If you grew up in or around Chicago, you likely remember the charm of local bakeries and their signature desserts. Among them, Chicago-style bakery apple slices hold a special place—a golden, flaky crust packed with tender apples, finished with a sugary glaze. These slices are like a cross between pie and sheet cake, making them easy to serve and perfect for feeding a crowd.
This classic dessert is simple to make, full of flavor, and delightfully old-fashioned. Whether you’re recreating a memory or discovering this Midwestern gem for the first time, these apple slices are guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Slices
- Perfect for Sharing: Baked in a large sheet or jelly roll pan, it’s ideal for potlucks, holidays, or family get-togethers.
- Delicious Texture: The buttery, flaky crust pairs beautifully with the soft apple filling.
- Easy to Slice and Serve: Unlike traditional pies, this dessert is meant to be cut into bars or squares—no messy slicing needed.
- Adaptable Recipe: Use your favorite apples, add nuts, drizzle with caramel—make it your own!
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 large eggs
- 5–6 tablespoons cold water
For the Apple Filling
- 8 cups thinly sliced apples (about 6–8 apples; Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparing the Crust
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and cut it into the flour with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with 5 tablespoons of cold water. Gradually pour the egg mixture into the flour blend, mixing just until the dough holds together. If it seems too dry, add another tablespoon of water, one teaspoon at a time.
Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten into discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the butter to firm up and the dough to hydrate, resulting in a tender, flaky crust.
Prepping the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan, depending on how thick you want your slices. The smaller pan gives a more pie-like slice, while the larger yields thinner, bakery-style portions.
Making the Apple Filling
Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. In a large bowl, toss them with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until evenly coated. The lemon juice helps balance sweetness and keeps the apples from browning.
Rolling Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out one chilled dough portion into a rectangle slightly larger than your prepared pan. Gently press it into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
Layering the Apple Filling
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the bottom crust. Drizzle with melted butter to enhance the flavor and help with caramelization during baking.
Roll out the second portion of dough and lay it over the apples. Pinch the edges to seal and use a knife to cut a few small slits in the top to vent steam.
Baking the Apple Slices
Bake in the center of your preheated oven for 40–45 minutes. The crust should be golden brown and the filling tender. If the edges brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil.
Let the apple slices cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before glazing.
Preparing and Applying the Glaze
While the slices cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Adjust the milk to achieve a drizzle-friendly consistency—not too runny, not too thick.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm apple slices. Allow it to set for at least 10 minutes before cutting.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the slices into squares or bars. They’re delicious served warm, but just as satisfying at room temperature. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a spoonful of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Tips for Perfect Apple Slices
- Keep Butter Cold: Cold butter = flaky crust. Chill the dough properly and handle it minimally.
- Use Mixed Apples: Combine sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor and texture.
- Avoid a Soggy Bottom: To prevent sogginess, you can blind-bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the baked dish rest before cutting helps the filling firm up for neater slices.
- Adjust Sugar: Depending on how sweet your apples are, you can reduce the sugar slightly if desired.
Delicious Variations
- Caramel Apple Version: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple layer before placing the top crust.
- Add Crunch: Mix in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans with the apple filling.
- Streusel Topping: Skip the top crust and replace it with a crumble made from butter, brown sugar, flour, and oats.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Can I use store-bought crust?
Definitely! If you’re short on time, store-bought pie dough is a great shortcut. Just roll it to fit your pan.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
Can I freeze baked apple slices?
Yes. Allow them to cool completely, cut into slices, and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a container or bag. They’ll keep for about 2–3 months.
What can I serve with these slices?
They’re perfect on their own, but even better with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey or caramel.
Final Thoughts
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are more than just a dessert—they’re a taste of nostalgia wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a slice of something comforting, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and heartwarming tradition.
It’s easy to make, easy to customize, and sure to be requested again and again. Bring a slice of Chicago to your kitchen and enjoy the sweet simplicity of this bakery favorite, one square at a time.