Apple Pie from McDonald's features warm, spiced apple filling encased in a golden, crispy pastry crust, delivering a classic, sweet treat with a crunchy exterior and tender fruit inside.
Equipments
- Oven or deep fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet or fryer basket
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 2 large apples
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 package store-bought pie dough
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
When preparing the apple filling, use tart apples like Granny Smith for the ideal balance of sweetness and acidity. Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to achieve the signature warm spice flavor. The addition of cornstarch mixed with water helps thicken the filling, preventing excess moisture from making the crust soggy. Applying an egg wash on the pie dough before baking or frying ensures a golden, crispy exterior. Your homemade Apple Pie from McDonald's copycat menu will capture the perfect blend of tender, spiced apples and a crunchy crust.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (if baking) or heat oil in deep fryer to 350°F (if frying).
- Peel, core, and dice apples on cutting board.
- In mixing bowl, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- In small bowl, mix cornstarch with water, then add to apple mixture and stir well.
- Roll out pie dough with rolling pin; cut into rectangles (about 3x5 inches) using knife.
- Place spoonful of apple filling onto center of half the rectangles.
- Brush edges with beaten egg using pastry brush.
- Place remaining rectangles over filling; press edges to seal with fork.
- If baking: Place pies on baking sheet, brush tops with egg, and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden.
- If frying: Carefully lower pies into fryer basket and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Remove pies and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Substitution
McDonald's copycat Apple Pie features a spiced apple filling wrapped in a flaky, golden crust similar to the original fast-food favorite. If you can't find store-bought pie dough, you can substitute with homemade puff pastry or pie crust to achieve a similar texture. When deep frying, use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350degF for a crispy, evenly cooked crust. If baking, brush the pastry with egg wash to enhance browning and crispiness in the oven set to 375degF. You can swap regular apples with tart varieties like Granny Smith for a tangier filling that balances the sweetness in your pie.
Tips
Make sure to seal the edges of your pies tightly to prevent the apple filling from leaking during cooking, which can cause a mess and uneven cooking. Your apple mixture should be well-coated with cornstarch to thicken the filling, preventing it from being too runny inside the pastry. When frying, maintain the oil temperature at 350degF to ensure a crispy crust without absorbing excess oil. Remember to let your pies cool slightly before eating to avoid burning your mouth on the hot filling.
Nutritions
An Apple Pie from McDonald's typically contains around 230-300 calories, with its nutrition profile including about 3-5 grams of fat, 40-45 grams of carbohydrates, and 1-2 grams of protein. The pie provides natural sugars and dietary fiber from the cooked apples, combined with added sugars from granulated and brown sugar. You should be mindful of the sodium content, which is approximately 160 mg, primarily from the pastry dough and ingredients used. This treat offers a balance of quick energy from carbohydrates and a bittersweet flavor from spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Storage
Store your Apple Pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain the crispy pastry crust. For longer storage, refrigerate the pie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil for up to four days, though the crust may lose some crunch. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350degF for 10 minutes to restore warmth and crispiness before enjoying.
Variation or Alternatives
You can enhance the apple filling by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cloves for extra warmth and depth of flavor. Swap the traditional pie dough for puff pastry to achieve a lighter, flakier crust with more layers. Instead of deep frying, try air frying the pies at 360degF for 10-12 minutes to reduce oil use while maintaining crispiness. For a creative twist, substitute half of the apples with diced pears or add chopped nuts for added texture and richness.
Allergies
The Apple Pie from McDonald's contains wheat-based pie dough, which may trigger gluten allergies or sensitivities in some individuals. It also includes eggs, which are common allergens and can affect those with egg allergies. If you have allergies to cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices, be cautious as these spices are used in the filling.
Why this recipe?
McDonald's Apple Pie is beloved for its crispy, golden-brown crust and warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling that creates a comforting, nostalgic flavor. The perfect balance of sweetness and tartness in every bite keeps customers coming back for its consistent quality and familiar taste. Making a copycat recipe is worth trying because it allows you to recreate this iconic dessert at home with fresh ingredients and control over sugar content, enhancing your culinary skills. Your homemade version can capture the essence of the original while customizing flavors to suit your preference and dietary needs.