Go Back

Chicago-Style Apple Slices

A tender and flavorful slab-style dessert with a cinnamon-spiced apple filling, flaky crust, and a sweet glaze, perfect for gatherings and family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 24 slices
Course: Baked Goods, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 240
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Apple Filling
  • 9 cups apples, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick A mix of Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji works best.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar For the filling; adjust sugar based on apple variety.
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon For flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg Optional; add a pinch of clove for deeper warmth.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Balances sweetness and keeps apples bright.
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch Keeps filling from running; can substitute with 1/4 cup flour.
Crust
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar For the dough.
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 large egg yolk Adds tenderness.
  • 1/2 cup cold milk
Glaze
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • a tiny pinch salt To balance sweetness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
  3. For the crust, combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
  4. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Stir in the egg yolk and milk until a dough forms. Divide dough in half, wrap, and chill.
Assembly & Baking
  1. Roll out one half of the dough to fit a lightly greased 13x18 rimmed baking sheet, leaving some overhang.
  2. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the bottom crust.
  3. Roll out the second half of the dough and cover the apples, sealing edges by pinching together.
  4. Cut 6 to 8 small slits in the top crust for steam vents.
  5. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Glazing
  1. Let the pan cool for at least 45 minutes before glazing.
  2. In a bowl, mix together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt to create the glaze.
  3. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled apple slices before slicing into squares.

Notes

Rewarm in a low oven before serving for best texture. For a lighter version, reduce glaze and sugar in the filling. Store leftovers at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge for up to 4 days.