Chicago-Style Apple Slices (Printer-Friendly)
Soft cinnamon-spiced apple slices atop buttery shortbread, finished with a sweet vanilla glaze.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Crust & Crumble
01 -
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 -
¾ cup granulated sugar
03 -
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
04 -
1 teaspoon baking powder
05 -
½ teaspoon salt
06 -
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
07 -
1 large egg
08 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Apple Filling
09 -
6 cups peeled, thinly sliced Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples
10 -
½ cup granulated sugar
11 -
¼ cup brown sugar
12 -
2 tablespoons cornstarch
13 -
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
14 -
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
15 -
1 tablespoon lemon juice
16 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Glaze (optional)
17 -
1 cup powdered sugar
18 -
2–3 tablespoons milk
19 -
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
02 -
In a bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until a soft dough forms.
03 -
Press about two-thirds of the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust layer.
04 -
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until apples are evenly coated.
05 -
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust base. Crumble the remaining dough over the apples to create a topping.
06 -
Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
07 -
Allow to cool at room temperature for at least 45 minutes to ensure filling sets.
08 -
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle glaze evenly over cooled bars.
09 -
Cut into bakery-style squares and serve.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Using tart apple varieties such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp ensures a balanced sweetness and tartness in the filling.