Description
Craving a vibrant, tangy dessert that’s perfect for feeding a crowd? What if you could combine the tartness of rhubarb with the sweet juiciness of raspberries in a shareable, golden-crusted pie? Say hello to Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie! This delightful treat features a buttery, flaky crust encasing a bright, fruity filling, baked in a sheet pan for easy slicing.
Ingredients
For the Crust
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All-Purpose Flour (2½ cups): Forms the base of the flaky, buttery crust.
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Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the crust’s flavor and balances sweetness.
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Granulated Sugar (1 tsp): Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust.
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Unsalted Butter (1 cup, 2 sticks, cold and cubed): Creates a flaky, tender crust through cold fat pockets.
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Ice Water (6–8 tbsp): Binds the dough without warming the butter, keeping the crust flaky.
For the Filling
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Rhubarb (3 cups, chopped): Provides a tart, tangy backbone to the filling.
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Fresh Raspberries (2 cups): Add sweet, juicy flavor and vibrant color.
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Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling, balancing the tartness of rhubarb and raspberries.
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Cornstarch (¼ cup): Thickens the filling to prevent a runny pie.
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Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Brightens the flavors and enhances tartness.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the filling with a warm, aromatic note.
For the Topping
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Egg (1, beaten): Creates a glossy, golden crust when brushed on as an egg wash.
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Coarse Sugar (1 tbsp, optional): Adds a sparkly, crunchy finish to the crust.
Substitutions and Variations
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Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free crust, adding 1 tsp xanthan gum if not included.
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Butter: Swap with vegan butter for a dairy-free crust, ensuring it’s cold.
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Sugar: Use brown sugar or coconut sugar in the filling for a deeper flavor; reduce to ¾ cup for a tarter pie.
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Rhubarb: Substitute with chopped strawberries or additional raspberries, maintaining 5 cups total fruit.
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Raspberries: Use frozen raspberries (no need to thaw) or blackberries for a different berry flavor.
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Cornstarch: Replace with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch (¼ cup) for similar thickening.
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Lemon Juice: Swap with lime juice or omit for a milder filling.
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Egg Wash: Use milk or cream (dairy or plant-based) for a less glossy finish, or omit for a matte crust.
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Vegan Option: Use vegan butter, plant-based milk for the wash, and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or omit the egg wash.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and ensure cornstarch is gluten-free.
Instructions
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Make the Dough:
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp granulated sugar.
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Add 1 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter and cut in using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces, about 2–3 minutes.
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Add 6–8 tbsp ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough begins to hold together when pinched (avoid overmixing).
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Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into flat disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days).
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Tip: Keep the butter cold to ensure a flaky crust, and add water sparingly to avoid a tough dough.
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Preheat and Prepare:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan (or quarter sheet pan) with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Tip: Use a metal or glass pan for even baking, and ensure it has at least 1-inch sides to contain the filling.
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Prepare the Filling:
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In a large mixing bowl, gently combine 3 cups chopped rhubarb, 2 cups fresh raspberries, 1 cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup cornstarch, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
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Stir carefully with a spatula to coat the fruit without breaking the raspberries, about 1 minute. Set aside.
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Tip: Chop rhubarb into ½-inch pieces for even cooking, and mix gently to keep raspberries intact.
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Roll Out the Bottom Crust:
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On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk into a rectangle about 11×15 inches, large enough to fit the 9×13-inch pan with some overhang.
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Transfer the dough to the prepared pan by rolling it loosely around the rolling pin, then unrolling it into the pan.
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Press the dough into the corners and up the sides, letting excess hang over the edges.
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Tip: Work quickly to keep the dough cold, and patch any tears with extra dough, pressing to seal.
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Add the Filling:
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Pour the rhubarb-raspberry filling into the crust, spreading evenly to ensure consistent thickness.
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Include any sugary juices from the bowl for flavor.
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Tip: Distribute the filling evenly to avoid thin spots, and gently shake the pan to settle the fruit.
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Roll Out the Top Crust:
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Roll out the second dough disk into a 10×14-inch rectangle for a full top crust, or slightly larger if making a lattice.
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For a full crust: Lay the dough over the filling, trim excess to match the bottom crust, and crimp the edges by pressing with a fork or pinching to seal.
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For a lattice: Cut the dough into ¾-inch-wide strips (about 10–12 strips). Lay half the strips vertically across the pie, spacing evenly, then weave the remaining strips horizontally to create a lattice pattern. Trim excess and crimp edges.
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Tip: Chill the top dough briefly if it softens, and use a ruler for even lattice strips.
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Apply Egg Wash:
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In a small bowl, beat 1 egg and brush it lightly over the top crust (full or lattice) using a pastry brush for a golden, glossy finish.
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Sprinkle 1 tbsp coarse sugar (if using) evenly over the crust for a sparkly, crunchy topping.
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Tip: Apply a thin layer of egg wash to avoid pooling, and use coarse sugar for texture without overpowering sweetness.
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Bake:
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Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the lattice or edges.
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Check for doneness: the filling should be thickened and visibly bubbling to ensure the cornstarch has activated.
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Tip: Place a baking sheet under the pan to catch drips, and cover edges with foil if browning too quickly after 30 minutes.
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Cool and Serve:
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Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan, about 2–3 hours, to set the filling for clean slicing.
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Slice into 12 rectangles (3×4 grid) using a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts.
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Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed, optionally with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
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Tip: Cool fully to avoid a runny filling, and reheat slices briefly (350°F for 5–7 minutes) if serving warm.
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