Chicago Style Bakery Apple Slices

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Chicago Style Bakery Apple Slices are the kind of dessert that instantly brings comfort. With a thick, buttery crust, a generous layer of cinnamon spiced apples, and a sweet glaze drizzled over the top, every bite tastes like something you would find in a neighborhood bakery window in the fall. They are rustic, simple, and packed with real apple flavor.

What makes these apple slices special is their balance. The base is sturdy yet tender, the filling is soft but not mushy, and the topping adds just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you serve them for dessert, bring them to a gathering, or enjoy one with your afternoon coffee, they always feel homemade in the best way.

Why You’ll Love This Chicago Style Bakery Apple Slices

This dessert is perfect when you want something comforting without making a traditional pie. The bar style makes slicing and serving easy, and the thick crust holds everything together beautifully. The apples stay juicy thanks to a light coating of sugar and flour, while the warm cinnamon flavor runs through every layer. It is a reliable recipe that feels nostalgic and impressive at the same time.

What Apples Work Best for Chicago Style Bakery Apple Slices?

The best apples for Chicago Style Bakery Apple Slices are firm varieties that hold their shape while baking. Granny Smith apples add a slight tartness that balances the sweetness of the crust and glaze. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work well if you prefer a sweeter filling. Using a mix of tart and sweet apples gives the most depth of flavor and prevents the slices from becoming overly soft.

Ingredients for the Chicago Style Bakery Apple Slices

The beauty of Chicago Style Bakery Apple Slices is how simple the ingredient list is. Each component plays an important role, from creating a sturdy crust to building a flavorful apple filling and smooth glaze.

• All purpose flour gives structure to the crust and helps thicken the apple filling as it bakes.
• Granulated sugar sweetens both the crust and the apple layer while helping create a golden finish.
• Unsalted butter adds richness and creates that tender bakery style texture in the crust.
• Eggs bind the crust ingredients together and provide stability.
• Baking powder gives the crust a slight lift so it is not too dense.
• Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Fresh apples are the heart of the recipe, bringing natural sweetness and texture.
• Ground cinnamon adds warmth and that classic apple bakery flavor.
• Powdered sugar is used to make the smooth glaze that tops the slices.
• Milk helps create a pourable glaze with the perfect consistency.
• Vanilla extract rounds out the flavor in both the crust and the glaze.

How To Make the Chicago Style Bakery Apple Slices

Making Chicago Style Bakery Apple Slices is straightforward and rewarding. Take your time layering each component for the best results.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Press and Layer

Press about two thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples, then toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and a small amount of flour. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.

Step 4: Add the Top Layer

Crumble or gently flatten pieces of the remaining dough over the apples. It does not need to completely cover the filling. The gaps allow the apples to peek through and bake beautifully.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the apples are tender. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before glazing.

Step 6: Glaze and Slice

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars, let it set, then slice into squares or rectangles.

Serving and Storing Chicago Style Bakery Apple Slices

This recipe serves about 12 to 15 people, depending on how large you cut the slices. They are sturdy enough to be picked up by hand, making them perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. Serve them slightly warm for a softer texture or at room temperature for clean, bakery style slices.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to five days. You can also freeze the slices without the glaze and add fresh glaze after thawing for the best texture.

What to Serve With Chicago Style Bakery Apple Slices?

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over a slightly warm slice creates a classic dessert pairing.

Fresh Whipped Cream

Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a soft and airy contrast to the dense crust.

Hot Coffee

The slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the apples and glaze.

Caramel Drizzle

A drizzle of warm caramel sauce enhances the apple and cinnamon flavors.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

For a traditional twist, serve a thin slice of sharp cheddar alongside the apple bars.

Spiced Chai Tea

Chai tea with its blend of spices complements the warm cinnamon notes in the filling.

Want More Dessert Ideas?

If you enjoy bakery style treats like these Chicago Style Bakery Apple Slices, you might also love trying some of these favorites:

If you love fruit based desserts, you will enjoy the bright and creamy Easy Banana Cream Pie that is perfect for any occasion.

For a cozy Southern classic, the Southern Hummingbird Cake brings together pineapple, banana, and warm spices in every slice.

Chocolate lovers should not miss the rich and fudgy Hot Fudge Brownie Bread that tastes like a cross between cake and brownies.

If you prefer something creamy and chilled, the No Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake is always a crowd pleaser.

Save This Recipe For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you mix different apple varieties or keep it classic? Did you add extra cinnamon or try a caramel drizzle on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health boosting drinks and homemade favorites on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go to for feeling great.

Conclusion

Chicago Style Bakery Apple Slices capture everything people love about a traditional apple dessert in a simple, sliceable form. With their buttery crust, tender cinnamon apples, and sweet glaze, they deliver bakery quality flavor right from your own kitchen. Once you make them, they are bound to become a regular request for holidays, gatherings, and cozy weekends at home.

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