Cherry Slab Pie

Cherry Slab Pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a delicious way to feed a crowd. This delightful treat combines sweet cherry filling with a flaky crust, making it an ideal choice for summer picnics, holiday gatherings, or simply a family dinner. What sets this Cherry Slab Pie apart is its ease of preparation and the ability to customize it with your favorite fruit fillings. Get ready to impress your guests with this crowd-pleasing dessert!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Feeds a Crowd: This pie is designed to serve many people, making it perfect for parties and gatherings.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can create a stunning dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Filling Options: While cherry is delicious, you can easily swap in other fruits like blueberries or peaches for variety.
• Fun for Everyone: Kids love helping with the star-shaped cutouts on top, making it a great baking project together.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this pie the day before serving, giving you more time to enjoy your event.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sheet Pan
• Rolling Pin
• Silicone Rolling Mat (optional)
• 3 Star Cookie Cutter

Importance of Each Tool

• Sheet Pan: A large pan ensures even baking and provides enough space for the pie crust and filling.
• Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the pie dough to fit your baking sheet perfectly.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

• 3 refrigerated pie dough rounds from 2 boxes

For the Filling

• 2 21-ounce cans cherry pie filling

For the Topping

• 1 egg with 1 tsp cold water
• Sugar

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How to Make Cherry Slab Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Step 2: Prepare Pie Dough

Place the wrapped pie dough on the counter and allow it to come to room temperature.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Sheet

Spray an 11×16 or similar size rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough

Lightly flour your work surface or use a silicone pad. Place 2 of the pie rounds together side by side but overlapping slightly in the middle. Roll them into a rectangle slightly larger than the baking sheet (about 12×17 inches).

Step 5: Transfer Dough

Carefully transfer the rolled-out pie dough onto the sheet pan using your rolling pin. Press it into place, ensuring it reaches up the sides and corners while allowing some overhang.

Step 6: Shape Overhang

Roll and press any overhanging dough into the sides of the crust around the entire sheet pan.

Step 7: Add Cherry Filling

Add both cans of cherry pie filling on top of the dough and spread it evenly across.

Step 8: Roll Out Top Dough

Take the third pie dough round and roll it out using a floured rolling pin on your lightly floured surface.

Step 9: Cut Out Stars

Using a star cookie cutter, cut out approximately 24 stars from the rolled-out dough. Re-roll as necessary. Place these stars on top of the cherry filling.

Step 10: Prepare Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water. Brush this mixture over both the stars and crust using a pastry brush. Sprinkle sugar over everything for added sweetness.

Step 11: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes until the crust turns golden brown.

Step 12: Cool and Serve

Allow cooling before cutting into squares for serving. Enjoy your delicious Cherry Slab Pie!

How to Serve Cherry Slab Pie

Cherry slab pie is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways, making it perfect for gatherings. Whether it’s a festive occasion or a casual get-together, these serving suggestions will elevate your cherry slab pie experience.

A La Mode

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a classic combination that perfectly complements the sweet cherries.

Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with dollops of freshly whipped cream. This adds a light and airy texture that balances the richness of the pie.

Fresh Berries

• Garnish with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. Their tartness enhances the flavor of the cherries and adds a pop of color.

Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce

• Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent twist. The chocolate pairs surprisingly well with the sweet cherry filling.

Nuts for Crunch

• Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, on top before serving. This adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor dimension.

Coffee Pairing

• Serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the cherry pie beautifully.

How to Perfect Cherry Slab Pie

Creating the perfect cherry slab pie involves some key techniques to ensure it turns out just right. Here are some tips to help you achieve a delicious result every time.

• Use chilled ingredients: Keep your pie dough and filling chilled until you’re ready to assemble. This helps create a flaky crust.
• Avoid overfilling: While it may be tempting to add extra cherry filling, too much can lead to soggy crusts. Stick to what’s recommended for best results.
• Let it cool: Allow the pie to cool completely before cutting into it. This ensures clean slices and helps set the filling properly.
• Experiment with spices: Enhance your cherry filling by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added depth of flavor.
• Try different toppings: Don’t limit yourself to stars! Use cookie cutters for various shapes or even make a lattice top for visual appeal.

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Best Side Dishes for Cherry Slab Pie

When serving cherry slab pie, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic pairing that creates a creamy contrast to the sweet and tart flavors of the pie.
2. Cheese Platter
   Include cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar that offer a savory balance to the sweetness of the cherries.
3. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad can provide freshness and cut through the richness of the slab pie.
4. Nutty Granola
   Serve granola on the side for added texture; its crunchiness contrasts nicely with the soft filling.
5. Coffee Cake
   Enjoy slices of coffee cake as an additional treat alongside your dessert, making it perfect for brunch gatherings.
6. Lemonade
   A refreshing glass of lemonade is perfect for cutting through sweetness and offers a zesty complement to cherry flavors.
7. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit as an alternative dessert option that pairs well with cherry flavors.
8. Chocolate Mousse
   For chocolate lovers, serving rich chocolate mousse can create an indulgent dessert spread alongside your pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cherry Slab Pie can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping room temperature dough: Always allow your pie dough to come to room temperature. Cold dough can be hard to roll and may crack.
• Overfilling the pie: Using too much cherry filling can cause the pie to overflow. Stick to the recommended amount to ensure even baking.
• Not using enough flour: If you don’t use enough flour on your work surface, your dough might stick. Always sprinkle flour generously while rolling out the dough.
• Ignoring bake time: Keep an eye on the oven timer. Baking too long or too short can affect the crust’s texture and color.
• Forgetting the egg wash: Skipping the egg wash means missing out on a beautiful golden crust. Always brush it on before baking for that perfect finish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Cherry Slab Pie in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Cherry Slab Pie

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Cherry Slab Pie

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and reheat slices for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual pieces on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warm, about 5-7 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cherry Slab Pie?

Cherry Slab Pie is a large, flat pie made with cherry filling and flaky crust. It’s perfect for serving at gatherings.

Can I make Cherry Slab Pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Cherry Slab Pie a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and enjoy it when you’re ready.

What other fruit fillings work well with this recipe?

You can easily substitute cherry filling with other fruits like blueberry, apple, or peach for different flavors in your slab pie.

How do I know when my Cherry Slab Pie is done baking?

The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Slab Pie is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its crowd-pleasing nature makes it perfect for parties and gatherings. Feel free to customize it with different fruit fillings or shapes for a unique twist. Try making this delightful dessert today!