Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices: A Delectable Treat

Introduction

Chicago-style bakery apple slices are a delightful dessert that features a flaky pie crust, gooey apple filling, and a sugary glaze. Even if you’ve never been to Chicago, you can recreate this bakery classic in your own kitchen. This recipe not only walks you through the process of making these luscious apple slices but also includes nutritional information and Weight Watchers points, making it easy to enjoy without any guilt.

Ingredients

For the Pie Dough:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, chilled (equivalent to 2 1/2 sticks)
  • 1/2 cup ice water, plus additional as needed

For the Filling:

  • 4 cups apple pie filling (canned is perfectly fine for convenience)

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk

Nutritional Information

Before diving into the preparation, let’s break down the nutritional information and Weight Watchers points for the Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices.

  • Servings: 16 squares
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 300
  • Total Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Weight Watchers Points: Approximately 10 points per serving

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Making the Pie Dough

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This forms the base for your pie dough.
  2. Incorporate the Butter: Remove one stick of butter from the fridge and grate it over the flour mixture using a cheese grater. If the butter becomes too soft, place it in the freezer for a few minutes until firm, then continue with the next stick. Repeat this process until all 1 1/4 cups of butter have been grated, stirring to incorporate the butter into the flour.
  • Alternative Method: You can cube or slice the butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or two forks if you prefer not to grate.
  1. Add Ice Water: Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in 1/2 cup of ice water. Using a fork, quickly toss the mixture to combine.
  2. Adjust Moisture: Refill your ice water container, then drizzle in 2 tablespoons of cold water at a time, stirring after each addition. Continue until the dough is moist and holds together easily, being careful not to add too much water. The dough should not be sticky, and you should see small pieces of butter throughout.
  3. Knead and Chill: On a lightly floured surface, gently knead the dough just to bring it together. Divide the dough in half and flatten each half into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Wrap each rectangle in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.

Step 2: Prepping to Bake

  1. Preheat the Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch jelly roll pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
  2. Roll Out the Dough: Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Take one rectangle of chilled dough and roll it out until it is roughly the same size as your jelly roll pan. Carefully press the rolled dough into the bottom of the pan, ensuring it covers the edges.

Step 3: Filling the Apple Slices

  1. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread 4 cups of apple pie filling over the pie dough. If you’re using canned filling, you can skip the prep time and simply pour it straight into the pan.
  2. Top with Second Dough Layer: Roll out the second rectangle of dough to match the size of the pan. Transfer this dough over the apple filling. You can roll it up using a rolling pin for easier transfer.
  3. Seal the Edges: Pinch the edges of the top dough to the bottom layer. Don’t worry if they aren’t sealed perfectly; the pie will still bake beautifully.
  4. Vent the Top: Slice a few small vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. This helps to prevent a soggy crust.

Step 4: Baking

  1. Bake the Apple Slices: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even browning. The crust should turn a golden brown color.
  2. Cooling: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool completely. This will allow the filling to set up nicely.

Step 5: Making the Glaze

  1. Prepare the Glaze: While the pie cools, make the glaze. In a medium bowl, beat together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of whole milk until smooth.
  2. Glaze the Pie: Once the pie has cooled, spread the glaze evenly over the top of the crust. This adds a delightful sweetness that complements the apple filling.
  3. Set the Glaze: Allow the glaze to set and harden for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Serving

  1. Slice and Serve: Once the glaze has set, slice the apple slices into squares and serve. These treats are perfect for gatherings or as a comforting dessert for a cozy evening.

Tips and Tricks

  • Choosing Apples: While you can use canned apple filling for convenience, consider making your own with fresh apples for a homemade touch. Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.
  • Variations: Experiment with different fillings, such as cherry or blueberry, for a twist on the classic apple slice. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple filling for extra flavor.

Conclusion

These Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices are not just a dessert; they’re a nostalgic experience that brings the taste of a classic bakery right to your kitchen. With their flaky crust, gooey apple filling, and sweet glaze, they are bound to become a cherished recipe in your collection. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, these apple slices are sure to impress. Happy baking!