Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie (Baked or Fried)

McDonald’s apple pies are a nostalgic treat – a crispy crust around a hot cinnamon-apple filling. This copycat recipe lets you make those handheld pies at home, and you can bake them for a lighter version or fry them like the original.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy crust with cinnamon apple filling
• Bake or fry options
• Handheld and perfect for sharing
• Tastes just like the McDonald’s classic

Copycat McDonald's Apple Pie

A copycat of McDonald's handheld apple pies - a crispy crust wrapped around a cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Bake or fry them golden.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 240

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Filling

• 3 apples peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Pies

• 2 pie crusts or puff pastry
• 1 egg beaten, for wash
• 2 tablespoons sugar for sprinkling

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet

Method

 

1. Cook the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and lemon juice in a saucepan for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir the cornstarch into the water, add to the pan, and cook 1-2 minutes until thick. Cool completely.
3. Cut the pie crust into rectangles. Spoon filling onto half of each, fold over, and crimp the edges with a fork.
4. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and cut small slits in the top.
5. Bake at 400F for 18-20 minutes until golden, or fry until crisp. Cool slightly before eating.

Notes

Cook the apple filling down until thick so the pies are not runny. Seal the edges well so they do not leak while cooking.

Tips for the Best McDonald’s Apple Pie

• Cook the filling until thick so the pies are not runny
• Seal the edges well to prevent leaks
• Cut slits in the top so steam escapes
• Let them cool a bit – the filling gets very hot

Storage & Reheating

Store at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 4. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to re-crisp.

Variations to Try

• Use puff pastry for an extra-flaky pie
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling
• Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake McDonald’s apple pies instead of frying?

Yes. Brush with egg wash and bake at 400F for about 20 minutes for a lighter, crisp pie.

What apples are best?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

Can I make them ahead?

Assemble and refrigerate or freeze unbaked, then bake fresh when you want them hot and crispy.

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