About This Recipe
A classic recipe for Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices, featuring a flaky crust and sweet apple filling.
Ingredients
12 servings
For the Crust
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 large eggs
- 5-6 tablespoons cold water
For the Apple Filling
- 8 cups (about 6-8) apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Kitchen Tools
Large mixing bowl, pastry cutter, small bowl, plastic wrap, 9x13-inch baking pan, rolling pin, whisk
Instructions
Preparing the Crust
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2
In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs and add 5 tablespoons of cold water. Slowly add this egg mixture to the flour and butter, stirring until the dough starts to come together. If needed, add an additional tablespoon of cold water, 1 teaspoon at a time.
3
Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Filling and Assembly
4
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
5
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until the apples are evenly coated.
6
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into a large rectangle and transfer it to the prepared pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Pour the apple mixture over the dough and spread it out evenly. Drizzle the melted butter over the apples.
7
Roll out the second portion of dough and carefully place it over the apples. Press the edges to seal and cut a few slits in the top crust.
Baking and Glazing
8
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the edges brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil.
9
While the apple slices are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
10
Once the apple slices have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Chef's Tips
- Use a combination of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor.
- Keep the butter cold for a flaky crust.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm butter, which results in a tough crust.
- Overmixing the dough, which also leads to a tough crust.
- Not chilling the dough, which affects the flakiness.
Variations
- Caramel Apple Slices: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before baking.
- Apple Cranberry Slices: Add dried cranberries to the apple filling for a tart flavor.
- Apple Nut Slices: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling.
Storage & Freezing
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Enjoy these homemade Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices for a taste of classic comfort. Perfect for any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp is recommended for the best flavor.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Blind-bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the apple filling.
Can the dough be made ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Can these apple slices be frozen?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
What is the best way to serve these apple slices?
Serve warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the powdered sugar glaze.
Related Keywords
apple pie
apple dessert
bakery dessert
homemade dessert
comfort food