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Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are a beloved treat, often found in traditional bakeries in Chicago. They feature a flaky pastry crust, a sweet and spiced apple filling, and a drizzle of sweet glaze. Here’s how you can make them at home:
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 4-5 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Make the Pastry:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Assemble the Apple Slices:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a rectangle (about 12×9 inches). Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the apples. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork or your fingers. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
- Finish and Serve:
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm apple slices. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles.
Tips:
- Chill the Dough: Keeping the dough cold ensures a flaky crust. If it gets too warm while rolling, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Apple Variety: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
- Serve Warm: These are best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
These Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are a nostalgic and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Let me know if you try them or need more baking ideas! 😊🍎🍯
