Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices

 

Buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and sweet vanilla glaze—just like your favorite Chicago bakery

These Chicago-style apple slices are a classic Midwestern bakery dessert. They feature a tender, flaky crust, a generously spiced apple filling, and a smooth vanilla glaze on top. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, bake sales, or whenever you want that nostalgic bakery-style treat.

 Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup cold milk (add gradually, as needed)

For the Apple Filling

• 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze

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

 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

1 Prepare the Crust

• In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt
• Add cold cubed butter
• Cut butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture looks like coarse crumbs
• Slowly add cold milk, a little at a time, mixing just until dough comes together

Do not overmix — the cold butter creates a flaky crust

• Divide dough into two portions
• Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes

2 Make the Apple Filling

• In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla
• Toss well until apples are evenly coated
• Set aside while you roll the dough

3 Assemble the Apple Slices

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan
• Roll out the first dough portion and press it into the bottom of the pan
• Spread apple filling evenly over the crust
• Roll out the second dough portion and place it gently on top
• Pinch or press edges lightly to seal

4 Bake

• Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until:
  • Top is lightly golden
  • Apple filling is bubbling

If the top browns too fast, loosely cover with foil

5 Cool Completely

• Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before glazing
  ⚠️ This is important so the glaze sets properly

6 Prepare the Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth
• Adjust milk for desired thickness
• Drizzle glaze generously over cooled apple slices

 Pro Bakery Tips

Use thinly sliced apples for even baking
Chill dough if it gets too soft
Let slices cool fully before cutting for clean edges
For extra shine, brush top crust with a little milk before baking

Variations & Add-Ins

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans
• Add raisins for old-school bakery flavor
• Swap glaze for a powdered sugar dusting
• Add a pinch of cloves for deeper spice Serving Suggestions

• Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed
• Perfect with coffee  or tea
• Amazing with vanilla ice cream