🍎 Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
Chicago‑Style Bakery Apple Slices are a classic treat found in bakeries around Chicago. They feature a buttery crust, a thick layer of cinnamon apples, and a sweet glaze on top.
🧾 Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
For the apple filling
- 4–5 cups sliced apple
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup water
For the glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
🍰 Instructions
1. Make the crust
Mix flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly. Press into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Bake the crust
Bake at 175°C / 350°F for about 15 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Prepare the apples
In a saucepan combine sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, lemon juice, and water. Cook over medium heat until the apples soften and the mixture thickens.
4. Assemble
Spread the warm apple mixture over the baked crust.
5. Bake again
Return to the oven for 20–25 minutes.
6. Add glaze
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, then drizzle over the cooled apple slices.
⭐ Tips for Bakery-Style Results
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith apple or Honeycrisp apple.
- Let the dessert cool completely before slicing for clean squares.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
🍏 Result: Soft cinnamon apples on a buttery crust with sweet glaze—just like a Midwest bakery favorite.
If you want, I can also show you the secret trick Chicago bakeries use to keep the apple layer thick and perfectly sliceable.
