How to Make Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie: The Ultimate Guide
Discover the step-by-step method to recreate McDonald's famous apple pie at home, with expert tips for the perfect classic treat.
Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie Recipe
The iconic McDonald’s apple pie has earned its place on the list of classic American desserts. Perfectly spiced apples, encased in a golden pastry crust—crispy, flaky, sweet, and nostalgic. With this step-by-step copycat recipe, you can recreate the beloved treat right in your own kitchen. Whether you prefer baking or frying, this guide lays out everything needed for authentic taste and texture.
Why Make McDonald’s Apple Pie at Home?
- Better control over ingredients: Use real apples, quality spices, and choose your preferred pastry.
- No artificial additives or preservatives.
- Customize your filling and crust—healthier and tastier options.
- Enjoy freshly baked (or fried) pies, warm out of the oven.
Ingredients for the Perfect Homemade McDonald’s Apple Pie
For authentic flavor and crunch, the right combination of filling and crust is essential. The classic recipe requires:
- Puff pastry (store-bought or homemade, thawed)
- Apple pie filling: Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and texture
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar (for depth and caramel notes)
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves (warm, aromatic spices)
- Butter (for richness in the filling)
- Cornstarch (to thicken the filling—essential for avoiding soggy crust)
- Lemon juice (keeps apples from browning and brightens the flavor)
- Egg white or egg wash (for glazing the pastry)
- Sugar and cinnamon mixture (for dusting the finished pies)
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Puff Pastry Sheets | 2 sheets (thawed) | Crust |
| Granny Smith Apples | 3 cups (peeled, cored, diced) | Filling |
| Brown Sugar | 6 tbsp | Sweetener |
| Cinnamon | 1/2 tsp (plus 1 tbsp for topping) | Flavor |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 tsp | Flavor |
| Cloves | 1/8 tsp | Warmth |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp | Thickener |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | Richness |
| Lemon Juice | Juice of 1 lemon | Acidity |
| Egg White | 1 (whisked with 1 tbsp water) | Wash |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/2 cup (plus 2 tbsp for topping) | Sweetener |
| Oil | For frying (if desired) | Cooking |
Step-by-Step: How to Make Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie
1. Make the Filling
- Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks for optimal texture.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté apples for 2–3 minutes.
- Add brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir well.
- Pour in lemon juice to balance sweetness.
- Let apples simmer until soft but not mushy, about 7–10 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then stir into the apples to thicken the filling.
- Continue cooking until glossy and thick, then allow to cool.
2. Prepare the Pastry
- Roll out puff pastry to an even thickness (12″ x 12″ square works well).
- Slice into rectangles (about 3″ x 6″ each).
- On half the rectangles, make small diagonal slits—this helps steam escape.
3. Fill and Seal the Pies
- Spoon a generous amount of cooled apple filling onto uncut pastry rectangles.
- Top each with a slit pastry piece.
- Press the edges to seal, then use the tines of a fork to crimp.
- Brush with egg wash for an even, golden-brown finish.
4. Cooking Methods: Bake or Fry
| Method | Instructions | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Baking | Bake pies at 375°F (190°C) for 13–15 minutes until deep golden brown. Cool slightly before eating. | Flaky and tender with less oil. |
| Frying | Heat 2–3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry pies for 2–3 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels. | Extra crispy, rich, and authentic to McDonald’s. |
5. Finishing Touches
- While pies are still warm, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture for signature aroma and crunch.
- Let rest on a wire rack for a few minutes for maximum crispness.
Expert Tips for Authentic McDonald’s Apple Pie Flavor
- Apple Choice: Granny Smith is best for balance, but Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious work well.
- Even Chopping: Keeps filling consistent and ensures even cooking.
- Spice Blend: McDonald’s pies use warm spices; add a pinch of garam masala or allspice for depth.
- Chill before Cooking: Refrigerate pies for 20 minutes before baking/frying for flakier crust.
- Crust Variations: Try classic pie dough for a firmer crust or stick to puff pastry for extra flakiness.
- Freeze Ahead: Uncooked pies freeze for up to 3 months—bake or fry straight from frozen!
Apple Pie Variations and Customizations
- Swap apples for pears or peaches for seasonal twists.
- Add chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) to the filling for crunch.
- Drizzle with caramel or serve with vanilla ice cream for dessert flair.
- Use gluten-free puff pastry for dietary needs.
Baked vs. Fried: Which Tastes More Like the Real Thing?
McDonald’s originally deep-fried their pies, which delivers a signature crunch and rich flavor. In recent years, baked pies have become more common for health reasons—though many fans still swear by the classic fried texture.
| Baked Apple Pie | Fried Apple Pie | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Healthier, easier, less mess | Authentic taste, extremely crispy |
| Cons | Less crunch, softer crust | More calories, requires oil & frying |
| Flavor | Buttery, light | Rich, robust |
| Experience | Café-style, subtle | Classic fast-food nostalgia |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm or at room temperature—never refrigerator cold.
- A fresh cup of coffee or tea complements the spices.
- Pair with whipped cream, ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How close is this recipe to the actual McDonald’s apple pie?
This copycat recipe uses real apples, similar spice blends, and either baking or frying for a comparable taste and texture to McDonald’s original pie.
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of puff pastry?
Yes, but puff pastry gives a flakier, crispier finish that mirrors McDonald’s signature crust. Traditional pie dough offers a denser pastry for those who prefer that style.
What are the best apples for the filling?
Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firmness, which stand up well to cooking. Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp also work.
Can these pies be made gluten-free?
Simply swap regular puff pastry for a gluten-free brand and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for a safe treat.
Is it possible to freeze the apple pies for later?
Absolutely! Prepare the pies up to the sealing step, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Cook from frozen when you’re ready—add a few minutes to baking/frying time for best results.
How do I avoid soggy bottoms when baking?
Make sure the filling is thick and cool before assembling, and always start with a hot oven. If frying, keep oil at the recommended temperature to ensure crisp, fully cooked pastry.
Pro Tips for Apple Pie Success
- Use cold ingredients and chill pies before cooking for flakiest crust.
- Seal edges well to prevent leaks—fork crimping is the secret.
- A little lemon juice brightens flavor and keeps apples from browning.
- Don’t overfill! Too much filling can break the crust during cooking.
Recipe Summary
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (baked) or 10 minutes (fried)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies
Conclusion: Satisfy Your Cravings
Homemade copycat McDonald’s apple pies are easy, fun, and delicious. With real fruit, a flaky crust, and a perfect spice blend, these pies deliver the nostalgia you crave—with a homemade twist. Experiment with baking or frying and try your own flavor customizations. Make a batch, share with friends, and taste a classic—fresh from your own oven.
Apple Pie FAQs
Q: Can I use different fruits for the filling?
A: Yes! Pears, peaches, cherries, or even mixed berries work beautifully—adjust spices as needed.
Q: What brand of puff pastry do you recommend?
A: Any high-quality store-bought puff pastry will work (Pepperidge Farm is a common choice), or try homemade for best results.
Q: Are these pies vegan-friendly?
A: Substitute butter for vegan margarine and use non-dairy pastry for a vegan option.
Storage Tips
- Store cooled pies in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat in oven for 5–7 minutes at 350°F (175°C) for best texture.
- Frozen pies can be kept up to 3 months; bake or fry directly from frozen.
