Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices – The Old-School Dessert Found Behind Glass Counters
If you’ve ever stood in a Chicago bakery staring at trays behind the glass, you’ve probably seen them — thick apple slices with a soft crust, tender cinnamon apples, and a sweet glaze that catches the light just right.
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices aren’t fancy or delicate. They’re sturdy, generous, and made to be eaten with a napkin and a cup of coffee. The crust is soft, the apple filling is spiced but not overpowering, and the glaze ties everything together in that unmistakable old-school bakery way.
This is the dessert people remember from childhood — the kind bakeries cut into neat rectangles and sell by the slice.
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
Ingredients
Crust
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2½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup sugar
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1 tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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2 large eggs
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½ cup vegetable oil
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Filling
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5–6 apples, peeled and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
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½ cup sugar
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1 tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp nutmeg
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1 tbsp lemon juice
Glaze
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2–3 tbsp milk
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½ tsp vanilla
Instructions
1) Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2) Make the Crust
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In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
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Add eggs, oil, and vanilla.
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Mix until a thick batter forms.
3) Spread the Base
Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
4) Prepare the Apples
In a bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
5) Add Apples
Arrange apples evenly over the batter, pressing lightly so they settle in.
6) Bake
Bake 40–45 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the crust comes out clean.
7) Glaze
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Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
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Drizzle glaze over warm bars.
8) Cool & Slice
Let cool completely, then cut into bakery-style rectangular slices.
Why These Apple Slices Work
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Soft cake-like crust instead of short pastry
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Plenty of apples without turning soggy
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Simple cinnamon spice lets apples shine
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Classic glaze finish like old bakery counters
They’re sturdy, sliceable, and made to travel well.
Tips for Authentic Bakery-Style Results
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Slice apples thin and evenly
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Don’t over-glaze — just enough for shine
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Let bars cool fully before cutting
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Use tart apples for balance
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For extra bakery flavor: add a pinch of cardamom
Serving Suggestions
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With coffee or tea
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Slightly warmed with whipped cream
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Packed for potlucks or bake sales
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Served plain, just like the bakery
FAQ – Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
Are these like apple pie bars?
Similar, but softer. The crust is cake-like rather than flaky.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes. They taste even better the next day.
How do I store them?
Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Can I freeze apple slices?
Yes. Freeze unglazed slices up to 2 months. Glaze after thawing.
