I’ve always loved the warm, crispy goodness of McDonald’s apple pies. There’s something comforting about biting into that sweet, gooey filling wrapped in a perfect flaky crust. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic treat or just want a tasty dessert made from scratch, this copycat recipe brings that iconic flavor right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts
Apple Filling:
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Tools Needed
To recreate this delicious copycat McDonald’s apple pie, gather the following tools:
- Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining your ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise measurements for the perfect flavor balance.
- Rolling Pin: Roll out the pie crust evenly for a consistent texture.
- Pie Dish: The ideal vessel for holding your apple filling and crust.
- Sharp Knife: Perfect for slicing apples uniformly.
- Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Pastry Brush: Apply the egg wash evenly for a beautiful golden finish.
- Oven: Necessary for baking your pie to crispy perfection.
- Baking Sheet: Protects your oven and makes it easier to transfer the pie in and out.
- Cooling Rack: Allows your pie to cool evenly and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
Having these tools on hand will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable, helping you achieve that authentic McDonald’s apple pie taste at home.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing parts of this McDonald’s Apple Pie copycat recipe in advance makes the baking process seamless and ensures you have delicious pies ready whenever the craving strikes. Here’s how I like to get ahead of the game:
Preparing the Apple Filling Ahead
- Make the Filling: Combine the peeled and sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, spices, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender and the mixture thickens.
- Cool Completely: Allow the apple filling to cool to room temperature to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Store Properly: Transfer the cooled filling into an airtight container.
Storage Guidelines
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
- Refrigerate or Freeze:
- Refrigerate the filling if you plan to bake the pies within three days.
- Freeze the filling for longer storage. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Assembling the Pies Ahead
- Roll Out the Dough: Use refrigerated pie crusts and roll them out to fit your pie dish.
- Fill the Pies: Spoon the prepared apple filling into the crust, leaving space for the edges.
- Seal the Edges: Fold and pinch the edges of the crust to seal the filling inside.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.
- Flash Freeze: Place the assembled pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
Freezing Assembled Pies
| Pie Status | Storage Duration |
|---|---|
| Assembled Pies | Up to 2 months |
- Store in Freezer-Safe Containers: Once frozen, transfer the pies to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label Clearly: Mark each container with the date to keep track of freshness.
Baking from Frozen
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to the required temperature ahead of time.
- Bake Directly from Frozen: Place the frozen pies on a baking sheet and bake according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Ensure Crispy Crusts: For an extra crispy crust, brush the top with additional egg wash before baking.
By following these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy perfectly crispy and sweet McDonald’s-style apple pies anytime without the hassle of starting from scratch.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create delicious McDonald’s-style apple pies right in your kitchen. Each stage ensures you achieve that perfect balance of crispy crust and sweet, tender filling.
Prepare The Apple Filling
- Peel and Slice Apples: I start by peeling 4 large apples and slicing them into thin, even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
- Cook the Apples: In a large saucepan, combine the sliced apples with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and the juice of one lemon.
- Simmer the Mixture: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender and the filling thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
- Cool the Filling: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the apple filling cool to room temperature. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy during assembly.
Make The Pie Dough
- Prepare Ingredients: Ensure you have two refrigerated pie crusts on hand. If you prefer homemade, combine 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed, then cut in until crumbly.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each pie crust to about 1/8-inch thickness, ensuring even coverage for the pies.
- Cut the Dough: Using a round cutter or a bowl as a guide, cut the dough into approximately 4-inch circles. Re-roll scraps to maximize dough usage.
Assemble The Apple Pies
- Fill the Crusts: Place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling into the center of each dough circle, leaving about a 1-inch border for sealing.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly using a fork to ensure they’re well sealed.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk one egg with a tablespoon of water. Brush the top of each pie with this egg wash to achieve a golden, glossy finish.
- Sprinkle with Sugar: Lightly sprinkle granulated sugar over the egg-washed pies for added sweetness and texture.
Bake The Pies
- Preheat the Oven: I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Arrange the Pies: Place the assembled pies on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have enough space to expand without touching.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the pies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. This allows the filling to set, making them easier to handle and enjoy.
Tips For Perfect Apple Pies
Creating the perfect apple pie requires attention to detail and a few insider techniques. Here are my top tips to ensure your McDonald’s apple pie copycat turns out flawless every time.
Choose the Right Apples
Selecting the appropriate apples is crucial for a balanced flavor and texture.
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination provides depth and prevents the filling from being overly sweet or too tart.
- Peel and core the apples to achieve a smooth filling without any tough bits.
Achieve the Perfect Filling Consistency
A well-balanced filling enhances the pie’s overall quality.
- Cook the apples until just tender to retain some texture. Overcooking can make the filling runny.
- Use the right thickener: I prefer a combination of granulated sugar and cornstarch for a glossy, thick filling that mimics McDonald’s consistency.
Master the Crust
A crispy, flaky crust is the foundation of a great apple pie.
- Keep ingredients cold: Cold butter and chilled water help create a flaky texture. Avoid overworking the dough to prevent it from becoming tough.
- Blind bake the crust for a few minutes to prevent sogginess. This ensures a crispy base that holds up well against the juicy filling.
Seal and Bake Perfectly
Proper sealing and baking techniques are essential for a beautiful and tasty pie.
- Crimp the edges tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Use a fork or a decorative edge for an extra touch.
- Apply an egg wash: Brushing the top with beaten egg gives the pie a beautiful, golden-brown finish.
- Sprinkle with sugar before baking for a hint of sweetness and added crunch.
Optimize Baking Temperature and Time
Baking at the right temperature ensures even cooking and a perfect crust.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the crust to bake evenly without burning.
- Bake on the lower rack for the first half to set the crust, then move to the upper rack to brown the top evenly.
Perfect the Make-Ahead Process
Preparing components in advance can save time and enhance the final product.
| Make-Ahead Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Prepare the filling early | Allows flavors to meld for richer taste |
| Assemble pies and freeze | Ensures freshness and convenience |
| Store frozen pies properly | Maintain texture and prevent freezer burn |
Let the Pie Cool Properly
Cooling is the final step to ensure the filling sets correctly.
- Cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken, making the pie easier to slice and enjoy.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Serving Suggestions
I take great pride in serving my homemade McDonald’s apple pies in ways that enhance their deliciousness and make every bite memorable. Here are some of my favorite serving ideas:
Serve Warm with Ice Cream
Enhance the pie’s warmth with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a perfect blend of hot and cold.
- Let the pie cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes after baking.
- Slice a warm pie and place it on a dessert plate.
- Add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream next to or on top of the pie slice.
- Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
Dust with Powdered Sugar
A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a beautiful finish.
- Once the pie has completely cooled, use a fine mesh sieve.
- Evenly sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of each pie slice.
- Serve immediately for an elegant presentation.
Pair with a Hot Beverage
Complement your apple pie with a warm drink to enhance the comforting flavors.
- Brew a fresh cup of coffee or heat your favorite tea.
- Pour the beverage into a stylish mug.
- Serve the pie slice alongside the hot drink for a cozy treat.
Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream
Whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that pairs wonderfully with the pie’s richness.
- Prepare fresh whipped cream by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Place a generous dollop of whipped cream on top of each pie slice.
- Optionally, add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Creative Presentation
Make your dessert stand out with thoughtful presentation touches.
- Use decorative plates or individual serving bowls to showcase each pie slice.
- Garnish with a thin slice of fresh apple or a sprig of mint for a pop of color.
- Arrange the slices neatly on a platter for a stunning dessert display.
Customize with Additional Toppings
Personalize your apple pie with a variety of delicious toppings.
- Caramel Sauce: Warm caramel sauce complements the apple filling beautifully.
- Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Mix cinnamon with granulated sugar and lightly dust over the top for an extra spicy kick.
Conclusion
Making your own McDonald’s apple pie at home has been such a rewarding experience for me. There’s something special about biting into a warm, crispy crust with that perfectly sweet and spiced apple filling. I love that you can customize it to your taste and enjoy it fresh out of your oven. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this copycat recipe never fails to bring a smile. I hope you give it a try and create your own delicious memories. Happy baking!
