Desserts
McDonald's Inspired Apple Pie
A flaky, golden pastry filled with warm cinnamon-spiced apples. This homemade version captures the crisp crust and sweet apple filling of the classic fast-food favorite.
Inspired by McDonald's
Prep
25 min
Cook
20 min
Serves
8
Difficulty
Medium
Method
- 1
Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces.
- 2
Combine the apples with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan.
- 3
Cook the mixture over medium heat until the apples are tender and the filling has thickened.
- 4
Remove the filling from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
- 5
Roll out the pie crust and cut it into evenly sized rectangles.
- 6
Spoon a small amount of the cooled apple filling into the center of each rectangle.
- 7
Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together firmly with a fork to seal.
- 8
Cut a few small vents into the top of each pie and brush with beaten egg.
- 9
Bake until the crust is crisp and golden brown, or fry until evenly golden if making the fried version.
- 10
Transfer the pies to a wire rack and allow them to cool slightly.
- 11
Let the filling set for several minutes before serving.
- 12
Enjoy warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Recipe notes
Dice apples small enough to soften before the pastry over-browns, and cook until the filling leaves a clear trail across the pan. Cool it completely before filling so steam does not weaken the seals.
Planning, storage, and serving
Storage and reheating
Cool baked pies and refrigerate in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes; freeze unbaked sealed pies up to 1 month. Fried pies are best the same day and should not be microwaved if crispness matters.
Make-ahead tips
Cook the filling up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it. Assemble pies several hours ahead and keep chilled, or freeze them unbaked; apply egg wash just before baking.
What to serve with it
- - Vanilla ice cream
- - Unsweetened coffee or tea
- - A light dusting of cinnamon sugar
Equipment needed
- - Medium saucepan
- - Rolling pin and pastry wheel
- - Sheet pan and wire rack
Difficulty explained
The medium rating comes from thickening and cooling the filling, sealing each pastry, and judging a crisp bake.
Nutrition estimate
Calories
255
Protein
3g
Carbs
35g
Fat
12g
Sat. fat
5g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
14g
Sodium
250mg
Estimated nutrition per serving. Values are approximate and can change materially with brands, substitutions, optional toppings, portion size, and cooking method.
Alternatives
- Use firm Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter filling or combine them with Granny Smith to balance sweetness and structure.
- Bake rather than fry for the estimate shown and a lighter crust; fried pies absorb additional oil and will have higher calories and fat.
- A refrigerated puff pastry can replace pie crust for a flakier result, but it will puff more and needs firm seals.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Warm or runny filling leaks and steams the pastry; cool it fully and cook until thick before assembly.
- Overfilling prevents a clean seal; leave at least a 1/2-inch dry border and press out trapped air.
- The filling stays much hotter than the crust, so cool pies several minutes before biting or serving to children.
Nutrition Context
- Apples provide some fiber, but pastry and added sugars make this a dessert; the estimate assumes baking rather than frying.
- Using less filling sugar or serving one pie without ice cream moderates added sugar while keeping the crisp pastry experience.
FAQ
Why must the apple filling cool before assembly?
Hot filling melts the pastry fat and makes the dough difficult to seal. Cooling also thickens the cornstarch-bound juices so they stay inside.
Which apples work best?
Granny Smith apples hold their shape and balance the sugar. Honeycrisp or Braeburn can be mixed in for a sweeter, more aromatic filling.
How do I stop the pies from leaking?
Use a modest amount of filling, leave a clean border, press out trapped air, and crimp firmly with a fork. Cut small top vents.
Can these pies be baked instead of fried?
Yes. Brush with egg wash and bake until deeply golden and crisp. The crust will be flakier and less blistered than a fried version.
How should apple pies be stored and reheated?
Refrigerate cooled pies in a covered container and reheat in a 350 F oven or air fryer. Let the hot filling rest before biting.