Mcdonald’s Apple Pie Recipe

Anyone who’s always loved the classic McDonald’s apple pie will find this homemade version pretty darn close to the original.

This recipe captures that perfect balance of a crisp, golden crust and a gooey cinnamon apple filling.

To keep things simple, you’ll use store-bought pie crust to save time and effort. And it works!

Using fresh, sweet, and tart apples makes a significant difference in flavor.

Cooking the apple filling on the stovetop ensures that the apples are soft and coated in a thick, flavorful syrup.

Remember to seal the edges well using a fork to keep the filling inside while baking.

How to Make McDonald’s Apple Pie Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups Apples (peeled and chopped)
• 1/4 cup Butter
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1 1/2 tsp All-Purpose Flour
• 1 package of Puff Pastry (thawed)
• 1 Egg (beaten for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon (for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the butter and add the chopped apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 3:

Stir the mixture and cook until the apples are soft and most of the juice is gone, which will take about 10 minutes.

Step 4:

Stir in the flour and cook for another 30 seconds, then remove from heat and let the filling cool in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.

Step 5:

Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 8 squares. Spoon the cooled apple filling onto each square.

Step 6:

Brush the edges of the pastry squares with water, fold them over, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.

Step 7:

Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and cut three small slits on each top for venting.

Step 8:

Mix the remaining sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle the mixture over each pastry. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Tart Apples

Using tart apples like Granny Smith enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness of the filling.

Cool the Filling

Ensure the filling is fully cooled before placing it on the pastry to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.

Seal Edges Well

Sealing the edges tightly with a fork helps keep the filling inside and makes for a better presentation.

Egg Wash

Brushing the pies with an egg wash gives them a shiny, golden finish that’s visually appealing and tasty.

Air Fryer Option

If you prefer, you can use an air fryer set to 350°F for 10-12 minutes instead of the oven for a quicker bake time.

What to Serve with McDonald’s Apple Pie Recipe

Classic Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with your homemade McDonald’s apple pie.

The cold, creamy texture contrasts deliciously with the warm pie.

It’s a timeless combination that’s hard to beat!

Whipped Cream

Whipped cream adds a light and airy complement to the rich apple filling.

You can simply dollop it on top or offer it on the side for dipping.

Whipping it fresh always adds an extra special touch.

Cheddar Cheese

This might surprise you, but sharp cheddar cheese can add a delightful twist.

Place a thin slice of cheddar cheese on top of your warm pie to experience a unique flavor combination.

The sharpness of the cheese balances the sweetness of the apples.

Caramel Sauce

Drizzle some caramel sauce over your apple pie for an extra layer of sweetness.

This rich, gooey topping blends well with the cinnamon and sugar in your pie.

Plus, it adds a bit of a luxurious feel to the dessert.

Greek Yogurt

For a healthier option, serve your apple pie with a dollop of Greek yogurt.

The tanginess of the yogurt complements the sweetness of the pie and adds a bit of protein to your treat.

It’s a refreshing twist that’s both tasty and nutritious.

Candied Nuts

Sprinkle some candied nuts on top of your apple pie to add a crunchy texture.

The sweetness of the nuts complements the apple filling and adds a delightful crunch.

You can use pecans, walnuts, or even almonds for this extra garnish.

I hope you find these pairings as delightful as I do! Enjoy your homemade McDonald’s apple pie with any of these sides for a truly delicious experience!

Variations and Substitutions

Type of Apples

You can use various types of apples depending on your preferred taste.

Granny Smith apples offer a tart flavor.

Honeycrisp apples provide a balance of sweetness and tartness.

Cooking Methods

Instead of baking, you can try frying the apple pies to replicate the original McDonald’s recipe.

Use an air fryer for a crispier texture without the added oil from deep frying.

Spice Options

Experiment with different spices to change the flavor profile.

Ginger and cloves can add a warm and spicy note to your filling.

Crust Substitutions

You might want to use puff pastry instead of traditional pie crust.

Phyllo dough is also an interesting option for a flakier, lighter result.

Sweeteners

Swap out granulated sugar for brown sugar to add a deeper caramel flavor.

Honey or maple syrup can be used for a natural sweetness.

Additional Fillings

Add raisins or cranberries for an extra fruity element.

Chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can introduce a delightful crunch.

Gluten-Free

Use a gluten-free pie crust for a celiac-friendly option.

Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

How to Store Leftover McDonald’s Apple Pie

Cooling the Pie Properly

First, let your pie cool completely before storing it.

Place it on a wire rack at room temperature for a few hours.

This prevents condensation, which can make the crust soggy.

Storing in the Refrigerator

Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

This helps keep the pie fresh and prevents it from drying out.

Put the wrapped pie in the refrigerator.

It should stay good for up to four days.

Freezing for Longer Storage

If you need to store it longer, freezing is an option.

Wrap the pie in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Place it in a zip-top freezer bag before putting it in the freezer.

You can store it in the freezer for up to two months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring Pie Dough Quality

Using poor-quality pie dough can ruin the entire pie.

Make sure you use a good-quality dough or make your own from scratch for the best results.

Commercial dough might seem convenient, but homemade always tastes better.

Overcooking the Apple Filling

It’s easy to overcook the apple filling, making it too mushy.

Keep an eye on the cooking time to maintain a good texture.

You want the apples to stay tender but not fall apart completely.

Skipping the Cooling Time

Skipping the cooling time can result in a runny filling that doesn’t hold in the pie.

Always let the filing cool properly before assembling the pies.

Refrigerating the filling for a set time ensures it firms up nicely.