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

FAQs

How do you prepare apple slices? ›

Apple Treatment Method: Lemon-Lime Soda

I soaked the slices in soda for five minutes, then rinsed in a colander under running tap water. Surprisingly, this worked much better than using lemon water. The slices on the plate looked fresh for nearly three hours, and in the bag for nearly six hours.

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.

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.

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.

You don't want some thick solid apples and some thin mushy apples. You want them all to be tender, while retaining some texture. Aim for about 1/4-inch-thick slices. If the apple slices are too thin, they'll just pack themselves down and you'll be on your way to making an applesauce pie.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you're going to cook apples, it's fine to prep them a day or two in advance.

If the recipe calls for 6 cups of sliced apples, you'll likely need about 8 medium-sized apples, or about 2 pounds of medium-sized apples.

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.

Lemon Juice

If you have fresh lemons laying around, then you might prefer this quick and easy method. Just squeeze a half lemon over your apple slices and let the high acidity from the lemon juice do the work! The apple will eventually brown quicker than using salt water or honey water, but it can work when in a pinch.

It's a chemical reaction that happens when the sugar in apple slices reacts with oxygen. This process is called oxidation. It can be prevented by storing apples with their skin on and using them quickly. But if they are cut open or bruised, it will only take about 5 minutes for them to start turning brown.

What tool is used to thinly slice apples? ›

A mandolin lets you cut apples into different widths or with crimped edges. It's great for making the base of an apple sandwich and can also dress up any snack plate.

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).

3. Sprite. It's not the healthiest option (I mean, it's soda), but soaking your apple slices in Sprite or another lemon-lime soda for about three minutes can prevent browning. Drain and store in an airtight container after soaking.

Packaged apples found at McDonalds or in your local produce section are usually treated with a solution of calcium ascorbate (a blend of calcium and vitamin C) or citric acid (found in citrus fruit) to maintain freshness and color. Both are very safe to use on fruit that will be consumed.