Unlock the secret to baking the most delicious homemade pies with incredible ease! This delightful cherry slab pie recipe requires only three simple ingredients, resulting in a gloriously golden, perfectly bubbly dessert that promises to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Imagine pairing a warm slice with a generous scoop of cold vanilla ice cream – pure heaven! While we love the classic cherry, this versatile recipe welcomes your favorite fruit fillings and a sprinkle of sparkling sugar for that extra touch of visual appeal.

Effortless 3-Ingredient Cherry Slab Pie: A Taste of Nostalgia

Few things evoke the warmth of childhood quite like the scent of a freshly baked pie. One of my most cherished memories involves savoring a slice of sweet, tangy cherry pie on a sun-drenched summer afternoon with my dad. He had a magical way of motivating me with the promise of dessert – whether it was tackling homework, attempting to shoot hoops in the backyard, or patiently listening to his elaborate fishing tales. Those toasty afternoons, filled with swimming in the ocean, playing with our dogs, and tearing up the beach in our old ’90s Bronco, always culminated in a delightful sweet treat. And without a doubt, my absolute favorite was a warm slice of cherry pie, generously topped with a heaping scoop of cold, creamy vanilla ice cream. It was more than just a dessert; it was a ritual, a moment of pure bliss and connection.

Even as an adult, the simple pleasure of indulging in cherry pie, perhaps even from the comfort of my bed, hasn’t lost its charm. While my pies might not always win awards for their perfect, sculpted appearance, they are invariably homemade with an abundance of love and care. This particular recipe stands out for its incredible speed and simplicity, relying on just three core ingredients and the magic of a 13×9 sheet pan – truly an awesome discovery with endless culinary possibilities! By utilizing readily available store-bought pie crust and a quality cherry pie filling, you can achieve a gourmet-tasting dessert without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Slab Pie

The beauty of a slab pie, baked in a sheet pan, lies in its ingenious design. Unlike traditional round pies that can sometimes be challenging to slice and serve, a slab pie is inherently more shallow, offering a perfectly consistent crust-to-filling ratio in every single piece. This means you get that delightful crunch and chew of the crust balanced with the sweet, gooey fruit filling in every bite – a dream come true for pie enthusiasts! Its expansive surface area also makes it ideal for feeding a crowd, ensuring everyone gets a generous, easy-to-handle slice. A simple egg wash brushed over the top, followed by a sprinkling of coarse sugar, transforms this humble dessert into a gorgeously golden, glistening masterpiece that looks as good as it tastes.

Ready to Create Your Own 3-Ingredient Cherry Slab Pie?

Let’s dive into the simple steps for creating this show-stopping dessert. You’ll be amazed at how quickly and effortlessly this comes together.

Prepping for Perfection

• Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). This ensures your pie crust bakes evenly and becomes beautifully golden.

• Take one of your pie dough rounds and gently roll it out into an approximate 11×14-inch rectangle. Carefully fit this dough into an ungreased 13x9x1-inch sheet pan (often referred to as a quarter sheet pan). Don’t worry about trimming any excess overhang at this stage; it will help secure the top crust later.

Filling and Sealing Your Slab Pie

• Now, pour the two cans of cherry pie filling directly into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Make sure the filling is distributed from edge to edge for a consistent flavor in every bite.

• For the top crust, you have a couple of options. You can simply place the remaining piece of dough directly on top of the filling. Alternatively, for a more decorative finish, create a beautiful lattice weave by cutting the dough into strips and overlapping them as shown in the photos. Once the top crust is in place, firmly pinch the edges of both the top and bottom crusts together to create a secure seal, preventing any delicious filling from escaping during baking.

Achieving that Golden Glow

• In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with one teaspoon of water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush this mixture over the entire top surface of your pie crust. This step is crucial for achieving that irresistible golden-brown color and a slightly crisp texture.

• If desired, sprinkle the top evenly with about 1 tablespoon of coarse sugar. This adds a lovely sparkle and an extra layer of sweetness and crunch to the crust.

Baking and Cooling Your Masterpiece

• Place your slab pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; it’s ready when the crust is gorgeously golden brown and the cherry filling is visibly bubbly around the edges and through any vents or lattice openings.

• Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the pie from the oven. This is a critical step: allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to slice it. Cooling allows the filling to set properly, ensuring clean, beautiful slices. Patience is key here!

Tips for Slab Pie Perfection

• Choosing Your Crust: While store-bought pie dough is the secret to this recipe’s ease, feel free to use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe if you have extra time and want to add that personal touch. Just ensure it’s rolled thin enough to fit the sheet pan.
• Fruit Filling Variations: Don’t limit yourself to cherry! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Experiment with other canned fruit fillings like apple, blueberry, peach, strawberry, or raspberry. For an extra layer of flavor, consider zesting in some fresh lemon peel or a hint of grated ginger with your fruit filling. This adds brightness and warmth.
• Mastering the Lattice: If the lattice weave seems intimidating, fear not! It’s simpler than it looks. Here’s an easy tutorial to guide you through the process. Alternatively, for the absolute quickest method, simply lay the whole second pie crust on top and cut a few decorative slits into it to allow steam to vent during baking.
• Preventing a Soggy Bottom: While slab pies typically fare better than traditional pies due to their shallower depth, ensuring your oven is adequately preheated and your pie bakes until the bottom crust is golden (which you can often check by gently lifting a corner after baking) helps prevent any sogginess.
• Serving Suggestions: Beyond vanilla ice cream, which is a non-negotiable for me, consider serving your warm slab pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of a simple glaze.

3-Ingredient Slab Cherry Pie Recipe Card

Explore More Delicious Golden Pies, Tarts & Pastries!

If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this cherry slab pie, you might love exploring other comforting baked goods. Here are some of our favorites that deliver on flavor and often on ease:

• • Pecan Pie Bars
• • 4-Ingredient Apple Pie Cookies
• • Creamy Peach and Honey Tart
• • 3-Ingredient Salted Chocolate Brownie Fruit Tart
• • Bing Cherry Turnovers

A Dessert for Every Season

This tangy, sweet cherry slab pie quickly became a beloved favorite in my family. It was the absolute perfect conclusion to a sizzling barbecue dinner on a warm summer evening. Yet, its comforting flavors and effortless preparation make it a sweet finish to any day, no matter the season. Imagine it as a cozy treat on a crisp autumn day or a cheerful dessert to brighten a winter meal. Its versatility truly knows no bounds.

So, gather your three simple ingredients, embrace the ease of the sheet pan, and prepare to delight your taste buds and those of your loved ones with this unforgettable cherry slab pie. Happy baking!

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