Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices – A Classic Midwestern Bakery Treat
There’s something truly unforgettable about Chicago-style bakery apple slices. One bite instantly takes you to a neighborhood bakery window, where rows of golden, flaky pastries glisten under soft lights. These iconic apple slices are known for their tender, buttery crust, generous layers of sweet apple filling, and a smooth vanilla glaze that melts into every crevice. Unlike traditional apple pie, these slices are handheld, bakery-style desserts that feel both nostalgic and indulgent. Best of all, this recipe lets you recreate that irresistible bakery experience right in your own kitchen.
Loved for their simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor, these apple slices are perfect for holidays, bake sales, brunch tables, or a cozy afternoon treat with coffee. They look impressive, taste incredible, and are surprisingly easy to make with straightforward ingredients.
Ingredients and Their Roles
- All-Purpose Flour (4 cups) – Forms the foundation of the crust, providing structure while still allowing for a tender, flaky texture.
- Granulated Sugar (1 tablespoon) – Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough and enhances browning during baking.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) – Balances sweetness and intensifies the buttery flavor of the crust.
- Unsalted Butter, Chilled (1¼ cups / 2½ sticks) – The key to a flaky bakery-style crust; cold butter creates steam pockets that result in layers.
- Ice Water (½ cup, plus more as needed) – Brings the dough together while keeping the butter cold for maximum flakiness.
- Apple Pie Filling (4 cups) – Provides the classic sweet-tart apple flavor and soft texture that defines these slices.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup) – The base of the smooth, sweet glaze that finishes the slices beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter, Softened (2 tablespoons) – Adds richness and silkiness to the glaze.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the sweetness and delivers that signature bakery aroma.
- Whole Milk (2 tablespoons) – Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency for drizzling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt until evenly combined. Cut the chilled butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
Gradually add the ice water, starting with ¼ cup, mixing gently until the dough begins to come together. Add more water only if needed. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into discs, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the apple pie filling in a bowl and gently break up any large apple pieces to ensure even layers.
3. Assemble the Apple Slices
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a large rectangle about ⅛-inch thick. Spread half of the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll out the second disc and place it carefully on top.
Press and seal the edges, then cut the filled dough into slices approximately 2 inches wide and 4 inches long. Transfer the slices to the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow the slices to cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack.
5. Make the Vanilla Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla, and whole milk until smooth and creamy.
6. Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled apple slices. Let it set for a few minutes before serving.
Why This Recipe Is Loved
These Chicago-style bakery apple slices are beloved because they deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The flaky crust, rich apple filling, and classic glaze recreate a true bakery experience at home. They’re portable, easy to share, and taste even better the next day.
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Slices
- Keep all dough ingredients cold for the flakiest crust.
- Do not overfill to prevent leaking during baking.
- Let slices cool before glazing to avoid melting.
- For extra shine, apply a second thin layer of glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these apple slices with hot coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. They pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra bakery-style finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines bakery-quality flavor with simple, approachable steps, these Chicago-style bakery apple slices are the answer. With their flaky crust, luscious apple filling, and sweet vanilla glaze, they prove that you don’t need a professional bakery to create something truly special. This is the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite, requested again and again—and once you try it, you’ll understand exactly why.