Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices

 

Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices: A Flaky, Fruity Midwest Favorite

If you grew up in Chicago or ever visited one of its old-school corner bakeries, there’s a good chance you remember Apple Slices — those glossy, golden, oversized slabs of apple pie wrapped in buttery crust and glazed to perfection. This Chicago-style bakery classic isn’t your average apple dessert. It’s part pie, part slab cake, and 100% Midwest comfort.

Made with layers of tender pastry dough, a generous filling of cinnamon-spiced apples, and a sweet vanilla glaze, these apple slices are the kind of treat that brings back memories of bakery boxes tied with string and Saturday morning stops for something sweet.

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What Are Chicago-Style Apple Slices?

Chicago-Style Apple Slices are a beloved bakery dessert — essentially a sheet pan apple pie that’s cut into square or rectangular bars. Unlike traditional pie, these slices are baked in a large jelly roll or sheet pan, making them perfect for feeding a crowd. The crust is soft yet sturdy, the apples are tender and juicy, and the simple glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness and shine.

It’s the perfect grab-and-go dessert, often eaten with your hands, and tastes just as amazing warm as it does at room temperature.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Nostalgic bakery flavor from the heart of the Midwest
✅ Perfect for potlucks, parties, or holidays — feeds a crowd
✅ Simple ingredients, big payoff
✅ Portable and sliceable — easy to serve and eat
✅ Delicious warm or cold, with or without glaze

Whether you're recreating a childhood memory or discovering this classic for the first time, apple slices are always a hit.

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Key Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy to make bakery-style magic. Here’s what goes into these sweet slices:

For the Crust:

• All-purpose flour – The sturdy base for your dough

• Butter and/or shortening – For a flaky, tender texture

• Sugar and salt – To balance the crust

• Cold water or milk – Helps bring the dough together

For the Filling:

• Apples – Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix for sweet-tart flavor and structure

• Sugar – White or a blend of white and brown sugar for depth

• Cinnamon & nutmeg – Classic warm spices

• Lemon juice – To brighten the filling

• Flour or cornstarch – To thicken the juices as they bake

For the Glaze:

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla extract

• Milk or cream – For drizzling consistency

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How to Make Chicago-Style Apple Slices

1. Make the crust: Combine dry ingredients, cut in butter/shortening, and mix with cold liquid. Divide dough in half, chill, then roll out.

2. Prepare the filling: Toss sliced apples with sugar, spices, lemon juice, and flour.

3. Assemble: Roll out one piece of dough and fit it into a greased sheet pan. Add the apple filling. Top with the second crust, sealing the edges and cutting slits for steam.

4. Bake: At 375°F (190°C) for 40–50 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

5. Cool and glaze: Let cool slightly, then drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze.

6. Slice into bars and enjoy warm or cooled.

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Tips for the Best Apple Slices

• Chill your dough: A cold crust = a flakier texture.

• Use a mix of apples: Some tart, some sweet gives the best flavor balance.

• Don’t skip the glaze: It adds that signature bakery touch and a hint of sweetness.

• Make ahead: These are fantastic made a day in advance. Flavors deepen overnight!

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Serving Suggestions

These slices are perfect as-is, but for extra indulgence, try serving them:

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

• Alongside a mug of coffee or spiced tea

• With an extra dusting of cinnamon sugar before serving

They’re ideal for fall gatherings, holiday dessert tables, or even breakfast (yes, really — Midwestern bakeries sold them all day long!).

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Storage & Leftovers

• Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days

• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days

• Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven for best results.

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Final Thoughts

Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are more than just dessert — they’re a nostalgic taste of Midwestern tradition. With a flaky homemade crust, warm spiced apples, and a glossy vanilla glaze, this sheet pan classic brings simple ingredients together in the most comforting way possible.

Whether you’re honoring a cherished memory or just baking something new and special, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your own kitchen.