Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are a sweet, flaky pastry filled with tender apples, cinnamon, and a hint of sweetness. This delightful dessert is inspired by the famous apple slices often found in local Chicago bakeries. The buttery, golden crust and soft apple filling make for the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert after dinner or enjoying a sweet snack, these apple slices will quickly become a favorite. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices bring the flavors of Chicago’s bakery scene right to your kitchen.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup cold water (more if needed)
For the filling:
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or honeycrisp work best), peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
For the crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You may need slightly more water, but be careful not to add too much.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a ball. Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten into discs, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using.
For the filling:
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if using). Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the crust.
Assembling the apple slices:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9×13-inch baking dish. Gently place the dough into the dish, pressing it into the corners and up the sides.
- Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Roll out the second disc of dough and cut it into strips to create a lattice pattern over the apples. Arrange the dough strips across the apples, weaving them to create a crisscross design.
- Trim the excess dough around the edges and press to seal. Fold the edges of the dough over and crimp to create a rustic look.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
For the glaze:
- While the apple slices are baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the apple slices have cooled for 10 minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top to finish.
Notes:
- Apple Varieties: Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well when baking, while Honeycrisp apples offer a sweet balance. Feel free to mix different varieties for a unique flavor profile.
- Thicker Filling: If you like a thicker filling, increase the cornstarch to 2 tablespoons.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the crust and filling ahead of time and assemble the apple slices just before baking.
- Storage: Store leftover apple slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Conclusion:
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are the perfect combination of flaky pastry, sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, and a drizzle of vanilla glaze. With their irresistible texture and flavor, they bring the taste of Chicago’s finest bakeries into your home. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or serving them at your next gathering, these apple slices are sure to be a hit. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices ahead of time, and if so, how should I store them?
Yes, you can definitely make parts of the apple slices ahead. The crust can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored, wrapped tightly, in the refrigerator. The apple filling can also be prepared a day in advance and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble the slices just before baking. Leftover baked apple slices can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
What apple varieties work best in this recipe, and can I substitute them?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are recommended for this recipe. Granny Smith apples offer a tartness that balances the sweetness, while Honeycrisp provides a sweeter option with a good texture. You can substitute other apples; however, keep in mind that different apples have varying levels of sweetness and moisture. Braeburn, Fuji, or Gala apples are also good options, but you may need to adjust the sugar content based on the sweetness of the apple.
How do I know when the Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are perfectly baked?
The apple slices are perfectly baked when the crust is golden brown and flaky, and the apple filling is tender. The crust should be a deep golden color, especially around the edges. You can also gently pierce the apples with a fork or knife; they should be soft, not mushy. The baking time is typically 45-50 minutes at 375°F (190°C), but always check for doneness as oven temperatures can vary.
Can I double or scale up this recipe to make more apple slices?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch. When doubling, you may need to use two baking dishes or a larger baking sheet. Ensure your oven can accommodate the extra volume and that the crust is baked evenly. You might need to slightly increase the baking time, but keep a close eye on the crust to prevent over-baking. Adjust ingredient quantities proportionally for the crust, filling, and glaze.
Are there any other ingredients I can substitute in this recipe, and what would be the impact?
Yes, you can substitute ingredients. For the crust, you can use a combination of all-purpose flour and pastry flour for a flakier crust. If you don’t have cold butter, you can freeze the butter for 15 minutes before cubing. For the filling, you can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar for a richer flavor. You can also add other spices like cardamom or allspice to the filling for a more complex flavor profile. The glaze can be adjusted by adding a splash of lemon juice for a tangier taste.
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
Delicious Chicago-style apple slices layered with flaky pastry and sweet cinnamon-spiced apples.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups apples peeled and sliced
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup water
- 2 sheets refrigerated pie crust softened as per package instructions
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and water. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
- Unroll one pie crust onto the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
- Cover with the second pie crust, sealing the edges.
- Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Notes
Let cool slightly before serving. Delicious with ice cream or whipped cream.
