Heavenly fruit slab pie is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s made with a buttery pastry crust filled with a delicious mixture of fresh fruit, sweetened with a touch of sugar and enhanced with a hint of lemon zest. Here’s how to make it:
Heavenly Fruit Slab Pie is a delightful twist on the classic fruit pie, offering a generous portion of fruity goodness in a convenient and shareable format. This indulgent dessert features a buttery, flaky crust filled to the brim with a vibrant medley of fresh or cooked fruits, resulting in a heavenly treat that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying a sweet tooth.
To create this delectable slab pie, start by preparing the crust. You can use your favorite pie crust recipe or opt for a store-bought version for convenience. Roll out the crust and press it into a large baking sheet or jelly roll pan, ensuring that it covers the bottom and sides evenly.
Next, prepare your fruit filling. You can use a single type of fruit, such as apples, peaches, or berries, or create a delicious combination of your favorites. Toss the fruit with sugar, a touch of flour or cornstarch to thicken the juices, and a sprinkle of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor.
Spread the fruit filling evenly over the prepared crust, making sure to leave a small border around the edges. If desired, you can add extra flair to your slab pie by arranging the fruit in a decorative pattern or mixing in other flavorings like lemon zest or vanilla extract.
Once the filling is in place, it’s time to add the top crust. You can opt for a traditional solid crust, or get creative with lattice or decorative cutouts for added visual appeal. Seal the edges of the crust together with a fork or your fingers to prevent any leakage during baking.
Before baking, brush the top crust with a beaten egg wash or milk for a beautiful golden finish. Sprinkle with a bit of coarse sugar for extra sparkle and crunch, if desired.
Bake the slab pie in a preheated oven according to your recipe’s instructions, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling and fragrant. Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing into generous squares and serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Heavenly Fruit Slab Pie is a celebration of the season’s bounty, offering a deliciously fruity dessert that’s sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether enjoyed at a summer picnic, family barbecue, or cozy gathering with friends, this irresistible treat is bound to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients:
- For the pastry crust:
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
– 1/2 cup ice water
For the fruit filling:
- – 6 cups mixed fresh fruit (such as berries, peaches, plums, or any combination you like), washed, peeled, and sliced as needed
- – 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- – 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- – 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- – 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For assembling and finishing:
- – 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- – 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt for the pastry crust.
3. Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and the butter is evenly distributed.
4. Slowly add the ice water to the flour-butter mixture, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
5. Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger than the other. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced fruit, granulated sugar, flour, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract for the fruit filling. Toss until the fruit is evenly coated.
7. Roll out the larger portion of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle large enough to fit the bottom and sides of the greased baking dish. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared baking dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
8. Pour the fruit filling into the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly.
9. Roll out the smaller portion of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle large enough to fit the top of the pie. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the top of the pie, covering the fruit filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.
10. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
11. Using a sharp knife, make several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
12. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly.
13. the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
14. Serve the heavenly fruit slab pie warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy this heavenly fruit slab pie with its buttery crust and juicy, flavorful fruit filling. It’s a perfect dessert for summer gatherings, picnics, or any occasion!