Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices

Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices

Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are a classic old-fashioned dessert featuring tender apples layered over a buttery pastry crust and finished with a sweet glaze. Inspired by the generous apple slices found in Midwestern bakeries, this easy dessert is perfect for fall baking, holiday tables, bake sales, potlucks, and family gatherings.

The combination of flaky crust, cinnamon-spiced apples, and sweet icing makes every square taste like a homemade bakery treat.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/3 cup cold water

For the Apple Filling

• 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices

1. Prepare the Crust

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.

Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add the cold water, stirring just until a dough forms.

Divide the dough into two portions.

2. Prepare the Apples

Place the sliced apples in a large bowl.

Add the sugar, cinnamon, flour, and lemon juice.

Toss gently until all the apple slices are evenly coated.

3. Roll Out the Bottom Crust

Roll one portion of dough into a rectangle large enough to fit a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.

Transfer it carefully to the pan and gently press it into the bottom.

4. Add the Apple Filling

Spread the seasoned apples evenly over the crust.

Arrange them in an even layer so every slice will have plenty of apple filling.

5. Add the Top Crust

Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the apples.

Pinch or press the edges together to seal.

Cut several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

6. Bake

Bake for approximately 40–50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.

Remove from the oven and allow the dessert to cool completely.

7. Make the Glaze

Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled apple slices.

Allow the glaze to set for several minutes before cutting.

8. Slice and Serve

Cut into squares or rectangular bakery-style slices.

Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.

Tips for the Best Apple Slices

Choose apples that hold their shape during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a combination of sweet and tart apples.

Keep the butter and water cold when making the pastry. This helps create a tender, flaky crust.

Do not overwork the dough.

Let the dessert cool before glazing and slicing so the apple filling has time to set.

For a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk slightly.

Serving Suggestions

These apple slices are delicious served with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• A cup of coffee
• Hot tea
• Warm apple cider

Make-Ahead Instructions

The apple slices can be baked a day ahead.

Allow them to cool completely, cover, and store at room temperature. Add the glaze shortly before serving for the freshest appearance.

Storage

Store leftover apple slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate them and bring them to room temperature before serving.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 40–50 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12–16 slices

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup cold water

Filling

• 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Make the pastry and divide it into two portions.
2. Roll one portion into a 9-by-13-inch pan.
3. Toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, flour, and lemon juice.
4. Spread apples over the bottom crust.
5. Cover with the second pastry layer and cut vents.
6. Bake at 375°F for 40–50 minutes, until golden.
7. Cool completely.
8. Whisk glaze ingredients together and drizzle over the top.
9. Cut into bakery-style slices and serve.