Absolutely! Here’s a BIG, irresistible recipe post for Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices — one that includes history, intro, ingredients, method, conclusion, and even a touch of love. ❤️
🍎 Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
A Recipe You Can’t Miss 😋
“My husband & kids are big fans.” – and they’re not alone! These thick, golden, bakery-style apple slices are a Midwestern favorite, known for their juicy filling, soft layers, and nostalgic taste. If you’ve ever had a slice from an old-school Chicago bakery, you’ll know what we’re talking about. Now you can bring that flavor home.
📜 A Little History…
Chicago-style apple slices have been a staple in Midwest bakeries since the mid-1900s. Unlike the traditional apple pie, these slices are made in large sheet pans, cut into squares or rectangles, and served warm or room temp. Think of them as a hybrid between pie and danish — but heartier. Grandma used to make them, bakeries perfected them, and now it’s time for YOU to recreate the magic. 💫
🧺 Ingredients
🥧 Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 large eggs (1 for dough, 1 for egg wash)
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
🍏 Apple Filling:
- 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced thin
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
🧁 Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
🛠 Method
1. Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Beat 1 egg and add to the mix with ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until dough holds together.
- Split dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a bowl, mix sliced apples with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, lemon juice, and melted butter. Let it sit while dough chills — this helps release some juices.
3. Assemble:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one dough disc into a rectangle to fit a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Place the bottom crust into the pan. Let the edges hang over slightly.
- Pour in the apple filling and spread evenly.
- Roll out second dough disc and place over the apples. Pinch edges to seal.
- Beat the second egg and brush over the top crust.
4. Bake:
- Bake in preheated oven for 40–50 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling at the edges.
- Let cool at least 15–20 minutes before slicing.
5. Optional Glaze:
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a drizzle.
- Once apple slices have cooled slightly, drizzle over the top for extra sweetness.
❤️ The Lovers of This Recipe
- My husband: Calls them “better than pie.”
- My kids: Always ask for seconds (and thirds).
- My mom: Says it brings back bakery memories from Chicago.
- Guests: Think it’s store-bought — until I tell them I made it!
Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe loves you back — warm, soft, sweet, and comforting.
🔚 Conclusion
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are more than just a dessert — they’re a slice of Midwest comfort, a taste of tradition, and a big warm hug in edible form. This recipe brings together generations, memories, and that perfect blend of tart apples and sweet crust.
💌 Bake with love. Serve with pride. Watch them smile.
If you make it, tag me — I’d love to see your creations!
Let me know if you’d like a printable version, video tutorial, or a variation (like caramel or cream cheese apple slices!).