Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are a nostalgic Midwestern dessert you’ll find in old neighborhood bakeries—thick, generous squares packed with tender apples, warm spices, and a buttery crust. They’re rustic, comforting, and meant to be eaten with a fork (or your hands, bakery-style).
Description
Unlike a classic round apple pie, these apple slices are baked in a large sheet pan and cut into hearty rectangles. The filling is loaded with sliced apples cooked until soft and cinnamon-spiced, layered over a sturdy crust and often finished with a crumb topping or light glaze.
Who this recipe is for
This recipe is perfect for apple lovers, fans of old-school bakery desserts, and anyone feeding a crowd. It’s ideal for potlucks, church gatherings, holidays, or weekend baking when you want something familiar and comforting.
Why it’s great
You get more filling than crust, bold apple flavor, and easy slicing with no fuss. It holds well, travels well, and tastes just as good the next day—sometimes even better.
Ingredients
You’ll need all-purpose flour, sugar, butter or shortening, salt, and baking powder for the crust. For the filling: peeled sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Optional additions include vanilla extract, raisins, or a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Kitchen equipment needed
A large mixing bowl, pastry cutter or fork, rolling pin, 9×13-inch (or larger) baking pan, saucepan, and spatula are all that’s required.
Method
Prepare the crust by mixing the dry ingredients and cutting in the butter until crumbly, then pressing or rolling it into the bottom of the pan. Par-bake lightly if you want a firmer base.
Cook the apple filling on the stovetop until the apples begin to soften and the mixture thickens. Spread evenly over the crust. Add a crumb topping if desired, then bake until bubbling and golden. Let cool before slicing into squares, finishing with a light glaze if you like.
Storage
Apple slices keep well covered at room temperature for one day or refrigerated for up to four days. They can also be frozen and thawed without losing texture.
FAQ
Granny Smith apples are traditional, but a mix of tart and sweet apples works beautifully. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly. These slices are meant to be thick and hearty, not delicate.
Conclusion
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are pure comfort—simple, generous, and deeply satisfying. With their tender apple filling and buttery base, they capture everything people love about classic bakery desserts in one easy-to-serve pan.
Enjoy !!!
