Introduction

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about walking into an old-fashioned bakery and catching the warm aroma of apples, butter, and sugar wafting through the air. These Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices capture that memory perfectly, offering a comforting dessert that feels both familiar and special.

Unlike traditional apple pie, this recipe is made in a large pan, making it perfect for sharing with a crowd. It has a buttery, flaky crust that cradles a tender apple filling, then gets topped with a delicate powdered sugar glaze. Each square is like a little bite of home.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a family reunion, or simply to satisfy a craving for a warm, comforting dessert, this recipe will never disappoint. It’s a treat that blends old-world charm with timeless flavor, making it one you’ll want to revisit again and again.

 

 

What You Need

For the Crust

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 large eggs
• 5–6 tablespoons cold water

For the Apple Filling

• 8 cups apples (about 6–8), peeled, cored, thinly sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

 

 

How to Make Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices

1. Make the Crust – Whisk flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Beat eggs with water and stir into the flour mixture until dough comes together. Divide into 2 portions, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat & Prep Pan – Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
3. Prepare Apples – Toss apple slices with sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
4. Assemble – Roll out one dough half, press into pan. Spread apple filling, drizzle melted butter. Roll remaining dough and cover, sealing edges. Cut slits in top.
5. Bake – Bake 40–45 minutes until golden and apples are tender. Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.
6. Glaze – Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled slices.
7. Serve – Let glaze set for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

 

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Sharing – Baked in a large pan, this is a crowd-friendly dessert.
• Bakery-Style at Home – Recreates the nostalgic flavor of classic Chicago bakeries.
• Simple, Comforting Ingredients – Just apples, butter, flour, and sugar—comfort food at its best.

 

 

Tips for Success

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balanced flavor.
• Keep butter cold for a flakier crust.
• For extra crispness, blind-bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding apples.

 

Variations

• Caramel Apple Slices – Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the top crust.
• Nutty Twist – Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• Spiced Apple Slices – Increase cinnamon and nutmeg, or add a dash of allspice.

 

 

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bake it a day in advance and glaze before serving.

2. What apples work best?
A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives the best flavor balance.

3. Can I freeze it?
Yes, wrap cooled, unglazed slices tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

4. Do I need to peel the apples?
For the best texture, yes.

5. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, for a shortcut, but homemade gives better results.

6. How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?
Blind-bake for 10 minutes before adding filling.

7. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, especially if using naturally sweet apples.

8. What pan size works best?
A 9×13-inch pan gives bakery-style slices.

9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in two pans or a larger sheet pan.

10. How do I store leftovers?
Keep covered at room temp up to 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.

 

 

Health Benefits

• Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants.
• Cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar.
• Homemade desserts let you control sugar and ingredients.

 

How to Serve

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, or a cup of coffee for the ultimate bakery-style experience.

 

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make Ahead – Prepare crust and filling separately a day before, then assemble when ready to bake.
• Storage – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
• Freezing – Freeze unglazed slices for up to 2 months, thaw, then glaze before serving.

 

 

Conclusion

Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are more than just dessert—they’re a slice of nostalgia. With a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and sweet glaze, they bring the warmth of a bakery into your own kitchen. Whether for family gatherings or cozy evenings, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite.