Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are a classic Midwest bakery treat—especially popular in Chicago—known for their flaky pastry base, cinnamon-sweet apple filling, and shiny glaze. Unlike traditional apple pie, these are baked in large trays and cut into square slices, making them perfect for serving a crowd.
Here’s a traditional-style recipe to make them at home:
🍏 Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ cups cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup cold milk (or ice water)
For the Apple Filling:
- 8–10 medium tart apples (Granny Smith or similar), peeled and thinly sliced
- ¾ to 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to sweetness)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- 2 tbsp butter (cut into small pieces)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or water
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
🥣 Instructions
1. Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and mix with milk. Pour into the flour mixture.
- Stir until dough just comes together, then split into 2 discs (1 slightly larger than the other). Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a rimmed baking sheet (10×15 inches or similar).
3. Roll Out the Dough:
- Roll out the larger disc and fit it into the bottom and sides of the prepared baking sheet.
- Roll the second disc for the top crust.
4. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
- Spread evenly over the bottom crust and dot with butter.
5. Add the Top Crust:
- Place the top crust over the apples. Seal the edges and cut slits or poke holes to vent steam.
- Optional: Brush with milk or egg wash for a golden finish.
6. Bake:
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool completely in the pan.
7. Glaze:
- Whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over cooled apple slices.
🍽️ To Serve:
Let the glaze set, then cut into large rectangular or square slices (think bakery-style). These taste amazing warm or chilled!