Indulge in the iconic flavors of Chicago with these delectable Bakery Apple Slices. Featuring a flaky pie dough crust filled with luscious apple pie filling and topped with a sweet glaze, these slices are a taste of Midwest heaven. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a piece of Chicago to your kitchen!
Ingredients
For the Pie Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, chilled (2 1/2 sticks)
- 1/2 cup ice water, plus more as needed
For the Filling:
- 4 cups apple pie filling (canned is fine)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pie Dough
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Cut in Butter: Cut the chilled unsalted butter into small cubes and add them to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, 1/4 cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough comes together. Add more ice water as needed, but be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Form Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disc. Wrap the discs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Filling
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Prepare Filling: If using canned apple pie filling, transfer it to a mixing bowl and gently break up any large chunks of apples with a spoon.
3. Roll Out Dough and Assemble Slices
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled pie dough into a rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Add Filling: Spread half of the apple pie filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Cover with Second Dough: Roll out the second disc of pie dough into a rectangle of the same size and carefully place it over the apple filling.
- Seal Edges: Press the edges of the dough together to seal in the filling, using a fork to crimp the edges if desired.
- Cut into Slices: Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the filled dough into individual slices, about 2 inches wide and 4 inches long. Transfer the slices to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
4. Bake the Slices
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the apple slices for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool: Remove the slices from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Glaze
- Mix Glaze Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, softened unsalted butter, vanilla, and whole milk until smooth and creamy.
6. Glaze and Serve
- Drizzle Glaze: Drizzle the prepared glaze over the cooled apple slices, using a spoon or a pastry brush to spread it evenly.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these Chicago-style Bakery Apple Slices as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea!
Cook’s Tips and Variations
- Homemade Apple Pie Filling: If you prefer to make your own apple pie filling from scratch, you can use peeled and thinly sliced apples tossed with sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon juice.
- Spiced Glaze: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for a spiced flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple filling before covering with the second layer of dough for added texture and flavor.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I freeze the unbaked apple slices for later? A: Yes, you can assemble the apple slices and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe container or bag and store them for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen slices on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use store-bought pie dough instead of making it from scratch? A: Yes, you can use store-bought pie dough if you’re short on time. Just follow the instructions for rolling out the dough and assembling the slices as directed.
Q: Can I omit the glaze or use a different type of icing? A: While the glaze adds sweetness and flavor to the apple slices, you can omit it if desired or use a different type of icing such as cream cheese icing or caramel sauce for a different flavor profile.
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are a delightful dessert that captures the essence of the Windy City’s culinary heritage. With flaky pie dough, luscious apple filling, and a sweet glaze, these slices are sure to please your taste buds and transport you to a cozy bakery in Chicago. Whether enjoyed as a midday snack or a sweet ending to a meal, these apple slices are a true Midwest treat. Embrace the flavors of Chicago and savor every bite of these delicious Bakery Apple Slices!
