McDonald’s Apple Pie Copycat: How to Make the Perfect Homemade Version

McDonald’s Apple Pie Copycat is a delightful treat that brings the beloved fast-food dessert right into your kitchen. As a fan of the crispy, golden crust and the warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, I’ve always wanted to recreate that iconic flavor at home. This recipe not only captures the essence of the original but also allows you to enjoy it fresh out of the oven, with the aroma wafting through your home. The history of apple pie dates back centuries, symbolizing comfort and nostalgia in many cultures, and this copycat version pays homage to that tradition while adding a personal touch.

People love this dish for its perfect balance of flaky texture and sweet, gooey filling. It’s a convenient dessert that can be made in batches and enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. With my McDonald’s Apple Pie Copycat recipe, you can indulge in this classic dessert anytime you crave it, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to the drive-thru!

Ingredients:

• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

Preparing the Filling

1. Start by peeling, coring, and dicing the apples into small pieces. I like to make them about 1/4 inch in size so they cook evenly and fit nicely in the pie. 2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced apples with the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. The lemon juice helps to keep the apples from browning and adds a nice tang to the filling. 3. Mix everything together until the apples are well coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the apples to release some of their juices, which will help create a delicious filling.

Preparing the Pie Crust

4. While the apple mixture is resting, take out your refrigerated pie crusts. If they are not already at room temperature, let them sit out for about 10 minutes to make them easier to work with. 5. Roll out one of the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. You want it to be about 1/8 inch thick. If you’re using store-bought crusts, they usually come rolled out, so you can skip this step. 6. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the rolled-out crust into rectangles. I usually make them about 3 inches by 4 inches, but you can adjust the size based on your preference. 7. Repeat the same process with the second pie crust. You should have enough rectangles to make several pies.

Assembling the Apple Pies

8. Now it’s time to assemble the pies! Take one of the pie crust rectangles and place about 1-2 tablespoons of the apple filling in the center. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pies to burst while frying. 9. Using your finger or a small brush, moisten the edges of the pie crust with a little water. This will help seal the pie. 10. Place another rectangle of pie crust on top of the filled one. Press down the edges with your fingers to seal, and then use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they are well sealed. 11. Repeat this process until all the filling is used up. You can re-roll any scraps of dough to make more rectangles if needed.

Preparing for Frying

12. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. This will give the pies a beautiful golden color when fried. 13. Using a sharp knife, make a few small slits on the top of each pie. This allows steam to escape while frying and prevents the pies from bursting. 14. Brush the tops of the pies with the egg wash. This step is crucial for that shiny, golden finish.

Frying the Pies

15. In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and bubbles, you’re ready to fry. 16. Carefully place a few pies in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. 17. Once they are done, use a slotted spoon to remove the pies from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. 18. Repeat the frying process with the remaining pies, adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain the oil temperature.

Serving the Apple Pies

19. Once all the pies are fried and drained, let them cool for a few minutes. They will be extremely hot inside, so it’s best to let them sit for a bit before taking a bite. 20. Serve the pies warm, and if you want to take it up a notch, you can dust them with powdered sugar or serve them with a scoop of vanilla

Conclusion:

In conclusion, this McDonald’s Apple Pie Copycat recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves the warm, comforting flavors of a classic dessert. The flaky, golden crust paired with the sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling is sure to bring back fond memories of those childhood trips to the drive-thru. Plus, making it at home means you can enjoy it fresh out of the oven, with the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing these delicious pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. You can also experiment with variations by adding different spices like nutmeg or even incorporating other fruits like blueberries or cherries into the filling. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this McDonald’s Apple Pie Copycat recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, dessert, or even a sweet breakfast treat, I’m sure you’ll love every bite. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out for you! Happy baking! Print