Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices – A Must-Try Recipe

If you’ve ever strolled past a classic Chicago bakery, the aroma of freshly baked apple slices is impossible to resist. Soft, buttery, and layered with sweet cinnamon apples, these treats are a comforting cross between a pie and a pastry. Today, we’re diving into a step-by-step guide to make your very own Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices at home. This recipe captures that authentic bakery taste while keeping it simple enough for home bakers.

Ingredients

For the crust and base:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
6–8 tablespoons ice water

For the apple filling:

5–6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
¼ teaspoon salt

Optional glaze:

½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 teaspoons milk or lemon juice

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
Divide the dough in half, flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.