Apple Slices Recipe {Chicago Bakery Style Apple Squares} (2024)

FAQs

How do you prepare apple slices? ›

It's best if you slice apples about 1/4 – 1/2 inch thick. Any thicker, and they won't cook through by the time your crust does. Any thinner, and they'll dissolve and leave you with a soggy bottom crust.

Here's the short version: The best way to prevent browning is to soak the cut fruit in a saltwater solution (half a teaspoon of kosher salt per cup of water) for 10 minutes, then drain and store until ready to use. The mild salt flavor can be rinsed off with tap water before serving.

To use this method to prevent apples from turning brown, create a water bath for your apple slices with a ratio of 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 1 cup of water. Soak the apple slices for 3 to 5 minutes, then drain and rinse them. This simple step should keep your apples from browning for several hours.

Baking the apple slices first. It's the magic key to a crispy base, superior flavour and perfectly-cooked-and-never-mushy filling. It's also how you get a generous amount of pie filling without the dreaded giant empty cavity under the lid.

Any type of citrus juice—lemon, lime, or orange juice—will work here; pineapple juice will do the trick too. These fruit juices contain citric acid, which slows the chemical reaction and prevents browning. (You can also sprinkle the fruit with powdered citric acid, but it may leave a strong sour flavor.)

Yes, they will, unless soaked in a cold water bath containing either salt or lemon juice for at least 10 minutes, then drained and patted dry with a paper towel before being placed in the bag. You could also try adding straight lemon juice into the bag along with the apples, this can effect the taste.

To keep your apple slices fresh, you can freeze them. The cold will help to slow down the process of oxidation, which means that your apples won't turn brown as quickly. However, if you want to use them later on, then you'll need to thaw them out before doing so.

Salt Water

Just add a pinch of salt to a bowl of water; add your apple slices and let sit for about 5 minutes before draining. Since salt is a natural preservative, it'll protect the apple from oxidation. You can rinse the apples off with fresh water before eating, if desired.

What do you sprinkle on apple slices? ›

Mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Slice and core apple, placing apple slices on a small plate. Sprinkle slices with the cinnamon sugar.

The milk and water covered apple slices will brown as these liquids don't have any acidity to prevent the process of oxidation. You can take the apple slice experiment one step further with your students. Eventually, the apple slice, with the lemon juice, will fully absorb the lemon juice and start to brown.

Arrange apple slices in a single layer on dehydrator trays, ensuring there is space between pieces to allow airflow. Dehydrate at 135F/57C for 6-12 hours, until dry (see note 1).

Just soak cut apples in lemon-lime soda, like 7-Up or Sprite, for about 10 minutes. Drain them and they're ready to use. Since the flavor is neutral, the fruit needs no additional rinsing. Apples soaked in the lemon-lime soda will look good for a couple days.