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Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices – A Classic Midwestern Dessert with Old-School Charm
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are a nostalgic dessert commonly found in neighborhood bakeries across the Midwest. Unlike traditional apple pie, these slices are baked in a rectangular pan and cut into generous squares, making them perfect for serving to a crowd. The dessert features a sturdy yet tender crust, a thick layer of warmly spiced apples, and a lightly sweet glaze or crumb topping that gives it its signature bakery-style finish.
This recipe captures the essence of those classic bakery apple slices: simple ingredients, bold apple flavor, and a comforting homemade texture. It is designed to be sliced neatly, held easily, and enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the defining qualities of Chicago-style apple slices is their balance. The crust is not overly sweet, allowing the apple filling to shine. The apples are tender but not mushy, coated in a cinnamon-scented syrup that thickens beautifully during baking.
This dessert is also practical. Because it bakes in a single pan and slices cleanly, it is ideal for potlucks, bake sales, family gatherings, or make-ahead desserts. The flavors improve as it rests, making it just as good the next day.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the Crust:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (3 g)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (225 g)
• 1 large egg (about 50 g)
• 2 tablespoons cold milk or water (30 ml)
For the Apple Filling:
• 8 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 1.2 kg), such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g)
• ¼ cup light brown sugar (50 g)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30 ml)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (4 g)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (0.5 g)
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice (0.5 g)
• ¼ cup cornstarch (30 g)
For the Glaze (Optional but Traditional):
• 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (30–45 ml)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5 ml)
Preparing the Crust
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and work them into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the egg and cold milk, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger than the other. Press the larger portion evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base crust. Chill the remaining dough while preparing the filling.
Preparing the Apple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cornstarch. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated.
The cornstarch is essential for achieving the thick, sliceable filling that defines bakery-style apple slices. As the apples bake, their juices combine with the sugar and starch to create a glossy, cohesive layer.
Assembling the Apple Slices
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the prepared crust, pressing it gently into an even layer. Remove the remaining dough from the refrigerator and crumble it over the apples, allowing some apple filling to remain visible.
This top layer bakes into a lightly crisp, golden finish that contrasts beautifully with the soft apple filling beneath.
Baking the Dessert
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
Remove from the oven and allow the dessert to cool completely in the pan. This cooling time is crucial for clean slicing and proper setting of the filling.
Adding the Bakery-Style Glaze
Once cooled, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
Drizzle the glaze over the top in a light zigzag pattern, mimicking the classic bakery presentation. Allow the glaze to set for about 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the dessert into rectangular slices or squares. Serve at room temperature for the most authentic bakery-style experience.
For a warm dessert option, gently reheat individual slices and serve with vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream.
Helpful Tips for Best Results
Choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking to avoid a mushy filling.
Do not rush the cooling process, as slicing too soon can cause the filling to run.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the glaze or omit it entirely. The apple filling remains flavorful on its own.
Storage and Reheating
Store Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat slices briefly in the microwave or oven if desired. This dessert also freezes well when wrapped tightly, making it a convenient make-ahead treat.