McDonald’s Apple Pie is a beloved dessert that has delighted customers for decades with its warm, comforting flavor. Introduced in 1968, it quickly became a favorite for its sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling wrapped in a crisp, golden pastry shell.
Originally deep-fried, the pie later transitioned to a baked version in many markets, offering a slightly healthier take while preserving its signature taste.
Made with real apple slices and a flaky crust, the McDonald’s Apple Pie is the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Served hot, it’s a classic treat that pairs perfectly with any meal or coffee on the go.
The crispy, golden-brown McDonald’s Apple Pie has been a beloved fast-food dessert for decades. Though the original version used to be deep-fried, today it’s mostly baked in stores (depending on the region).
If you want to recreate this iconic treat at home — with the flaky crust, gooey cinnamon-apple filling, and satisfying crunch — this easy recipe brings that nostalgic flavor to your kitchen.
McDonald’s Apple Pie: The Amazing Ultimate Dessert Recipe You Need to Try
Description
McDonald’s Apple Pie is a warm, flaky dessert featuring a crispy, golden-brown pastry filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling.
Unlike traditional fried pies, McDonald’s version is baked, offering a lighter texture while still delivering satisfying crunch and warmth.
The apples are tender and slightly tart, perfectly balanced with the rich blend of sugar and spice.
A beloved classic on McDonald’s menu, it pairs perfectly with coffee or ice cream and is ideal for a quick sweet treat on the go. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and consistently popular for its simplicity and taste.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
For Frying or Baking:
Instructions
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Prepare the Apple Filling
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir well and cook for 3–5 minutes until apples soften slightly.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Pour into the apple mixture and stir until thickened (about 1–2 minutes). Let it cool completely.
Tip: You can make this filling a day ahead and refrigerate.
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Shape the Pies
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Roll out the puff pastry slightly on a floured surface for a thinner, crispier finish.
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Cut each sheet into 4 equal rectangles (8 total).
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Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the cooled apple mixture onto half of each rectangle, leaving a border around the edges.
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Brush edges with water or egg wash.
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Fold the dough over to form a pocket and press edges with a fork to seal.
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Optional: Cut 2–3 small slits on the top of each pie for venting.
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Cook the Apple Pies
Option 1: Frying (Classic McDonald's Style)
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Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry pies in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp.
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Drain on paper towels and cool slightly before serving.
Option 2: Baking (Healthier)
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Place pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
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Bake for 18–22 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
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Cool and Serve
Let pies cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. The filling will be very hot right out of the oven or fryer. Enjoy them warm with coffee, ice cream, or just as they are.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 230kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 11g17%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Sodium 95mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 16g
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
McDonald’s Apple Pie is a beloved fast-food dessert, famous for its crispy crust and warm, gooey apple filling. Originally deep-fried and later transitioned to a baked version in many countries, it remains a nostalgic favorite.
Whether you're enjoying one from the drive-thru or making a homemade copycat version, here are the best tips and tricks to get the most out of your apple pie experience, plus serving suggestions to elevate it to the next level.
Tips for Enjoying McDonald’s Apple Pie at Its Best
1. Eat it Fresh and Warm:
McDonald's apple pies taste best when they’re warm and freshly baked. Ask for a “fresh one” when ordering — employees will often make a new batch if requested. Warm pies bring out the cinnamon-spiced apple flavor and enhance the crispness of the crust.
2. Reheat Smartly:
If you’ve taken a pie home, reheat it in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to revive the crispness. Avoid the microwave unless you’re in a rush — it tends to make the crust soggy.
3. Pair with Vanilla Soft Serve:
McDonald’s vanilla soft serve makes the perfect partner for apple pie. Just ask for a cup on the side and dip your pie into the ice cream. The hot-cold contrast is a game-changer — think deconstructed apple pie à la mode!
4. Try Dipping Sauces:
A little unconventional, but many McDonald’s fans love dipping the pie into caramel sauce or hot fudge (available with sundaes). It adds a dessert twist with minimal effort.
Tricks to Make a Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie at Home
If you're making a version at home, here are a few pro tricks to get it just right:
1. Use Puff Pastry or Empanada Dough:
To mimic the signature crispy-yet-flaky shell, use frozen puff pastry or empanada wrappers. Puff pastry creates a lighter, layered crust, while empanada dough offers a firmer, golden finish like the original fried version.
2. Use Tart Apples:
Go with tart varieties like Granny Smith for that balance of sweetness and acidity. Slice them thin for quick cooking and a soft interior.
3. Pre-cook the Filling:
Simmer the apples in sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of cornstarch before filling the pastry. This reduces excess moisture, ensuring the crust stays crisp.
4. Seal Well & Vent:
Seal the edges tightly with a fork and make small slits on top to let steam escape. This keeps the filling from leaking and avoids soggy spots.
5. Bake or Fry:
For the authentic throwback version, deep-fry at 350°F until golden brown. For a healthier twist, bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes or use an air fryer for 10–12 minutes.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Twists
1. Apple Pie Parfait:
Chop the pie into chunks and layer with whipped cream, vanilla pudding, and crushed graham crackers for a quick parfait.
2. Apple Pie Milkshake:
Blend half a pie with vanilla ice cream and milk to create a nostalgic apple pie milkshake. Top with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.
3. Apple Pie French Toast:
Use leftover pie slices as a stuffing between two pieces of bread, dip in egg mixture, and cook like stuffed French toast. Top with maple syrup or powdered sugar.
4. Apple Pie Waffles:
Chop and mix pieces of the pie into waffle batter and cook as usual. You’ll get bites of flaky crust and sweet filling in every bite.
Serving Size Tips
Each McDonald’s Apple Pie is around 1 serving, roughly 250 calories, and is perfect as a light dessert or snack. For gatherings, you can cut each pie into halves or thirds and serve with dipping sauces or toppings on a platter for a party-friendly treat.
Variations & Tips
Make It Buttery-Rich
- Brush the inside of the pastry with melted butter for extra flavor.
Switch the Fruit
- Try pears, peaches, or mixed berries for new twists.
Use Homemade Crust
- If using pie crust, refrigerate pies for 10 minutes before baking for extra flakiness.
Vegan Version
- Use vegan puff pastry and a plant-based egg wash (almond milk + maple syrup mix).
Glazed Finish
- For a sweet touch, drizzle with powdered sugar icing once cooled.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: In oven or air fryer for crispness.
- Freeze: Wrap uncooked pies individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
McDonald’s Apple Pie is a nostalgic classic that’s surprisingly easy to replicate at home. Whether you fry or bake them, the result is a golden, crispy shell packed with sweet-spiced apple filling. This recipe is a fun baking project for all ages — and once you try it, you might never go back to the drive-thru again.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is McDonald’s Apple Pie made of?
McDonald’s Apple Pie features a baked pastry shell filled with sweet, spiced apple filling. The filling contains sliced apples (usually from varieties like Golden Delicious or Fuji), sugar, cinnamon, and natural flavors.
The crust is flaky and golden brown, designed to complement the warm apple interior without being overly greasy, as it's baked, not fried in most regions (though some international locations may still fry them).
Is McDonald’s Apple Pie vegan?
In the United States, McDonald’s Apple Pie is technically vegan-friendly, as it does not contain dairy, eggs, or animal-derived ingredients. However, it’s not officially labeled vegan due to potential cross-contamination during preparation.
Ingredients and preparation methods may differ in other countries, so it's best to check with your local McDonald's for confirmation.
How many calories are in one McDonald’s Apple Pie?
One McDonald’s Apple Pie in the U.S. contains approximately 230 calories, with about 11g of fat, 32g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein. It’s considered a light dessert option compared to many other fast-food sweets, though it still contains added sugars and fats.
Is McDonald’s Apple Pie available year-round?
Yes, McDonald’s Apple Pie is available all year round at most locations. Occasionally, McDonald's introduces limited-edition flavors like Pumpkin & Creme or Holiday Pie during special seasons, but the classic Apple Pie remains a staple menu item across U.S. and many global outlets.
