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Chicago Style Bakery Apple Slices

Indulge in the nostalgic taste of classic Chicago-style bakery apple slices featuring a tender, cake-like base, a generous layer of spiced apples, and a buttery streusel topping, finished with a sweet vanilla glaze.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Bakery, Midwestern
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base Crust
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (2 sticks)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling
  • 6 medium Granny Smith apples about 2.5 lbs, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves optional
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
For the Streusel Topping
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (1 stick)
For the Vanilla Glaze
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons whole milk or water, adjust as needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Large mixing bowls (2-3)
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Paring knife
  • Vegetable Peeler
  • Whisk
  • Rubber Spatula
  • Pastry blender or food processor
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Prepare the Base Crust
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and mix until just combined, forming a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9x13 inch baking pan.
  6. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside while you prepare the filling. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Apple Filling
  1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, lemon juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cloves. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
  2. Pour the 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the apple mixture and toss again.
Assemble the Apple Slices
  1. Evenly spread the spiced apple mixture over the pre-baked crust in the baking pan.
Prepare the Streusel Topping
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
  2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry streusel mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until coarse crumbs form.
  3. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer in the baking pan.
Bake the Apple Slices
  1. Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a knife, the streusel is golden brown, and the edges are bubbling.
  2. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool completely before glazing, about 1-2 hours. This is crucial for the slices to set properly.
Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, if a thinner consistency is desired.
  2. Once the apple slices are completely cool, drizzle the vanilla glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, use a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and a slightly sweeter apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a more complex flavor.
Store leftover apple slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven if desired.
Ensure the apple slices are completely cooled before cutting; otherwise, they may fall apart.