Strawberry Rhubarb Slab Pie is a generous tray of sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb tucked beneath a buttery, sugar-speckled lattice crust. Strawberries and tart rhubarb mingle in a bubbling, sugar-thickened filling beneath a crisp, sugar-kissed crust. Each square offers juicy berry bursts and tender, flaky pastry that’s perfect for summer gatherings or cozy picnics—trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Key Ingredients
To bring this slab pie to life, you only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh fruit. Each component plays its part in creating that perfect sweet-tart balance and flaky, golden crust.
- 500 grams strawberries hulled and halved: Provides juicy sweetness and vibrant color that pairs perfectly with rhubarb’s tang.
- 400 grams rhubarb chopped into 1 cm pieces: Adds a bright, tart counterpoint that keeps the filling lively.
- 200 grams granulated sugar: Sweetens the fruit and helps draw out juices for that syrupy consistency.
- 50 grams light brown sugar: Contributes a hint of caramel depth and moisture to the filling.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the fruit juices as they bake so each slice holds its shape.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the berries’ flavors with warm, aromatic sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses a gentle spice note that complements the fruit’s natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
- 1 batch pie dough chilled and divided: Creates the flaky base and lattice top—chilling ensures easier handling.
- 1 egg beaten for egg wash: Gives the crust a glossy, golden finish.
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling: Adds a sparkling crunch and extra sweetness to the baked crust.
How To Make Strawberry Rhubarb Slab Pie
Ready to dive into that buttery crust and fruity filling? This slab pie comes together in stages: you’ll prep the dough, toss the fruit, assemble the layers, then bake until golden and bubbly. The process is straightforward, with plenty of moments to feel like a confident pastry chef—no special skills required beyond rolling, mixing, and maybe a touch of lattice weaving.
1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a half-sheet baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
2. Roll out one portion of the chilled pie dough into a rectangle slightly larger than the pan, keeping edges neat, then transfer it onto the prepared pan and let any excess hang over the sides.
3. Combine the filling by tossing strawberries, rhubarb, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until every piece is evenly coated with that sweet-thickening mix.
4. Pour and spread the fruit mixture into the dough-lined pan, distributing it into an even layer but leaving a 2 cm border around the edges for sealing later.
5. Roll out the second dough portion and cut into strips for a classic lattice or shape into a full cover; arrange over the fruit, then seal the edges by gently pressing with a fork or your fingers to create a tight seal.
6. Brush the crust with the beaten egg wash to encourage a rich golden tone, then sprinkle coarse sugar evenly over the top for that extra crunch and sparkle.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, watching for a deep golden-brown crust and bubbling filling that indicates everything inside is perfectly cooked.
8. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars or squares—this step is crucial for letting the filling set and avoiding a watery pie.
Serving Suggestions
This slab pie is a total crowd-pleaser, and how you serve it can elevate every bite.
- Warm with vanilla ice cream: The cold, creamy scoop contrasts beautifully with the hot, bubbling filling—pure magic.
- Dust with powdered sugar: A light snow-kissed finish adds elegance and a hint more sweetness.
- Serve with whipped cream: A dollop of airy whipped cream rounds out the sweet-tart combo in every forkful.
- Pack for a picnic: Cut into squares, wrap individually, and transport easily—no plates required, just grab and go.
Tips For Perfect Strawberry Rhubarb Slab Pie
Mastering this slab pie is all about a few friendly hacks that make life easier and results more impressive.
- Use well-chilled dough to make rolling and lattice work easier.
- Toss the berries and rhubarb thoroughly with the sugars and cornstarch for an evenly thickened filling.
- Allow the slab pie to cool fully so the juices set and prevent a runny filling.
- This slab pie is perfect for feeding a crowd and transports easily for pics—er, picnics.
How To Store It
Once you’ve got that perfect bake, keep these storage tips in mind to enjoy leftovers for days without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Room temperature: Cover the cooled slab pie tightly with plastic wrap and enjoy within 2 days for the flakiest crust.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days; the chilled slices taste great cold or gently reheated.
- Freezer (unbaked): Assemble on your half-sheet pan, wrap snugly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze; bake straight from the freezer, adding 10–15 minutes to the bake time.
- Freezer (baked): Cool completely, cut into portions, freeze on a tray until solid, then wrap individually; thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a 160°C (325°F) oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the quick answers to the top questions you might have.
- How long does it take to prepare and bake this Strawberry Rhubarb Slab Pie?
You’ll need about 20 minutes to prep the ingredients—hulling and halving strawberries, chopping rhubarb, mixing the filling, and rolling out the dough—plus 35 to 40 minutes of bake time at 190°C (375°F). Allow at least another 30 to 60 minutes for the slab pie to cool completely before slicing, so plan for roughly 2 hours from start to finish.
- Can I use store-bought pie dough instead of making my own?
Yes, store-bought pie dough works well if it’s kept thoroughly chilled. Let it sit in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roll, and handle it as little as possible to prevent the butter in the dough from warming. If your store dough is softer, pop it into the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before rolling to firm it up.
- How do I prevent the filling from becoming runny?
Ensure the fruit is evenly coated by tossing strawberries, rhubarb, both sugars, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt together in a large bowl until there are no dry patches. The cornstarch thickens juices as they heat, and fully cooling the slab pie on a wire rack after baking lets the filling set completely, so you get clean slices instead of a soupy bar.
- What’s the best way to create a neat lattice top?
Work with very well-chilled dough so it holds its shape. Roll the second portion evenly and cut strips of uniform width. Lay half the strips parallel across the filling, then weave the remaining strips over and under in alternating fashion. If the dough softens, transfer the entire pan back to the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up before weaving and baking.
- How should I store and serve leftovers?
Once the slab pie has cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Rewarm individual slices in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 5 to 10 minutes if you prefer them warm, or serve cold—both are delightful.
- Can I adjust the sweetness if my strawberries or rhubarb are very tart?
Absolutely. Taste your fruit after mixing in the granulated and brown sugars but before adding the cornstarch. If it still tastes too tart, sprinkle in an extra tablespoon or two of sugar, then toss again. Be cautious not to add too much, as excess sugar can cause a notably sweeter filling and more liquid released.
- Is it possible to freeze the slab pie?
Yes, you can freeze before or after baking. For unbaked: assemble on a half-sheet pan, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Bake frozen, adding about 10 to 15 minutes to the bake time. For baked: cool completely, cut into portions, freeze on a tray until solid, then wrap individually. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in a 160°C (325°F) oven.
What Makes This Special
This Strawberry Rhubarb Slab Pie works because it balances sweet and tart with a buttery, crisp crust that’s impossible to resist. The ease of a slab style means less fiddling with individual pies and more generous slices for friends and family. Feel free to print and save this recipe for summer BBQs or park picnics—and don’t be shy, drop a comment below if you tinker with flavors, have questions, or just want to share how much everyone loved it!
Strawberry Rhubarb Slab Pie
Description
Strawberries and tart rhubarb mingle in a bubbling, sugar-thickened filling beneath a crisp, sugar-kissed crust. Each square offers juicy berry bursts and tender, flaky pastry.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a half-sheet baking pan with parchment paper.
-
Roll out one portion of chilled pie dough into a rectangle slightly larger than the pan and transfer it onto the prepared pan, letting excess hang over the edges.
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In a large bowl combine strawberries, rhubarb, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the fruit is evenly coated.
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Pour the filling into the dough-lined pan and spread it into an even layer, leaving a border around the edges.
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Roll out the second portion of dough and cut into strips for a lattice top or shape into a full cover, then arrange over the filling and seal the edges by pressing with a fork or fingers.
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Brush the entire surface with beaten egg wash and sprinkle coarse sugar evenly over the top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
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Remove from the oven and let the slab pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars or squares.
Note
- Use well-chilled dough to make rolling and lattice work easier.
- Toss the berries and rhubarb thoroughly with the sugars and cornstarch for an evenly thickened filling.
- Allow the slab pie to cool fully so the juices set and prevent a runny filling.
- This slab pie is perfect for feeding a crowd and transports easily for picnics.
