Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices

Few desserts capture the comforting flavors of fall quite like Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices. Popular in many neighborhood bakeries throughout Chicago, this classic treat features a buttery pastry crust, a generous layer of cinnamon-spiced apples, and a sweet glaze drizzled over the top. Unlike a traditional apple pie, apple slices are baked in a rectangular pan and cut into squares or bars, making them perfect for serving at gatherings, family dinners, or afternoon coffee breaks.

The combination of flaky crust, tender apples, warm spices, and light icing creates a dessert that is both rustic and elegant. Follow this step-by-step guide to make authentic bakery-style apple slices at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to serve and transport
• Perfect for parties and potlucks
• Packed with fresh apple flavor
• Buttery, flaky crust
• Delicious warm or cold
• Tastes like a classic Chicago bakery favorite

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling

• 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For the Glaze

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

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together.

Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Chilling the dough helps create a flaky bakery-style crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the dough chills, prepare the filling.

Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.

Place the sliced apples in a large bowl and add:

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch

Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.

Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes so the flavors can blend.

Step 3: Roll Out the Bottom Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly flour your work surface.

Roll one dough disc into a rectangle slightly larger than a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Carefully transfer the dough into the pan and press it gently into the bottom and corners.

Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.

Step 4: Add the Apple Filling

Spread the apple mixture evenly across the prepared crust.

Distribute the apples so every bite contains plenty of fruit.

The filling may look abundant, but the apples will soften and shrink slightly as they bake.

Step 5: Add the Top Crust

Roll out the second dough disc into a rectangle.

Carefully place it over the apple filling.

Trim excess dough and crimp or press the edges to seal.

Use a sharp knife to cut several small vents in the top crust. These openings allow steam to escape during baking.

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