Description

Chicago-style bakery apple slices are a nostalgic Midwest dessert featuring flaky pie crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a sweet vanilla glaze—like apple pie in bar form, perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced thin

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 package (2 sheets) store-bought pie crusts (or homemade equivalent)

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons milk (more if needed)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour until well coated.
Roll out one sheet of pie crust and press it into the bottom of the baking dish, allowing it to slightly go up the sides.
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
Roll out the second pie crust and lay it over the apple filling. Pinch or tuck the edges to seal.
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and cut a few slits to allow steam to escape.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes.
While cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled apple bars, allow to set, then cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for crunch.

Mix Granny Smith with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for balanced flavor.

Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for a bakery-style finish.

Use maple extract instead of vanilla for a fall twist.

Top with streusel before baking for extra texture.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for 5 days.

To reheat, microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

Freezes well; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 290
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg