How to Make Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are a deliciously layered dessert, featuring a flaky crust, a sweet and tart apple filling, and a delicate icing drizzle on top. This classic treat is reminiscent of the best bakeries in Chicago, known for their generous portions and rich flavors. Perfect for any occasion, these apple slices are sure to impress with their perfect blend of textures and tastes.
My love for Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices began on a chilly autumn afternoon in Chicago. Wandering through the city with my family, we stumbled upon a quaint little bakery with an irresistible aroma wafting from its doors. We decided to try their signature apple slices, and it was love at first bite. The crisp apples, flaky crust, and sweet icing were a perfect combination. Inspired by this delightful experience, I recreated the recipe at home, and it quickly became a family favorite. My husband and kids always ask for these apple slices during the fall, making our home feel like that cozy Chicago bakery.
Why You’ll Love Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
- Generous Portions: These slices are thick, hearty, and perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of tart apples, sweet cinnamon, and buttery crust creates a flavor explosion.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and parties.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to all.
Ingredients Notes For Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
- Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor balance. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well.
- Butter: Provides a rich, flaky base for the crust.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and enhances the apple flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Prevents the apples from browning and adds a slight tang.
Recipe Steps
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Crust: In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In another bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
- Layer Apples: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the baking dish.
- Top Crust: Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture over the apples, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Icing: While the slices are baking, prepare the icing by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm apple slices once they are out of the oven.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the apple slices to cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving.
Storage Options
- Room Temperature: Store apple slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
- Nut Topping: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the top crust mixture for added crunch.
- Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling for extra warmth.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
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A: Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust for convenience. Just ensure it’s enough to cover the bottom and top layers.
Q: What type of apples work best?
A: A mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, provides the best flavor and texture.
Q: How do I know when the apple slices are done?
A: The top should be golden brown, and the apples should be tender when pierced with a fork.
How to Make Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
Ingredients
- Dough
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of unsalted butter chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup of cold water
- 1 large egg beaten (for egg wash)
- Filling
- 10 cups of peeled cored, and thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or other tart apples)
- 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of light brown sugar packed
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 15x10-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to fit the bottom and sides of the prepared pan. Place the rolled dough in the pan, pressing it into the corners and up the sides.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are well coated.
- Assemble the Slices: Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough in the pan. Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top with the beaten egg.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the apple slices to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
