Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices Recipe

Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices Recipe

Ingredients

For the dough

All-purpose flour – 4 cups, the foundation of the crust

Salt – 1 teaspoon, to enhance flavor

Unsalted butter – 1 cup, cold and cut into small cubes for flakiness

Cold water – ½ cup, to bring the dough together

Egg – 1 large, beaten, for brushing the top crust to give it shine and color

For the filling

Apples – 10 cups, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced for a tender, juicy filling

Granulated sugar – 1 ½ cups, for sweetness

Light brown sugar – ½ cup, packed, for depth and a hint of caramel flavor

Ground cinnamon – 2 teaspoons, adds warmth and spice

Ground nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon, for subtle aromatic depth

All-purpose flour – 3 tablespoons, to thicken the filling juices

Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons, to brighten the flavors and balance the sweetness

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually drizzle in the cold water, stirring until the dough begins to come together.

Gather into a ball, divide into two equal portions, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.

Step 2: Make the apple filling

In another large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice.

Toss well until the apples are evenly coated and the mixture is glossy.

Step 3: Roll out the bottom crust

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Lightly grease a 10×15-inch baking pan.

On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to fit the bottom and sides of the pan.

Transfer carefully into the pan, pressing it evenly across the base.

Step 4: Add the filling

Spread the apple mixture evenly over the prepared crust, making sure the apples are distributed in a level layer.

Step 5: Roll out the top crust

Roll out the second portion of dough and place it gently over the apple filling.

Pinch or crimp the edges to seal the crusts together.

Brush the surface with beaten egg for shine, and cut a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

Step 6: Bake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 7: Cool and serve

Allow the apple slices to cool in the pan before cutting into squares or rectangles.

Serve warm or at room temperature, plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.