Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie: A Rustic Delight

Summer’s bounty shines in this irresistible Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie. Imagine a rectangular pan brimming with a vibrant mix of ruby-red raspberries and blushing pink rhubarb, all nestled under a golden-brown, slightly crumbly crust. This isn’t your grandma’s pie – although she’d probably love it! – it’s a modern take on a classic, perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or a simple weeknight treat. The ease of preparation and the impressive presentation make this Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie a winner every time. The slightly tart rhubarb beautifully complements the sweetness of the raspberries, creating a balanced flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you prefer a simple top crust or a delightful streusel topping (more on that later!), this pie is sure to become a family favorite. Forget individual pies; the slab pie format makes serving and sharing a breeze. Simply cut into squares and enjoy! Prepare to be amazed by the burst of juicy, sweet, and tart flavors in every bite. This Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie is the perfect summer dessert, combining the best of seasonal ingredients in a simple yet elegant way. Let’s get baking!

Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie

A rustic and delicious slab pie bursting with the sweet-tart flavors of raspberries and rhubarb. Perfect for a summer gathering or a simple dessert.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert, Pie

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry blender or food processor
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

Crust Ingredients

• 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Unsalted butter, chilled (2 sticks)
• 0.5 cup Ice water

Filling Ingredients

• 4 cups Rhubarb, chopped (about 1 pound)
• 4 cups Raspberries, fresh or frozen
• 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup Cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground cinnamon optional

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
• Make the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in chilled butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
• Press half of the dough into the prepared pan.
• Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine rhubarb, raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using).
• Pour the filling over the crust in the pan.
• Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

For a streusel topping, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup oats, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle over the filling before baking.

Keyword easy pie recipe, raspberry, rhubarb, rustic pie, slab pie, summer dessert

Why You’ll Love This Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie Recipe

This Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here’s why it will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire:

• Ease of Preparation: Unlike traditional round pies, the slab pie format simplifies the crust-making process. No tricky crimping or lattice work required! You can even use store-bought crust if you’re short on time. This makes it a perfect recipe for both beginner and experienced bakers.
• Stunning Presentation: The rustic charm of a slab pie is undeniable. Its rectangular shape is perfect for displaying on a platter and serves as a beautiful centerpiece for any occasion. The vibrant colors of the raspberry and rhubarb filling are truly captivating.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tartness of the rhubarb perfectly balances the sweetness of the raspberries, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The hint of cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended!) adds warmth and depth.
• Versatile Dessert: This pie can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It’s also incredibly adaptable; you can easily experiment with different toppings or crust variations. Think streusel, crumble, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The pie can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready, making it ideal for busy schedules and planned gatherings. It also stores well, making it perfect for leftovers (if there are any!).
• Crowd-Pleaser: This pie is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, from kids to adults. Its simple yet delicious flavors appeal to a wide range of palates, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Why You Should Try This Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie Recipe

Beyond the deliciousness, this Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie offers several compelling reasons to add it to your baking list:

• Seasonal Ingredients: This recipe celebrates the peak season of raspberries and rhubarb, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful results. Using seasonal produce not only tastes better, but it’s also a more sustainable and ethical choice.
• Simple Ingredients: The ingredient list is short and straightforward, ensuring that you likely already have most of the necessary items in your pantry. No need for exotic or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Cost-Effective: Rhubarb and raspberries are generally affordable, especially when purchased in season. This makes this pie a budget-friendly dessert option compared to more elaborate recipes.
• Improves Baking Skills: Even if you’re a beginner baker, this recipe provides a great opportunity to improve your pastry skills. Making a simple double crust or mastering a streusel topping is a rewarding experience.
• Perfect for Sharing: The slab pie format makes sharing easy and fun. It’s ideal for potlucks, picnics, or simply enjoying with family and friends. Cutting it into squares is a simple and elegant way to serve.
• Memories in the Making: Baking this pie can be a fun and rewarding experience. Sharing the finished product with loved ones creates lasting memories and fosters connections.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for your Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie

Gather your ingredients and tools before you begin to ensure a smooth baking process. Here’s a comprehensive list:

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (consider using cake flour for a more tender crust)
• 1 teaspoon salt (sea salt adds a nice touch)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed (very important for a flaky crust!)
• 1/2 cup ice water (use less if needed, the dough should come together but not be sticky)

For the Filling:

• 4 cups rhubarb, chopped (about 1 pound) – choose stalks that are firm and not overly fibrous
• 4 cups raspberries (fresh or frozen) – frozen raspberries work great, just make sure to thaw them slightly before using
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (adjust to your preference based on the sweetness of your fruit)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (helps thicken the filling)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (adds brightness and prevents browning)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the overall flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended!)

Necessary Utensils:

• 9×13 inch baking pan (or a similar sized rectangular pan)
• Large mixing bowl (for making the crust)
• Pastry blender or two forks (for cutting the butter into the flour)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap (for chilling the dough)
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet or cookie sheet (to place the pan on during baking)
• Large saucepan or bowl (for mixing the filling)
• Whisk (for mixing the filling)
• Parchment paper (optional, but recommended for easy cleanup)
• Knife (for chopping the rhubarb and raspberries)
• Wooden spoon or spatula (for spreading the filling)
• Cooling rack (for cooling the pie)

Detailed Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie Recipe Steps

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your delicious Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie:

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to keep the butter cold.
3. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
4. Form the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large saucepan or bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, raspberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using).
2. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Ensure the cornstarch is evenly distributed to prevent lumps in the filling.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a rectangle large enough to fit your 9×13 inch baking pan. Roll it out evenly to prevent thin spots.
3. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared pan. Gently press the dough into the corners and trim any excess.
4. Pour the raspberry-rhubarb filling evenly over the crust.
5. Roll out the second disc of dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips to create a lattice top. Alternatively, you can use a streusel topping (recipe below).
6. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
7. Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before cutting and serving. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents a messy cut.

Optional Streusel Topping:

For a delightful crunch, consider this simple streusel topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Combine all ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over the filling before baking.

Tips and Variations for your Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie

• For a crispier crust: Brush the top crust with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with a tablespoon of milk or water) before baking.
• To prevent a soggy bottom: Prick the bottom crust with a fork before adding the filling.
• Adjust sweetness: The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on the sweetness of your fruit. Taste the filling before baking and adjust accordingly.
• Add other fruits: Feel free to add other berries, such as blueberries or blackberries, to the filling.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid.
• Vegan option: Use a vegan butter substitute for the crust and ensure your vanilla extract is vegan-friendly. Check that the cornstarch is made without animal products.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the pie up to a day in advance and bake when ready. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie

While a dessert, this Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie offers some nutritional benefits thanks to its key ingredients:

(Note: The following nutritional information is an approximation and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For precise values, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredient measurements.)

A typical serving (approximately 1/12 of a 9×13 inch slab pie) might contain approximately:

• Calories: 300-400
• Protein: 3-5g
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g

Raspberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can contribute to better heart health.

Rhubarb is a good source of vitamin K and dietary fiber. It’s also low in calories and fat.

Remember that this is a dessert, and moderation is key. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.

FAQs

Conclusion

This Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie recipe is a delightful blend of ease, elegance, and exquisite flavor. The combination of tart rhubarb and sweet raspberries creates a truly unforgettable taste experience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to check out our other amazing dessert recipes, like our Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread, for more sweet treats! The simple yet stunning presentation makes it perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Share your baking adventures and photos with us in the comments section below! We can’t wait to hear about your experience making this delicious Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie. Happy baking, and don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family – they’ll thank you for it! For more inspiration, check out our Pinterest board for more delicious recipes: Ovia Recipes Pinterest Board.