Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are a Midwest favorite, with a flaky crust, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a sweet glaze. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat!
Introduction:
If you’ve ever visited a classic bakery in Chicago, chances are you’ve come across Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices. This dessert is a beloved local favorite, often enjoyed at family gatherings, potlucks, or just as a sweet treat on a cool autumn day. Unlike traditional apple pie, these apple slices are baked in a sheet pan, making them easy to cut into squares and serve to a crowd. The tender, flaky crust pairs perfectly with a rich filling of cinnamon-spiced apples, all topped off with a sweet glaze. Whether you’re new to this Midwest staple or it’s a nostalgic favorite, Chicago-Style Apple Slices are sure to become a hit in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
For the Apple Filling:
- 8-10 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and vinegar. Add this to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
- Toss the Apples: In a large bowl, combine the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Mix until the apples are evenly coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Apple Slices
- Roll Out the Dough: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one half of the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9×13-inch baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the sheet, pressing it into the corners.
- Add the Filling: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the bottom crust.
- Top with the Second Crust: Roll out the second half of the dough and lay it over the apples. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal, and cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Step 4: Bake the Apple Slices
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool: Allow the apple slices to cool completely in the pan.
Step 5: Glaze the Apple Slices
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled apple slices before cutting them into squares.
How to Prepare:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and apple filling a day in advance, refrigerating them separately until ready to assemble and bake.
- Serving Tip: Serve the slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus cooling time)
Servings:
- Yields: 12-16 slices
FAQs:
1. Can I use different types of apples?
- Yes! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal for their tartness, but feel free to mix in other varieties like Fuji or Gala for a sweeter flavor.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with the dough’s structure.
3. Can I freeze the apple slices?
- Yes, once the apple slices have cooled, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven before serving.
4. What if I don’t have a 9×13 baking sheet?
- You can use any similar-sized sheet pan, or halve the recipe for a smaller pan.
5. Can I add nuts to the filling?
- Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the apple mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
Conclusion:
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are a delightful and nostalgic dessert that brings the taste of a classic Midwest bakery right into your kitchen. With a perfectly flaky crust, a generous filling of spiced apples, and a sweet glaze to top it all off, this dessert is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy it chilled with coffee, these apple slices will become a beloved addition to your recipe collection. They’re simple enough to make for everyday enjoyment but special enough for holidays and gatherings.
