Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices

These Chicago-Style Apple Slices are a nostalgic Midwest classic — tender, juicy apples nestled between layers of flaky, golden crust and topped with a simple vanilla glaze. Baked in a sheet pan and sliced into bars, they’re perfect for sharing at potlucks, holidays, or just because you’re craving something sweet and old-fashioned! 😍

📝 Ingredients:

For the dough:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk

For the apple filling:

6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great), peeled and sliced thin
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp flour

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Directions:

Make the dough:
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolk, vanilla, and milk. Add wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until combined. Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling:
In a bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour until well coated.
Assemble:
Roll out one dough disk to fit the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay it in the pan and press gently to fit. Pour apple mixture evenly over the crust. Roll out second dough disk and place over the top, pinching edges to seal. Cut small slits for steam to escape.
Bake:
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let cool.
Make the glaze:
Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled apple slices.
Cut into squares or “slices” and serve!