Apricot Slab Pie Recipes

Apricot slab pie recipes are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert option. A slab pie is a large, flat pie that is baked in a rectangular or square baking pan. This type of pie is perfect for serving a crowd, as it can be cut into smaller portions and served easily. The apricot filling is slightly tangy and a perfect match for the buttery crust. In this article, we will discuss more about apricot slab pie recipes, including its history, ingredients, and variations.

History

The history of slab pies can be traced back to the 19th century when pies were baked in large, rectangular pans to feed a crowd during social gatherings. Slab pies became popular in the United States during the Depression and World War II years when bakers had to feed a lot of people with limited ingredients. The slab pie became a popular option for church suppers, picnics, and potlucks.

Ingredients

The ingredients for apricot slab pies are relatively easy to find and are usually available in most grocery stores. The ingredients for the crust include flour, sugar, salt, cold butter, and ice water. The filling requires fresh apricots, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Optional ingredients can include cinnamon, nutmeg, and almond extract. Egg wash is used to brush the pie crust to make it glossy and golden brown.

Crust

The pie crust is an essential part of a slab pie. The crust needs to be buttery, flaky, and robust enough to hold the filling. Making a crust from scratch is not difficult, but it requires a few essential techniques to achieve the perfect texture. The key to a great crust is to work the cold butter into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or food processor. The mixture should look like coarse cornmeal with some visible pea-size chunks of butter. The ice water is then added to help bind the dough together. The dough is then rolled out into a rectangle shape and placed on a baking sheet.

Filling

The filling for apricot slab pies is made with fresh apricots. The apricots are first pitted, and then sliced into thin pieces. The filling has a tangy flavor, and a perfect tartness that compliments the buttery crust. The sugar and cornstarch are combined and mixed with the apricots. Lemon juice and vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the apricots. Optional ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and almond extract can be added to the filling to add more flavor.

Variations

There are many variations of apricot slab pie recipes that can be made by using different fruits, spices, and toppings. Here are a few examples:

Peach Slab Pie

Peach slab pies are a delicious variation of the apricot slab pie. Instead of apricots, fresh peaches are used in the filling. The filling also includes cinnamon and nutmeg for added flavor. The crust recipe is the same as the apricot slab pie.

Blueberry Slab Pie

Blueberry slab pies are another variation of the apricot slab pie. Fresh blueberries are used in the filling, and the filling is combined with lemon juice and vanilla extract. The crust recipe is the same as the apricot slab pie.

Streusel Topping

Adding a streusel topping to the apricot slab pie can add an extra layer of flavor and texture. The streusel topping can be made using flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds. The streusel is added on top of the apricot filling before baking.

Conclusion

Apricot slab pie recipes are an excellent dessert option for feeding a crowd. The buttery crust and tangy apricot filling can be enjoyed on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Making a slab pie from scratch requires time and effort, but the end result is a delicious dessert that is worth the time and effort.

Apricot slab pie is a classic dessert that's perfect for any occasion. With its flaky crust and sweet-tart filling, it's a delicious treat that's sure to please everyone. However, making the perfect apricot slab pie can be tricky. Here are some valuable tips to help you make the most delicious apricot slab pie recipes. Use Fresh Apricots: When making apricot slab pie, the quality of the apricots you use will affect the flavor of the pie. Using fresh apricots is always the best option because they are sweeter and more flavorful than canned or frozen apricots. If you can find fresh apricots, make sure to use them for the best flavor. Prepare the Apricots Properly: Before you can use apricots in your slab pie recipe, you need to prepare them. Start by washing the apricots thoroughly and pat them dry. Once clean, cut the apricots in half and remove the pit. Slice the apricots thinly, making sure each slice is of equal thickness. This ensures that the apricots cook evenly when baking. Use Quality Pie Crust: The crust is a crucial part of any pie recipe, including apricot slab pie. There are two options when it comes to making the crust - homemade or store-bought. If you have the time and skill, making your pie crust from scratch is always the best option. However, if you don't have the time or don't feel confident in your baking skills, using a store-bought crust is a great alternative. There are many high-quality pie crust options on the market that produce delicious results. Chill the Dough: Whether you're using homemade or store-bought pie crust, it's important to chill the dough before it goes into the oven. This allows the dough to rest, preventing it from shrinking or losing shape during baking. Additionally, chilling the dough before baking ensures that the crust remains flaky and doesn't become soggy. Use Cornstarch to Thicken the Filling: When making the filling for your apricot slab pie, you'll need to add a thickener to ensure that the filling stays together when baked. Cornstarch is a great option for thickening the apricot filling because it's flavorless and doesn't affect the taste of the apricots. It also sets up well when baked and creates a smooth, thick consistency. Add Sugar and Lemon Juice to the Filling: Apricots can be quite tart, which is why it's important to balance out the flavor with sugar when making the filling. Adding sugar to the filling not only sweetens the apricots but also creates a delicious caramelized topping when baked. Additionally, adding lemon juice to the filling adds a bright, zesty flavor that complements the apricots perfectly. Brush with Egg Wash: To give your apricot slab pie a beautiful golden brown color, brush the top crust with an egg wash before baking. An egg wash is made by whisking together an egg yolk with a little bit of milk or cream. The egg wash not only adds color but also creates a shiny, crispy crust that's both delicious and visually appealing. Bake at the Right Temperature: Baking temperatures can vary depending on the type of oven you're using, but generally, you'll want to bake your apricot slab pie at 375°F. This temperature allows the pie to cook through evenly and also ensures that the crust stays flaky and golden brown. Be sure to check on the pie regularly as it bakes to prevent it from burning. Let it Cool: After baking your apricot slab pie, it's important to let it cool completely before serving. This allows the pie to set and also makes it easier to slice and serve. Additionally, letting the pie cool allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more delicious and cohesive dessert. Conclusion: Apricot slab pie is a classic dessert that's perfect for any occasion. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make a delicious apricot slab pie that's sure to impress. Remember to use fresh apricots, prepare them properly, use quality pie crust, chill the dough, use cornstarch to thicken the filling, add sugar and lemon juice, brush with egg wash, bake at the right temperature, and let it cool before serving. Follow these valuable tips, and your apricot slab pie will be a hit!