Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices

Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices: A Windy City Classic Worth Baking

When it comes to comforting Midwest desserts, few treats capture the heart of a bakery case quite like Chicago-Style Apple Slices. Golden, glossy, and packed with tender cinnamon-spiced apples layered between flaky pastry, this unique dessert has been a hidden gem in Chicago’s bakeries for generations — and it’s about time the rest of the world discovered its magic.

More than just an apple pie, these slices are bold, buttery, and handheld — the kind of dessert that feels like home, no matter where you’re from.

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What Are Chicago-Style Apple Slices?

Think of them as the bakery version of apple pie — only bigger, flatter, and easier to share. Rather than the typical round pie shape, this dessert is made in a large rectangular sheet pan, with a rich filling of spiced apples sandwiched between two layers of pastry. The top is usually brushed with a sweet glaze that gives it that unmistakable shiny bakery finish.

They’re easy to cut into squares or rectangles — perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just a cozy night in with a cup of coffee.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

• 🍎 Packed with apples — tender, juicy, and spiced just right

• 🥧 Flaky, buttery crust on top and bottom

• ✨ Glossy glaze adds the perfect bakery-style touch

• 🕒 Feeds a crowd and is ideal for make-ahead baking

• 💛 Tastes like tradition — even if you didn’t grow up in Chicago

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Ingredients

For the crust:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 2 large egg yolks

• 1/2 cup cold water (more if needed)

For the filling:

• 6–8 tart apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced thin

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (to thicken)

• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons milk or water

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Make the crust:

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in egg yolks and cold water until the dough comes together. Divide in half, shape into two discs, and chill for 30–45 minutes.

2. Prepare the filling:

In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour or cornstarch. Set aside.

3. Roll and assemble:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one dough disc and fit it into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan or quarter-sheet pan. Spread apple mixture evenly on top and dot with butter. Roll out the second dough disc and place over the apples. Seal edges and cut a few slits in the top to let steam escape.

4. Bake:

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly. Let cool slightly.

5. Glaze:

While still warm, whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over the top of the apple slices. Let the glaze set before cutting.

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Tips for Success

• Don’t overfill with apples — keep the layers even so it bakes properly.

• Let it cool before slicing — this helps the filling set for neater squares.

• Add raisins or chopped walnuts to the filling for a twist on tradition.

• Use a ruler to cut clean, even bakery-style slices.

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Perfect For:

• Holiday dessert tables

• Family potlucks or Sunday dinners

• Bake sales and coffee breaks

• Anyone who loves a nostalgic, no-fuss apple treat

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Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices. They’re not flashy or complicated — just honest, comforting, and full of flavor. Every bite is a reminder of what makes classic American baking so beloved: simple ingredients, generous portions, and a whole lot of love.

Bake a batch and you’ll see why this Windy City favorite deserves a spot in your go-to dessert lineup.