Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are a delicious way to showcase the classic flavors of fresh apples, warm spices, and buttery crust. These tasty treats are not only a dessert but also a sweet reminder of the cozy bakeries found in the heart of Chicago. With every bite, you’ll experience the delightful combination of sweet apples and flaky pastry, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re gearing up for a family gathering or an afternoon snack, these apple slices will leave everyone coming back for more.
Gather Your Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices Ingredients
To get started on this delectable dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (12 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (6 g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (226 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 5-6 tablespoons cold water (75-90 ml)
- For the Apple Filling:
- 8 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 6-8 medium apples)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed (50 g)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15 g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2 g)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (1 g)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (14 g)
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (30-45 ml)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5 ml)
Step-by-Step Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices Recipe
- Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add in the cold cubed butter, cutting it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in 5 tablespoons of cold water. Gradually add this mixture to the flour and butter, stirring until a dough forms. Add more water as necessary. Once combined, divide the dough, wrap each portion, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, light brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until the apples are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Slices: Roll out one portion of the dough into a rectangle large enough to fit your prepared pan. Place this dough in the pan and pour the apple mixture over it. Drizzle the melted butter over the apples. Roll out the second portion of the dough and place it over the apples, sealing the edges and cutting slits in the top to let steam escape.
- Bake the Apple Slices: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
- Glaze & Serve: Once the apple slices are done baking, allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled apple slices and let it set for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
How to Serve Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
These delicious apple slices are best enjoyed warm, but they can also be served at room temperature. Consider plating them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. You could also sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top for added flavor. Pairing this dessert with a hot cup of coffee or tea makes for a delightful afternoon snack or a sweet ending to any meal.
Expert Tips for Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
- Use a Variety of Apples: For a more complex flavor, mix different types of apples. Granny Smith offers tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness.
- Chill the Dough: Make sure your butter and water are cold. This helps create a flaky crust.
- Prepare Ahead: You can prepare the apple filling ahead of time and just assemble the slices when you’re ready to bake.
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices FAQs
Can I use store-bought pastry instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought pie crusts if you want to save time. Just follow the same assembly instructions.
How do I store leftover apple slices?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze these slices?
Yes! Bake them and let them cool completely before cutting. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from the freezer.
There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices. They’re sure to impress your family and friends. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy these delightful treats!
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
These delicious apple slices combine fresh apples, warm spices, and a buttery crust, reminiscent of the cozy bakeries found in Chicago.
For the Crust
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (12 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (6 g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (226 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 5-6 tablespoons cold water (75-90 ml)
For the Apple Filling
- 8 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 6-8 medium apples)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed (50 g)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15 g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2 g)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (1 g)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (14 g)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (30-45 ml)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5 ml)
Prepare the Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add in the cold cubed butter, cutting it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in 5 tablespoons of cold water.
- Gradually add this mixture to the flour and butter, stirring until a dough forms. Add more water as necessary.
- Once combined, divide the dough, wrap each portion, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Apple Filling
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, light brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until the apples are evenly coated.
Assemble the Slices
- Roll out one portion of the dough into a rectangle large enough to fit your prepared pan.
- Place this dough in the pan and pour the apple mixture over it.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the apples.
- Roll out the second portion of the dough and place it over the apples, sealing the edges and cutting slits in the top to let steam escape.
Bake the Apple Slices
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
Glaze & Serve
- Once the apple slices are done baking, allow them to cool slightly.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled apple slices and let it set for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
These apple slices are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Pair with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
