Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a homemade version of the beloved McDonald’s Apple Pie that’s crispy on the outside and bursting with warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling inside. This easy recipe lets you recreate the classic fast-food treat right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 3 Green Apples
• 1 tablespoon Corn Starch
• 1/4 cup Butter
• 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 2 pinches Ground Nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Lemon
• 2 sheets Puff Pastry
• 1 Egg
• 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon (for sprinkle)
• 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (for sprinkle)
• 1 pinch Salt (for sprinkle)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel and finely dice the green apples.
2. Step 2: Sprinkle the diced apples with cornstarch and toss until the cornstarch is fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Add ground nutmeg, stir well, and continue cooking while stirring until the apples soften and the filling thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to make the cinnamon sugar sprinkle.
7. Step 7: Lay the puff pastry sheets on parchment paper and cut each into 6 even pieces. Cut diagonal slits into half of these pieces to be the pie tops.
8. Step 8: Brush the edges of the bottom pieces with beaten egg, then spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto each.
9. Step 9: Place the top pieces over the filling and press the edges together with a fork to seal. Chill the pies in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to help maintain their shape.
10. Step 10: Sprinkle the tops with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Step 11: Let the pies cool before serving. Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• For a flakier crust, keep the puff pastry cold until just before baking.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cloves to the apple filling for extra warmth and depth.
• Brush the pie tops with an egg wash mixed with a teaspoon of water for a shinier finish.

Storage

Store leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 4 days and reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apple pie filling instead of making it from scratch?

While fresh filling gives the best flavor and texture, pre-made apple pie filling can be used in a pinch. Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid soggy pastry.

Why is it important to chill the pies before baking?

Chilling helps the pastry maintain its shape during baking and prevents the filling from spilling out, resulting in neater, puffier pies.

Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 123 reviews

• Author: Ethan
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 small apple pies 1x

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Description

This Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie recipe recreates the classic fast food favorite with a flaky puff pastry crust filled with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Made from scratch using green apples, warm spices, and a buttery crust, this dessert offers a comforting, nostalgic treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apple Filling

• 3 Green Apples
• 1 tablespoon Corn Starch
• 1/4 cup Butter
• 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 2 pinches Ground Nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Lemon (juice only)

Pastry and Topping

• 2 sheets Puff Pastry
• 1 Egg
• 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
• 1 pinch Salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel and finely dice the 3 green apples to create small, even pieces for the filling.
2. Coat with Cornstarch: Sprinkle the diced apples with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and toss thoroughly until the apples are evenly coated and no clumps remain.
3. Cook the Filling: In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Add the coated apples along with 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup brown sugar, juice from 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Add Nutmeg and Simmer: Sprinkle in 2 pinches of ground nutmeg and stir. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the apples soften and the filling thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.
5. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the pies.
6. Make Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to create a flavorful cinnamon sugar topping.
7. Prepare Pastry: Lay out the 2 sheets of puff pastry on parchment paper. Cut each sheet into 6 even pieces. On half of these pieces, cut diagonal slits to create vents – these will be the pie tops.
8. Assemble Pies: Brush the edges of the unvented pastry pieces with beaten egg. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling into the center of each bottom piece.
9. Seal and Chill: Place a vented top piece over the filling and press the edges together with a fork to seal. Transfer the pies to the fridge for 10-15 minutes to help maintain their shape during baking.
10. Add Topping and Bake: Remove pies from the fridge, sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture, and bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and puffed.
11. Cool and Serve: Let the apple pies cool before serving so the filling sets and the flavors develop fully.

Notes

• Use green apples like Granny Smith for a tart flavor and good firmness.
• Chilling the pies before baking helps them hold their shape and achieve a puffier crust.
• If you prefer a crisper crust, use puff pastry straight from the refrigerator rather than room temperature.
• This recipe yields 12 small hand pies, perfect for serving as individual desserts.
• Store leftover pies in an airtight container; reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Apple pie, copycat recipe, McDonald’s apple pie, puff pastry dessert, cinnamon apple pie, homemade apple dessert