Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices Recipe

Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are a delightful dessert that features a rich, buttery pie crust filled with sweet, tender apple filling, all topped with a sweet glaze. This recipe brings back nostalgic memories of bakery treats and is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a special family dessert. The combination of the flaky crust and the gooey apple filling makes it an irresistible treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Pie Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, chilled (2 1/2 sticks)
• 1/2 cup ice water, plus more as needed

For the Filling:

• 4 cups apple pie filling (canned is fine)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

Making the Pie Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter:
   • Cut the chilled butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Ice Water:
   • Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You may need a bit more than 1/2 cup, but add water sparingly to avoid a sticky dough.
4. Form the Dough:
   • Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Assembling the Apple Slices:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll Out Dough:
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to fit a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Transfer the dough to the pan and press it into the corners.
3. Add the Filling:
   • Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the crust.
4. Top with Second Dough:
   • Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the apple filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. Poke a few holes in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

Making the Glaze:

1. Combine Glaze Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
2. Glaze the Apple Slices:
   • After removing the apple slices from the oven, let them cool for about 15 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm apple slices.
3. Cool Completely:
   • Allow the glazed apple slices to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Cook’s Notes and Variations

• Apple Pie Filling: If you prefer to make your own filling, peel, core, and slice about 6-8 apples and cook them with 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice until tender.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the apple filling for extra flavor.
• Crispier Crust: For a crispier crust, brush the top dough with a beaten egg before baking.
• Nuts: Add some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the filling for added texture and flavor.

Keto Version

To make a keto-friendly version, use almond flour and a low-carb sweetener for the crust, and opt for a homemade apple filling using a sugar substitute.

For the Pie Dough:

• 4 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup low-carb sweetener
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, chilled (2 1/2 sticks)
• 1/2 cup ice water, plus more as needed

For the Filling:

• 4 cups of a low-carb apple substitute (chayote squash or zucchini) cooked with cinnamon, lemon juice, and a low-carb sweetener to mimic apple filling.

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered erythritol
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk

Follow the same instructions as above, substituting the ingredients accordingly.

Low-Carb Version

For a low-carb version, similar substitutions can be made as in the keto version. Use almond flour for the crust and a sugar substitute for the filling and glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought pie crust? A: Yes, for convenience, you can use store-bought pie crusts. Simply roll them out to fit your baking pan.

Q: How do I store leftover apple slices? A: Store any leftover apple slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze the apple slices? A: Yes, these apple slices can be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: What kind of apples should I use for homemade filling? A: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well for making your own apple pie filling due to their firmness and balanced sweetness.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for the crust.

Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are a classic dessert that brings the comforting flavors of apple pie in a convenient slice form. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or adapt it to meet dietary needs, these apple slices are sure to be a hit. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or simply as a treat to enjoy with your family, this recipe is a keeper. Enjoy baking and savoring this delightful dessert!