Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices: A Homely Delight
There's something undeniably comforting about a warm, flaky pastry filled with sweet apple goodness. This Chicago-style bakery apple slice recipe is a testament to that classic appeal. With its buttery crust, tangy apple filling, and sweet glaze, it’s a treat that's perfect for any occasion. Let's dive into the heart of this recipe, exploring its ingredients, steps, and the secrets to baking perfection.
Understanding the Chicago-Style Apple Slice
Before we embark on the baking journey, it's essential to understand the hallmark characteristics of a Chicago-style apple slice. Unlike traditional apple pies, this variation boasts a rectangular shape, often baked in a jelly roll pan. The crust, while flaky, tends to be slightly thicker, providing a sturdy base for the generous apple filling. The overall taste profile is a balance of sweet, tart, and buttery, with a hint of cinnamon and spice.
Ingredients
To recreate this classic treat at home, you'll need the following ingredients:
For the Pie Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter, chilled (2 ½ sticks)
- ½ 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 extract
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
Preparing the Pie Dough:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt to create a homogenous mixture.
- Grate the Butter: Remove one stick of butter from the refrigerator. Using a cheese grater, grate the butter directly into the flour mixture. Repeat with the remaining butter, ensuring it remains chilled to prevent melting. Alternatively, you can cut the butter into small cubes and incorporate it using a pastry blender or two forks.
- Create the Dough: Form a well in the center of the flour mixture. Gradually add ice water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. Avoid adding excess water, as the dough should be moist but not sticky.
- Form and Chill: Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling process helps develop the flaky texture of the crust.
Assembling and Baking the Apple Slices:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch jelly roll pan.
- Roll Out the Dough: Divide the chilled dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to match the size of the jelly roll pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared pan.
- Add the Filling: Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the bottom crust.
- Top with the Second Crust: Roll out the remaining dough to the same size as the bottom crust. Place it over the apple filling, crimping the edges to seal.
- Vent and Bake: Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
Preparing the Glaze:
While the apple slices cool on a wire rack, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
Glazing and Serving:
Once the apple slices have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Apple Slices
- Cold Butter is Key: The colder the butter, the flakier your crust will be.
- Avoid Overworking the Dough: Excessive handling can result in a tough crust.
- Use High-Quality Apples: The flavor of your apple slices will be greatly influenced by the type of apples you use. A combination of sweet and tart apples works well.
- Don't Overfill: Too much filling can prevent the crust from baking properly.
- Let it Cool: Allow the apple slices to cool completely before glazing for best results.
By following these steps and incorporating the provided tips, you can create delicious Chicago-style apple slices that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
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