soft apples.
1 cup packed brown sugar: Gives the crumb topping a deep molasses richness and caramel undertone.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Binds the crumb topping ingredients for a crumbly finish.
1/2 cup butter: Enriches the crumb topping for melt-in-your-mouth golden clusters.
1 cup brown sugar: The foundation for the luscious homemade caramel sauce.
4 tablespoons butter: Creates richness and smoothness in the caramel drizzle.
1/2 cup half-and-half: Makes the caramel delightfully creamy and luscious.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant, sweet note that rounds out the caramel flavor.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness of the caramel with just a hint of savory depth.

How to Make Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or grease a large 15x10x1 inch baking pan to ensure your slab pie won’t stick and will slide right out after baking.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Cut in the butter-flavored shortening with a pastry blender until you get coarse crumbs—this step is crucial for that flaky, tender crust. Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, stirring gently until the dough just comes together in a ball. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it from becoming tough.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle about 19×13 inches. Carefully transfer it onto your prepared pan by rolling it around the pin and unrolling it over the pan. Press gently to fit, pushing the dough up the sides without stretching it, then trim and fold the edges neatly. Pop the crust into the fridge while you prepare the filling; chilling keeps it firm and prevents shrinking during baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a very large bowl, toss together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and apple slices until every piece is beautifully coated with that perfect spice and sweetness mixture. Spreading this evenly over the chilled crust will ensure each slice is packed with that fabulous apple flavor.

Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping

Combine oats, brown sugar, and flour in another bowl, then cut in butter until the mixture resembles chunky crumbs. This crumbly topping adds a wonderful texture contrast against the soft apples, creating that irresistibly crunchy finish once baked.

Step 6: Bake the Pie

Spread the crumb topping evenly over the apples and bake the pie for 40 to 45 minutes. The apples will soften and the topping will turn a gorgeous golden brown. If the edges or topping brown too quickly, tent with foil during the last 5–10 minutes to avoid burning. Let the pie cool slightly before the final flourish.

Step 7: Prepare the Homemade Caramel

While the pie bakes or cools, whisk together the brown sugar, butter, half-and-half, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture thickens into a beautifully shiny caramel sauce that will take this pie to another level.

Step 8: Serve

Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the pie slices just before serving for a decadent, gooey finish. If you prefer, let the caramel cool and refrigerate it separately until it’s time to serve. Either way, this step turns a great apple pie into a show-stopping dessert.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a few thoughtfully chosen garnishes elevates every bite. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into those warm apples is a classic choice, while a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans adds crunch and a nutty aroma. Freshly whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered cinnamon can also complement the warm caramel notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serving this pie alongside a cup of strong coffee or spiced chai tea turns dessert time into a cozy ritual. For a heartier meal, pair slices with sharp cheddar cheese—it might sound unusual, but the salty, creamy contrast to the sweet pie is a delightful secret loved by many apple pie enthusiasts.

Creative Ways to Present

This slab pie is perfect for casual gatherings, but to make it extra special, consider cutting it into imaginative shapes using cookie cutters, or arranging slices on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh apple wedges and caramel drizzle. You could even serve it in individual mini pans for an adorable, portable treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe keeps well when covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate to maintain freshness and prevent the crumb topping from going soft, especially in warm or humid climates.

Freezing

The pie freezes beautifully either before baking or after fully cooled. Wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. This restores the crispness of the crumb topping and warms the filling without turning the crust soggy. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunch perfectly intact.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this pie?

Absolutely! Granny Smith are preferred for their tartness and texture, but blending in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp can add complexity to your filling. Just be mindful not to pick apples that become mushy when baked.

Is it necessary to make homemade caramel for this recipe?

While you can use store-bought caramel sauce in a pinch, the homemade caramel in this recipe is worth the extra step. It has a richer, deeper flavor and the perfect balance of creaminess and sweetness that complements the apple filling beautifully.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. This actually helps the gluten relax, which contributes to a more tender crust when baked.

What if I don’t have a pastry blender?

No worries! You can use two forks, a food processor, or even your fingers to cut in the shortening. The goal is to mix the fat into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs, which creates flakiness in the crust.

How do I prevent the crust edges from burning?

Keep an eye on your pie as it bakes. If the edges or crumb topping brown too fast, loosely cover them with foil during the last 5 to 10 minutes. This protects them from overbaking while letting the filling finish cooking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe—it’s truly one of those desserts that feels like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re sharing it with family or bringing it to a gathering, its combination of tart apples, crumbly topping, and velvety caramel is irresistible. So, gather your ingredients and get baking—you’re about to create some seriously happy memories!

Caramel Apple Slab Pie Recipe

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4.4 from 77 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 24 servings 1x

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Description

This Caramel Apple Slab Pie recipe is a perfect blend of tender Granny Smith apples spiced with cinnamon, topped with a buttery oat crumb, and finished with a rich homemade caramel drizzle. Baked in a large slab pan, it’s ideal for parties or gatherings, offering a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors wrapped in a flaky pastry crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Dough

3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup shortening, butter-flavored
12 tablespoons cold water

Apple Filling

2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 1/2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices (about 10 cups)

Crumb Topping

1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter

Homemade Caramel Sauce

1 cup brown sugar
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 15x10x1 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside for later.
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 3 1/3 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in 1 cup of butter-flavored shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in 4 tablespoons of cold water using a fork, then add the remaining water one tablespoon at a time until the dough is just moistened. Form the dough into a ball with your hands.
Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 19 by 13 inch rectangle. Carefully wrap the dough around your rolling pin and unroll it into the prepared pan. Gently press the dough to fit the pan and press it up the sides without stretching. Trim any excess dough to about 1/2 inch beyond the pan edges, then fold and flute the edges as desired. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
Prepare Apple Filling: In a very large bowl, toss together 2/3 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and the sliced Granny Smith apples until the apples are thoroughly coated. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust in the pan.
Make Crumb Topping: In another large bowl, combine 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup flour. Cut in 1/2 cup of butter using a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumb topping evenly over the apple filling.
Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crumb topping is golden brown. If the topping or crust edges brown too quickly, loosely cover the pie with aluminum foil for the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
Prepare Homemade Caramel: While the pie is baking or cooling, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 4 tablespoons butter, 1/2 cup half-and-half, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan over medium-low to medium heat. Whisk constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
Serve: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the slightly cooled pie before serving. Alternatively, allow the caramel to cool and store it in the refrigerator to use later.

Notes

Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor and good texture that holds up well during baking.
Chilling the dough before adding the filling helps prevent the crust from shrinking in the oven.
If the crumb topping or crust edges brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Homemade caramel can be stored refrigerated for up to one week; warm slightly before drizzling.
For easier slicing, let the pie cool completely before cutting.
This recipe makes a large slab pie suitable for 24 servings, ideal for parties or large gatherings.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American