This Chicago-style bakery apple slices recipe is a nostalgic, comforting dessert with layers of flaky crust, sweet apple filling, and a luscious glaze on top.
The first time I tried these apple slices, I was visiting a cozy Chicago bakery while on a family trip. One bite of the buttery crust paired with the tender apple filling, and I was hooked!
These apple slices are perfect for potlucks, holidays, or when you’re simply craving a classic, easy apple dessert. Let me show you how to recreate this bakery-style treat at home!
What’s Inside This Recipe?
Ingredients For Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these Chicago-style apple slices. Don’t worry—it’s all pretty simple and straightforward!
For the pie dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, chilled (2 1/2 sticks)
- 1/2 cup ice water, plus more as needed
For the filling:
- 4 cups apple pie filling (canned works perfectly)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
How to Make Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
Making these bakery-style apple slices is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to share in no time!
Prepare the pie dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Grate the chilled butter directly into the flour mixture using a cheese grater, pausing to stir the butter into the flour between sticks. (If the butter gets too soft, pop it back in the freezer for a few minutes.) Alternatively, you can cube the butter and cut it in with a pastry blender or two forks.
- Make a well in the center of the mixture and add 1/2 cup ice water. Stir with a fork to combine. Add more ice water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until the dough comes together. The dough should be moist but not sticky, with visible flecks of butter.
- On a floured surface, gently knead the dough just enough to bring it together. Divide it in half and shape each piece into a 1-inch-thick rectangle. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Assemble and bake the apple slices:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch jelly roll pan.
- Roll out one rectangle of chilled dough on a floured surface until it’s slightly larger than the pan. Carefully press the dough into the bottom of the pan, trimming any excess.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the bottom crust.
- Roll out the second rectangle of dough and carefully place it on top of the apple filling. Pinch the edges together lightly—don’t worry about sealing them perfectly—and cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for about 40 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the glaze:
1. In a small bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla, and milk until smooth and creamy.
2. Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled crust. Allow it to set before slicing the apple slices into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Your Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
- These apple slices are the perfect dessert for any occasion.
- Serve them as-is for a crowd-pleasing treat, or pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
- They also make a fantastic addition to potluck dessert tables or holiday gatherings.
Storing and Enjoying Leftovers
- If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- To reheat, simply warm them in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes or enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge—both ways are delicious!
Top Tips for Customizing Your Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
- Use homemade apple pie filling if you prefer. Just cook peeled, sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice until tender.
- Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pie dough for extra warmth and flavor.
- Swap the apple filling for another fruit, like cherry or blueberry, to create seasonal variations.
- If you love a crunchier topping, sprinkle some coarse sugar over the top crust before baking.
Your Questions About Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices Answered
Can I use store-bought pie dough?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-made pie dough is a great shortcut. Just make sure to roll it out to fit the jelly roll pan.
Can I freeze Chicago-style apple slices?
Yes! Once baked and cooled, you can freeze the apple slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What’s the secret to a flaky crust?
Using very cold butter and not overworking the dough are key. The visible pieces of butter in the dough create those delightful flaky layers when baked.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the apple slices a day in advance and glaze them right before serving for the freshest presentation.
Easier than pie… but tastes like heaven in every square!
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these Chicago-style bakery apple slices in your own kitchen! With their flaky crust, sweet apple filling, and irresistible glaze, they’re sure to become a go-to dessert for any occasion.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts, or share a photo on social media and tag WandaRecipes.com.
Don’t forget to check out my other easy apple dessert recipes and bakery-inspired treats for more inspiration. Happy baking!
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
Ingredients
For the pie dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter chilled (2 1/2 sticks)
- 1/2 cup ice water plus more as needed
For the filling:
- 4 cups apple pie filling canned works perfectly
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
Prepare the pie dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Grate the chilled butter directly into the flour mixture using a cheese grater, pausing to stir the butter into the flour between sticks. (If the butter gets too soft, pop it back in the freezer for a few minutes.) Alternatively, you can cube the butter and cut it in with a pastry blender or two forks.
- Make a well in the center of the mixture and add 1/2 cup ice water. Stir with a fork to combine. Add more ice water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until the dough comes together. The dough should be moist but not sticky, with visible flecks of butter.
- On a floured surface, gently knead the dough just enough to bring it together. Divide it in half and shape each piece into a 1-inch-thick rectangle. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Assemble and bake the apple slices:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch jelly roll pan
- Roll out one rectangle of chilled dough on a floured surface until it’s slightly larger than the pan. Carefully press the dough into the bottom of the pan, trimming any excess.
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the bottom crust.
- Roll out the second rectangle of dough and carefully place it on top of the apple filling. Pinch the edges together lightly—don’t worry about sealing them perfectly—and cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for about 40 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the glaze:
- In a small bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the cooled crust. Allow it to set before slicing the apple slices into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Serve them as-is for a crowd-pleasing treat, or pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
They also make a fantastic addition to potluck dessert tables or holiday gatherings. Storing and Enjoying Leftovers If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes or enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge—both ways are delicious! Top Tips for Customizing Your Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices Use homemade apple pie filling if you prefer. Just cook peeled, sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice until tender. Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pie dough for extra warmth and flavor. Swap the apple filling for another fruit, like cherry or blueberry, to create seasonal variations. If you love a crunchier topping, sprinkle some coarse sugar over the top crust before baking.
