The Perfect Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie Recipe You’ll Love

Crafting a homemade apple pie that captures the nostalgic essence of McDonald’s classic dessert brings pure culinary joy.

Childhood memories flood back with each crispy, golden-brown bite of this beloved treat.

Flaky pastry and warm cinnamon-spiced filling create a delightful combination that rivals the fast-food original.

Sweet apples nestled within a perfectly crisp exterior make this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

You can recreate this iconic dessert right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Surprisingly easy to prepare, this copycat recipe promises to transport you back to carefree moments of indulgence.

Let’s embark on a delicious journey that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie Standout Qualities at Home

• Craft Nostalgic Treats: Recreate the beloved McDonald's apple pie at home, bringing back childhood memories with every delicious bite.
• Master Quick Homemade Pastry: Learn an easy pie crust technique that transforms simple ingredients into a golden, flaky masterpiece anyone can make.
• Customize Your Comfort Food: Adjust the filling's sweetness or add extra spices to make this classic dessert perfectly tailored to your taste preferences.
• Impress With Minimal Effort: Achieve bakery-quality results using basic kitchen tools and straightforward steps that make you look like a professional baker.

Ingredients Needed for Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie

• Apples: Fresh, sweet-tart apples that hold their shape during cooking and provide the classic pie flavor.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: These sweeteners caramelize and create a rich, deep flavor profile for the filling.
• Cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the apple's natural sweetness and adds classic pie flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling and create a smooth, glossy sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.

• Flour: The base ingredient that provides structure and texture to the pie crust.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Butter: Creates a flaky, rich texture in the pie crust.
• Cold Water: Helps bind the crust ingredients together.

• Egg: Used for egg wash to create a golden, shiny exterior on the pie.

Making McDonald’s Apple Pie at Home Stepwise

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Apple Filling

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Cornstarch
• Fresh lemon juice

Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until apples become tender and the sauce transforms into a thick, glossy consistency.

Let the filling cool completely.

Step 2: Craft Buttery Pie Crust

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt

Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Bring Dough Together

Gradually add ice-cold water, mixing gently until the dough starts to form.

Knead briefly, then shape into a smooth disk.

Step 4: Chill Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for half an hour, allowing the butter to firm up and flavors to meld.

Step 5: Shape Pie Pockets

Roll out the chilled dough on a generously floured surface.

Cut into rectangular shapes using a knife or pastry wheel.

Step 6: Assemble Tasty Parcels

Spoon cooled apple filling onto one half of each rectangle.

Fold dough over to create a pocket.

Press edges together with a fork to create a beautiful seal.

Step 7: Prepare For Baking

Brush the tops with beaten egg for a gorgeous golden shine.

Make a small vent on top to release steam.

Step 8: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the pies into a preheated oven at 375°F.

Bake until the crust turns a stunning golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 9: Cool And Serve

Allow pies to rest for a few minutes.

Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Enjoy warm for maximum deliciousness!

Tips for Crispy and Flaky Homemade Apple Pie

• Select firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your filling.
• Dust your work surface with flour and avoid overloading the pastry to ensure a crispy, golden crust.
• Let the apple mixture cool completely before adding to prevent a watery, runny pie.
• Use a fork to press and crimp edges firmly, preventing filling from leaking during baking.
• Brush egg wash evenly over the pastry for a beautiful, shiny, professional-looking finish.

Flavor Variations for Apple Pie Lovers

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free pastry that maintains a crispy texture and rich flavor.
• Vegan Apple Turnover: Swap butter with coconut oil and use plant-based egg wash substitute like plant milk or aquafaba to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining apple pie's classic sweetness.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Create a nut-based crust using ground almonds or pecans, replace sugar with erythritol, and use low-carb apples like Granny Smith for a ketogenic-friendly dessert.

Serving Copycat Apple Pie Like the Original

• Delightful Dessert Companions
• Vanilla Ice Cream Scoop: Serve the warm, crispy apple pie alongside a creamy vanilla ice cream scoop for a classic hot-and-cold dessert experience.
• Caramel Drizzle Dream: Enhance the pie's flavor by drizzling rich caramel sauce over the top, adding a luxurious sweet touch to the classic treat.
• Cinnamon Sprinkle Surprise: Dust the pie with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or powdered sugar just before serving to elevate its rustic charm and add an extra layer of warmth.
• Coffee Pairing Perfection: Enjoy the apple pie with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy cappuccino to complement its sweet and buttery flavors.

Storing Leftover Apple Pie for Best Taste

• Store cooled apple pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
• Place completely cooled pies in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove pie from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Warm on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispy crust.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the filling from becoming too watery?

Cook the filling on medium heat and let it simmer until it thickens. The cornstarch helps create a rich, not runny consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

• Can I use different types of apples?

Yes! Granny Smith provides tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add sweetness. Mixing apple varieties creates a more complex flavor profile for your pie.

• What if my dough is too dry or crumbly?

Add cold water one tablespoon at a time. Mix gently until the dough just comes together. Overworking can make the crust tough, so handle it minimally.

Copycat Mcdonalds Apple Pie Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy, golden McDonald’s Apple Pie brings nostalgic American comfort straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Flaky pastry encases warm cinnamon-spiced apples, offering a delightful homemade treat you can enjoy anytime without leaving home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large apples, peeled and diced
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Binding and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 5–6 tablespoons cold water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft the apple mixture by blending diced apples with granulated and brown sugars, cinnamon, cornstarch, and a splash of lemon juice in a saucepan.
2. Simmer the apple mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the apples soften and the sauce transforms into a thick, glossy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
3. Prepare the pastry foundation by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl, creating a dry ingredient base.
4. Incorporate cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture, using a pastry cutter or fingertips to create a crumbly texture resembling coarse breadcrumbs.
5. Gradually introduce cold water, one tablespoon at a time, gently mixing until the dough coheres into a unified mass without becoming overly wet.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up and enhance its flakiness.
7. On a generously floured surface, roll the chilled dough to a thin, even thickness and slice into precise rectangular shapes.
8. Distribute a measured spoonful of cooled apple filling onto one half of each rectangle, then fold the dough over to create a sealed pocket, crimping edges with a fork to ensure a tight seal.
9. Brush the pastry pockets with egg wash for a golden sheen, then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the exterior turns a rich, crispy golden brown.

Notes

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture that holds up during cooking.
• Avoid overworking the pie dough to keep it tender and flaky, mixing just until the ingredients come together.
• Allow the filling to cool completely before assembling to prevent soggy crust and ensure clean, crisp edges.
• Try spices like nutmeg or cardamom to add depth and personalize the classic apple pie flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg