Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices: A Nostalgic Dessert with a Sweet Crunch

Introduction

First, let me just say — thank you for being here! ❤️ Every time you stop by to bake something new with me, it reminds me why I love sharing recipes so much. Today, I’m especially excited to bring you a dessert that’s close to my heart: Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices.

If you’ve ever wandered into an old-school Midwest bakery, you’ve probably seen these gleaming, golden squares smiling at you from behind the glass. More rustic than pie, more comforting than cake — these apple slices are the taste of nostalgia. Buttery pastry, warm spiced apples, and that delicate vanilla glaze… oh, it’s love at first bite!

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Overview of the Recipe

This Midwestern gem takes all the flavors of apple pie and turns them into a beautiful, shareable slab dessert that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deeply nostalgic: Straight out of the Chicago bakery playbook.
• Perfect for gatherings: Serves a crowd beautifully.
• Flaky, buttery crust: Every bite melts in your mouth.
• Easy to serve: Cut into squares, grab, and go!

What It Tastes Like

Each square bursts with cinnamon-spiced apple filling wrapped between two golden crusts, then finished with a glossy vanilla glaze. The texture? Tender, flaky, and slightly crisp — pure comfort and joy.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Feeds a large group (perfect for holidays or potlucks).
• Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
• A great alternative to traditional apple pie — easier to cut, share, and transport.

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Ingredients

For the Crust

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup cold milk

For the Apple Filling

• 8–10 medium tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken juices)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Glaze

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

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Necessary Tools for Preparation

• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry cutter or food processor
• Rolling pin
• 10x15-inch sheet pan
• Saucepan or large skillet
• Whisk for the glaze

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Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and richness.
• Swap apples: Mix varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for depth.
• Add spice: A pinch of cloves or allspice enhances warmth.
• Make it dairy-free: Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk, then stir into the flour mixture.
4. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice.
2. Toss gently until evenly coated and juicy.

Step 3: Assemble the Apple Slices

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one dough disc and fit it into a greased 10x15-inch pan.
3. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
4. Roll out the second dough disc and place it on top. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.
5. Prick the top crust with a fork to allow steam to escape.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

1. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm pastry.
3. Cool completely before cutting into squares.

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What to Serve With It

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Freshly whipped cream
• Hot coffee or apple cider (for that full Midwest bakery vibe!)

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Tips for Making Perfect Apple Slices

• Use cold butter for a flaky crust.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice — it brightens the flavor and prevents browning.
• For a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner drizzle, add more.
• Allow it to cool fully before slicing — this helps the filling set beautifully.

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Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Keeps well up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake it a day early, cover tightly, and glaze just before serving.

What are the best apples to use?
Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness, but Honeycrisp adds a lovely juicy texture.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes — though homemade crust gives a more authentic bakery feel, pre-made works in a pinch.

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Conclusion

These Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are pure nostalgia on a plate — the kind of dessert that instantly brings back warm memories of family gatherings and cozy Sunday dinners. Flaky, golden, and filled with cinnamon-spiced apples, they’re everything we love about homemade baking: simple, generous, and made with heart. 💛

So go ahead — bake a batch, share a few, and keep a secret stash for yourself (I won’t tell!).

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More Cozy Desserts You’ll Love

• Classic Peach Cobbler with a Buttery Crust
• Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp
• Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake
• Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

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Join the Conversation!

If you make these, I’d love to see your results! 🍏
Leave a comment below, or share your photos on Pinterest and tag them with #HomemadeWithLove — I can’t wait to see your apple slices shine!

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Sugar: 22g
• Fiber: 3g