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Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 123 reviews
  • Author: Ethan
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 small apple pies 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

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Find it online: https://theethankitchen.com/copycat-mcdonalds-apple-pie-recipe/