Introduction

If you grew up near Chicago, you might remember walking into a local bakery and seeing big trays of apple slices cooling in the display case. They weren’t fancy or overly sweet, but they carried that unmistakable aroma of baked apples, buttery crust, and a drizzle of simple glaze. Just one bite felt like home—warm, cozy, and made to be shared.

This recipe brings that bakery magic right into your own kitchen. With a tender, flaky crust and a sweet, cinnamon-kissed apple filling, these slices are just the right balance of nostalgic and timeless. Unlike traditional apple pie, Chicago-style apple slices are baked in a rectangular pan, making them easy to cut into squares for serving at family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday tables.

It’s the kind of dessert that instantly transports you back to simpler times. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or pack it up for a school bake sale, this recipe is guaranteed to win hearts (and appetites) wherever it goes.

 

 

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 large eggs
• 5–6 tablespoons cold water

For the Apple Filling

• 8 cups apples (about 6–8), peeled, cored, thinly sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

 

 

How to Make Chicago-Style Apple Slices

Step 1 – Make the Dough
Whisk flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. In a small bowl, beat eggs with 5 tablespoons cold water, then mix into flour until dough comes together. Add extra water if needed. Divide into two balls, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 2 – Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 3 – Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, toss apples with sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until evenly coated.

Step 4 – Assemble
Roll out one dough portion into a rectangle and press into the pan. Add apple filling and drizzle with melted butter. Roll out second dough portion and place on top. Seal edges and cut slits in the top crust.

Step 5 – Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes until crust is golden and apples are tender. If edges brown too fast, cover with foil.

Step 6 – Glaze & Serve
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm apple slices and let set for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

 

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crowd-pleasing dessert – Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or Sunday family dinners.
• Easier than pie – Bakes in a 9×13 pan, so you don’t need to fuss with pie plates.
• Make-ahead friendly – Tastes just as good the next day (if it lasts that long!).
• Nostalgic comfort food – Brings back the taste of old-fashioned bakery favorites.

 

 

Tips for Success

• Mix apple varieties – Try combining Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness.
• Chill your dough – Keeps the butter cold and results in a flaky crust.
• Avoid soggy bottoms – Blind bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes if you want extra crispness.
• Glaze timing – Drizzle glaze while warm for it to melt slightly, or wait until cooled for a thicker finish.

 

Variations

• Apple-Pear Mix – Swap in half pears for a fall twist.
• Cinnamon Glaze – Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the glaze for extra spice.
• Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the filling before sealing with the top crust.
• Mini Version – Bake in muffin tins for individual portions.

 

 

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes—use two ready-made crusts for convenience.

2. What kind of apples work best?
A mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp, Fuji) gives the best flavor balance.

3. Can these be frozen?
Yes. Bake fully, cool, and freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

4. How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave individual slices.

5. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Bake in a sheet pan for a larger crowd.

 

 

Storage & Make Ahead

• Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze glazed or unglazed slices for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

 

 

Conclusion

Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are more than just dessert—they’re a tradition. With their flaky crust, tender apples, and simple glaze, they’re the perfect blend of homestyle comfort and bakery elegance. Whether you’re making them for the holidays or just because, this recipe guarantees warm smiles and empty plates.