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**Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices: A Nostalgic Bakery Treat**
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are a beloved old-fashioned dessert, popular in classic Chicago bakeries. With a flaky crust, tender apple filling, and sweet glaze, this dessert brings back memories of bustling bakery windows filled with tempting treats. These apple slices are baked in a sheet pan and cut into squares, making them perfect for sharing at family gatherings, potlucks, or as a nostalgic homemade treat. If you’re a fan of apple pie, this recipe offers a unique twist that’s sure to delight. Here’s how to make this vintage dessert and bring the taste of Chicago bakeries into your kitchen.
### Ingredients
For the Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices, you’ll need:
#### Crust
– **3 cups all-purpose flour**
– **1 teaspoon salt**
– **1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter**, cut into cubes
– **1 large egg**
– **1/2 cup cold water**
– **1 teaspoon white vinegar**
#### Apple Filling
– **6-8 large tart apples**, such as Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
– **1 cup granulated sugar**
– **1/4 cup all-purpose flour**
– **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon**
– **1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg** (optional)
– **1 tablespoon lemon juice**
– **2 tablespoons unsalted butter**, cut into small pieces
#### Glaze
– **1 cup powdered sugar**
– **2-3 tablespoons milk**
– **1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract**
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### Instructions
1. **Make the Crust:**
– In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
– In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and vinegar. Add this mixture to the flour and butter mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together.
– Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan or sheet pan.
3. **Prepare the Apple Filling:**
– In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice until well coated.
4. **Assemble the Apple Slices:**
– Roll out one half of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit the bottom of the prepared pan. Place the dough in the pan, pressing it gently to fit.
– Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough. Dot the filling with the small pieces of butter.
– Roll out the remaining dough and place it on top of the apple filling. Press the edges to seal and trim any excess dough. Poke several small holes in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
5. **Bake the Apple Slices:**
– Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. Let the apple slices cool completely in the pan.
6. **Make the Glaze:**
– In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
7. **Finish and Serve:**
– Drizzle the glaze over the cooled apple slices. Allow the glaze to set before cutting into squares. Serve the apple slices at room temperature or chilled.
### Tips for the Best Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
– **Use Tart Apples**: Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape during baking and balance the sweetness of the glaze. You can mix them with other varieties for a complex flavor.
– **Chill the Dough**: Keeping the dough cold before rolling helps create a flaky crust. Work quickly to prevent the butter from softening too much.
– **Don’t Overfill the Pan**: Make sure the apple slices are evenly distributed in the pan, but not piled too high. This will help the filling cook evenly.
### Recipe Variations
While the classic version of Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices is delicious as is, you can try some variations to suit your tastes:
– **Add Nuts**: Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple filling for a bit of crunch.
– **Spice It Up**: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warm, fall-inspired flavor.
– **Cranberry Twist**: Stir in a handful of dried cranberries with the apples for a sweet and tart twist.
### Serving Suggestions
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices can be enjoyed on their own, but here are some ways to elevate this dessert:
– **With a Scoop of Ice Cream**: Serve warm apple slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
– **Drizzle with Caramel Sauce**: A touch of caramel sauce adds extra sweetness and richness to each bite.
– **Whipped Cream Topping**: A dollop of freshly whipped cream makes for a light and airy topping.
### Storage and Reheating
– **Storage**: Store any leftover apple slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
– **Freezing**: These apple slices freeze well. Once cooled and glazed, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
– **Reheating**: Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes if you prefer them warm.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are a delightful throwback to the days when bakeries offered simple yet satisfying treats. This dessert captures the comforting essence of homemade apple pie but with a nostalgic touch that makes it truly special. The combination of the tender apple filling, flaky crust, and sweet glaze creates a dessert that’s sure to bring back memories and create new ones.
### Conclusion
If you’re in the mood for a classic bakery treat, give this Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices recipe a try. It’s a deliciously simple dessert that’s perfect for sharing and celebrating the flavors of fall. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee, a scoop of ice cream, or just on its own, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy a slice of Chicago bakery history with every bite!