🍏🥧 Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
These are crisp, sweet, and just a little gooey in the middle. Think of them like apple pie bars with a buttery, flaky pastry and cinnamon-spiced apple filling — perfect for serving at room temp or slightly warm.
🧾 Ingredients (Makes 12–15 slices)
🔸 For the Crust:
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3½ cups all-purpose flour
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1½ tsp salt
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1 tbsp granulated sugar
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1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
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1 egg, lightly beaten
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½ cup cold water
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1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
🔸 For the Apple Filling:
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8–9 cups tart apples, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith or Cortland)
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¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
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¼ cup brown sugar
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2 tbsp flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
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1½ tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
🔸 For the Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp milk or water
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½ tsp vanilla extract
🔪 Instructions
1. Make the Crust
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In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and sugar.
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Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Mix egg, cold water, and vinegar in a small bowl, then pour into the flour mixture.
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Stir until dough just comes together. Divide in two, shape into discs, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
2. Make the Filling
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In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour/cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla.
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Let sit while you roll the dough.
3. Assemble
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Roll out one disc of dough to fit a 13×9-inch baking dish or sheet pan.
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Lay it in the pan, pressing slightly up the sides.
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Add the apple filling and dot with butter.
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Roll out the second crust and lay it on top. Seal the edges and cut slits or poke holes to vent.
4. Bake
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
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Cool in the pan on a rack.
5. Glaze
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While warm or cooled, whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over the top.
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Let set before cutting into rectangles or squares.
✅ Tips:
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For extra flakiness, brush the top crust with a bit of milk or egg wash before baking.
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Let cool completely for cleaner slices.
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Stores well at room temp for a day or two; refrigerate for longer keeping.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
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Serve warm or room temp — they’re delicious both ways.
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Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a full dessert experience.
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Great for potlucks, bake sales, or just old-school snacking with coffee.
Would you like a shortening-based crust, puff pastry version, or a fall spice twist with cloves and allspice?
