Copycat Mcdonald's Apple Pies Recipe

Name: Copycat McDonald's Apple Pies
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 cups peeled, chopped (1/2-inch) apples (from 2 small [12 ounces total] mixed variety apples); 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon); 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 (14.1 ounce) pkg. refrigerated pie crust, softened according to package directions (such as Pillsbury); 1 large egg, beaten; Cooking spray

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Calling all Mickey Ds fans: Thanks to our latest recipe, you can enjoy McDonalds iconic apple pies hot out of your air fryer. These hand pies capture the flaky, gooey essence you love from the classic menu item, but with a freshness you can't get from the drive-thru.

What makes McDonalds pies so good is the mix of apple varieties (six in total!), so wed recommend using a blend of apples to achieve the perfect tender, tart, and sweet filling. And dont forget to dust the top crust with cinnamon sugar before cooking itll give the pies the quintessential Mickey Ds feel. Who knows, once you try these cozy pies from the comfort of your home, you might never go back to the fast food version.

Test Kitchen Tips

Sealing the pies with an egg wash helps the filling stay sealed in, preventing it from spilling out during cooking.
Make sure to bring the apple mixture to a boil once the cornstarch is added to fully activate it (and make the filling thicker).
Chop the apples into 1/2-inch or smaller pieces to get the most apple filling inside each pie.
Be sure to keep the dough covered with plastic wrap while working to keep it from drying out.
Want to mix up the flavors? Swap out apples for any fruit or variety of fruits in your filling.

How to Freeze and Reheat Copycat McDonald's Apple Pies

The pies can be filled and frozen flat in a single layer in a ziplock bag before baking. When you're ready to enjoy them, just bake from frozen and add 5 extra minutes to the total cook time.

To reheat them from the fridge, we recommend gently warming in the oven or air fryer rather than microwaving.

Ingredients

2 cups peeled, chopped (1/2-inch) apples (from 2 small [12 ounces total] mixed variety apples)
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (14.1 ounce) package refrigerated pie crust, softened according to package directions (such as Pillsbury)
1 large egg, beaten
Cooking spray

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients.

Step 2: Stir together apples and lemon juice. Sprinkle with brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside for about 5 minutes, allowing the apples to release some juice.

Step 3: Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until melted and bubbling. Add the apple mixture and reduce the heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and the juices have reduced slightly, about 6 to 9 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in cornstarch and vanilla extract. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is bubbling and thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and let the filling cool for 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 5: Roll out one refrigerated pie crust into a 12-inch circle. Cut it into 8 (4x2-inch) rectangles. Discard the scraps or reserve for another use. Cover the cut dough with plastic wrap and repeat with the remaining pie crust.

Step 6: Place the 8 dough rectangles on a work surface and lightly brush with the beaten egg, making sure to cover the edges.

Step 7: Leaving any excess juices in the bowl, spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons of apple filling in the center of each rectangle, leaving a 1/4-inch border on all sides.

Step 8: Top with the remaining dough rectangles, slightly stretching as needed to align the edges with the base dough. Crimp the edges using the tines of a fork and brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg.

Step 9: Preheat the air fryer to 350F for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, make 3 evenly spaced diagonal cuts on top of each pie to vent.

Step 10: Mix together the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the pies.

Step 11: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Add 4 pies to the basket and bake until golden brown and crisp, about 14 to 17 minutes. Repeat with the remaining pies.

Step 12: Serve the pies warm and enjoy!

Oven Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400F (200C) with the oven rack positioned in the upper third of the oven. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the pies in a single layer. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 265
Total Fat: 13g (17% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 5g (23% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 27mg (9% Daily Value)
Sodium: 190mg (8% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 34g (12% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 12g
Protein: 3g (7% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 2mg (2% Daily Value)
Calcium: 19mg (1% Daily Value)
Iron: 1mg (7% Daily Value)
Potassium: 91mg (2% Daily Value)

Copycat Mcdonald's Apple Pies Recipe

History of McDonald's Apple Pies

The iconic McDonald's Apple Pie has a surprisingly rich history that dates back to the early 1960s when the fast-food chain first introduced it as a dessert option in its U.S. restaurants. Initially baked with a traditional pie crust, it was later transformed into a deep-fried version in the late 1960s to reduce baking time and provide a consistent, crispy texture. Over the decades, it became a staple of the McDonalds menu, known for its sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling and golden, flaky exterior. The recipe has inspired countless copycat versions, allowing home cooks to recreate the nostalgic taste of this classic treat.

Regional Variations

McDonald's Apple Pies are adapted to regional tastes around the world. In the United States, they are typically fried and served warm with a cinnamon sugar coating. In Europe and Asia, baked versions are more common, featuring a slightly different crust and a sweeter, less tart apple filling. Some regions even experiment with local fruits, such as mango or pear, to cater to local preferences. Despite these variations, the core combination of tender apples, cinnamon, and a crisp outer shell remains consistent, making it instantly recognizable wherever it is served.

Differences from Similar Desserts

Unlike traditional homemade apple pies or hand pies, McDonalds version is smaller, uniform in size, and designed for quick consumption. The filling is finely chopped and thickened with cornstarch to prevent sogginess, while the crust is deliberately thin and crisp. This contrasts with classic American pies, which are often deep-dish with a softer, buttery pastry and chunky fruit filling. The McDonalds Apple Pie emphasizes portability and consistency, making it a convenient dessert on-the-go without compromising flavor.

Typical Serving Context

McDonald's Apple Pies are usually offered as a dessert item alongside burgers, fries, and beverages. They are popular as a sweet snack during lunch or dinner and are often served warm in a paper sleeve to retain crispness. Outside of fast food, copycat recipes allow them to be enjoyed at home as a cozy treat, ideal for family gatherings, picnics, or even as an after-school snack. They can also be paired with ice cream or whipped cream for an elevated dessert experience.

Interesting Facts

The original McDonalds Apple Pie was baked, not fried, highlighting a significant change in preparation methods over time.
McDonalds once experimented with savory fillings in pies, including pizza-flavored and chicken varieties, though they never became mainstream.
The pies are produced using multiple apple varieties to achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, ensuring a consistent flavor profile.
Despite being a mass-produced fast food item, McDonalds Apple Pie has a cult following among dessert enthusiasts who seek to recreate the exact taste at home.
The hand-held design of the pie inspired similar portable desserts, contributing to the popularity of handheld pastries in fast-food chains globally.

FAQ about Copycat Mcdonald's Apple Pies Recipe

You can store the apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you'd like to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.

Yes, you can freeze the pies before baking. After assembling them, place the pies on a baking sheet and freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a ziplock bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, cook them directly from frozen, adding about 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.

For the best results, reheat the apple pies in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5–10 minutes, or reheat in an air fryer for about 4–5 minutes at 350°F. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

Yes! You can easily swap the apples for other fruits such as pears, peaches, or mixed berries. Just keep in mind that different fruits may require slight adjustments to the sugar and cooking time to achieve the right consistency.

Yes, you can make the apple filling up to 2 days in advance. Once the filling has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to assemble the pies, simply take the filling out and let it come to room temperature before using.

To prevent the filling from leaking out, make sure the pies are sealed properly by crimping the edges well. If any filling does leak during baking, you can simply trim away any excess filling once the pies have cooled slightly.

Yes, you can bake the pies in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the pies in a single layer and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

Using a mix of apple varieties gives you a better balance of sweetness and tartness, which helps achieve the perfect filling texture. A combination of tart and sweet apples provides the best flavor profile for these pies.

While store-bought pie crust makes the recipe quicker and easier, you can certainly make your own from scratch if you prefer. Homemade pie crusts can add a richer, flakier texture, but keep in mind the preparation time may increase.

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to customize the flavor. Just be careful not to overwhelm the apples with too many spices.

Comments

GILLYWOMBAT

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Your recipe is delicious because I don't have a air fryer,I cooked mine in the oven and used puff pastry,with two batches one cherry and one apple delicious,sweet and like you said just like McDonalds....I always buy a fruit pie when we go for McDonald's....it finishes of the meal ...what a treat...