Cherry Slab Pie

Cherry Slab Pie is the perfect dessert for any gathering, whether it’s a summer picnic, holiday feast, or family reunion. This delightful pie not only feeds a crowd with its generous size but is also incredibly simple to make. The sweet and tangy cherry filling combined with a flaky crust makes it a standout dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round with various fruit fillings!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Crust
• For the Filling
• For the Topping
• How to Make Cherry Slab Pie
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Dough
• Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
• Step 4: Roll Out Dough
• Step 5: Form the Base
• Step 6: Transfer to Baking Sheet
• Step 7: Trim Overhang
• Step 8: Add Filling
• Step 9: Create Topping Stars
• Step 10: Egg Wash
• Step 11: Bake
• Step 12: Cool and Serve
• How to Serve Cherry Slab Pie
• A La Mode
• With Fresh Whipped Cream
• Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
• Accompanied by Fresh Berries
• Paired with Coffee or Tea
• As Part of a Dessert Platter
• How to Perfect Cherry Slab Pie
• Best Side Dishes for Cherry Slab Pie
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cherry Slab Pie
• Reheating Cherry Slab Pie
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Cherry Slab Pie?
• Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned filling?
• How do I make Cherry Slab Pie crust from scratch?
• What other fillings work well in slab pies?
• Can I prepare Cherry Slab Pie ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Feeds a Crowd: This Cherry Slab Pie is ideal for parties and gatherings, serving up to 12 people easily.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, even novice bakers can create this delicious pie.
• Customizable Options: Experiment with different fruit fillings such as blueberry or peach for a unique twist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday or just a regular weekday treat, this pie fits right in.
• Fun to Decorate: Use cookie cutters for fun shapes on top, making it a great activity to do with kids.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Cherry Slab Pie, gather the necessary tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Sheet Pan: A must-have for baking large pies; it ensures even cooking throughout.
• Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, allowing for perfect crust thickness.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create a delicious Cherry Slab Pie:

For the 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

How to Make Cherry Slab Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. This ensures your pie bakes evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Allow the wrapped pie dough to come to room temperature on the counter.

Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Spray an 11×16 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 two of the pie rounds together side by side but overlapping slightly in the middle.

Step 5: Form the Base

Roll these two pie rounds into a rectangle slightly larger than your baking sheet (about 12×17 inches).

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Sheet

Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto the sheet pan using your rolling pin. Press the crust into all corners and up the sides of the pan.

Step 7: Trim Overhang

Roll and press any excess overhang into place around the edges of your crust.

Step 8: Add Filling

Pour both cans of cherry pie filling onto the crust and spread evenly across.

Step 9: Create Topping Stars

Roll out your third pie dough round on a floured surface. Use your star cookie cutter to cut out approximately 24 stars, re-rolling as needed. Place these stars on top of the cherry filling.

Step 10: Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water. Brush this mixture over both stars and crust edges using a pastry brush. Sprinkle sugar on top.

Step 11: Bake

Place in your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

Step 12: Cool and Serve

Let cool before cutting into squares for serving.

Enjoy your homemade Cherry Slab Pie! It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!

How to Serve Cherry Slab Pie

Cherry slab pie is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to impress your guests. It’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even a casual weeknight treat.

A La Mode

• Serve warm slices of cherry slab pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream to add a light and airy texture that complements the richness of the pie.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the pie slices for an indulgent twist that enhances the cherry flavor.

Accompanied by Fresh Berries

• Garnish each plate with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries to add a vibrant color and extra fruitiness.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• Serve slices alongside hot coffee or tea to create a warm and comforting dessert experience, perfect for afternoon gatherings.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Slice the cherry slab pie into small squares and include it on a dessert platter with assorted treats, allowing guests to sample different flavors.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Cherry Slab Pie

Making the perfect cherry slab pie is easier than you think! Here are some tips to ensure your pie turns out delicious every time.

• Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality cherry pie filling or fresh cherries will elevate the flavor of your slab pie significantly.
• Avoid Overworking Dough: Handle the dough gently to keep it tender; overworking can lead to a tough crust.
• Chill Before Baking: Let your assembled pie rest in the fridge for about 15 minutes before baking. This helps maintain its shape.
• Check for Doneness: Bake until the crust is golden brown; this not only looks appealing but also ensures it’s fully cooked.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix in different spices or extracts like almond extract to enhance the cherry filling.
• Store Properly: Keep any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Slab Pie

Pairing side dishes with cherry slab pie can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options that complement this sweet treat well.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that provides creaminess and balances the tartness of cherries.
2. Coffee Cake: The crumbly texture and mild sweetness make coffee cake an ideal partner for this fruity dessert.
3. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese which can provide a savory contrast to the sweet pie.
4. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad brings additional flavors while keeping things balanced.
5. Pecan Pie Bars: The nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with cherry and adds variety to your dessert table.
6. Chocolate Mousse: Rich and creamy chocolate mousse offers a decadent touch alongside the bright flavors of cherry.
7. Scones: Sweet scones can be served warm as an elegant side that complements the pie beautifully.
8. Crackers with Honey: Savory crackers drizzled with honey provide an interesting texture contrast when served next to sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Slab Pie, certain mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Not bringing dough to room temperature: If you roll out cold pie dough, it may crack. Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling.
• Overfilling the pie: Adding too much cherry filling can cause a soggy crust. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.
• Forgetting the egg wash: Skipping the egg wash can lead to a dull crust. Brush the surface with an egg and water mixture for a beautiful golden finish.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in a cold oven can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
• Using the wrong pan size: A pan that’s too small can overflow. Use an 11×16 inch baking sheet or similar size for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration*: Store for up to 3-4 days.
• • Containers*: Use an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap.

Freezing Cherry Slab Pie

• • Duration*: Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• • Containers*: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for best protection against freezer burn.

Reheating Cherry Slab Pie

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds or until hot.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cherry Slab Pie that can help you perfect this dessert.

What is Cherry Slab Pie?

Cherry Slab Pie is a large, rectangular pie filled with cherry filling, ideal for serving a crowd.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned filling?

Yes, fresh cherries can be used! Just pit and slice them, adding sugar and cornstarch as needed for thickening.

How do I make Cherry Slab Pie crust from scratch?

You can make a simple pie crust using flour, butter, sugar, and water. Roll it out just like store-bought dough.

What other fillings work well in slab pies?

Besides cherry, consider using apple, blueberry, or peach fillings for delicious variations of slab pie.

Can I prepare Cherry Slab Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Slab Pie is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its easy-to-make nature makes it perfect for gatherings or any occasion where you need to feed many guests. Feel free to customize it with different fruit fillings or shapes on top. Try this recipe today!