Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a homemade version of the classic McDonald’s Apple Pie with this easy copycat recipe. Crispy puff pastry filled with a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling makes for a comforting treat perfect any time of day.

Four rectangular apple hand pies sit on a black cooling rack placed over a beige cloth with frayed edges on a white marbled surface. Each pie has a golden-brown, flaky crust with three diagonal slits on top showing warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling inside. The crust edges are crimped and slightly darker brown, with a light dusting of cinnamon or sugar on top, adding texture and warmth. Two cinnamon sticks lie beside the cloth for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 evenly coated.
  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 the ground nutmeg and stir again.
  5. Step 5: Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the filling thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
  6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Step 7: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt to make the cinnamon sugar sprinkle.
  8. Step 8: Lay out the puff pastry sheets on parchment paper and cut each sheet into 6 even pieces. Cut diagonal slits into half of the pieces to serve as tops.
  9. Step 9: Brush the edges of the bottom pieces with beaten egg. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto each.
  10. Step 10: Place the top pieces over the filling and press the edges with a fork to seal. Refrigerate the pies for 10-15 minutes to help maintain their shape.
  11. Step 11: Sprinkle the tops with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  12. Step 12: Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet and tangy flavor.
  • Adding a splash of vanilla extract to the filling can enhance the depth of flavor.
  • For a flakier crust, make sure your puff pastry is well chilled before baking.
  • Try adding raisins or chopped nuts to the apple filling for added texture.

Storage

Store leftover apple pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.

How to Serve

Four rectangular apple hand pies with golden brown, slightly crispy crusts and cinnamon dusting on top are placed on a black cooling rack that rests on a beige textured cloth with frayed edges. Each pie has three diagonal slits on the top layer, showing a filling of cooked apple chunks in brown syrup. Two cinnamon sticks are positioned crossed off to the side on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, frozen puff pastry works well. Just thaw it in the refrigerator according to package instructions before using.

How do I prevent the apple filling from making the crust soggy?

Cooking the apple filling until thick and not too watery, and chilling the pies before baking helps keep the crust crisp. Also, sealing the edges well prevents leakage.

Print
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Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie Recipe


  • Author: Luna
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 pies 1x

Description

This Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie recipe delivers the classic golden, flaky crust filled with a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, just like the iconic fast-food treat. Made from scratch with fresh green apples and puff pastry, it offers a deliciously crispy and sweet dessert perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Apple Filling

  • 3 Green Apples, peeled and finely diced
  • 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
  • Juice of 1 Lemon

Pastry and Topping

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare Apples: Peel and finely dice the green apples to ensure even cooking and a perfect texture for the filling.
  2. Coat with Cornstarch: Sprinkle the diced apples with cornstarch and toss thoroughly until all pieces are coated; this helps thicken the filling during cooking.
  3. Cook the Filling: 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 all ingredients evenly.
  4. Add Nutmeg: Incorporate a couple of pinches of ground nutmeg into the skillet, stirring well to distribute the warm spice flavor throughout the mixture.
  5. Simmer the Filling: Cook the apple mixture, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the filling thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
  6. Preheat Oven: Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pies.
  7. Make Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to create a flavorful sprinkle topping.
  8. Prepare Pastry: Lay out the puff pastry sheets on parchment paper and cut each sheet into 6 even pieces. Cut diagonal slits into half of these pieces to make the pie tops.
  9. Assemble Pies: Brush the edges of the bottom pastry pieces with beaten egg to help seal. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto each bottom piece.
  10. Seal and Chill: Place a top piece with slits over each filled bottom piece. Press edges together firmly with a fork to seal. Refrigerate pies for 10-15 minutes to maintain their shape during baking.
  11. Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle pies with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the tops turn golden brown and the pastry is crisp.
  12. Cool and Serve: Allow the pies to cool before serving to enhance the filling’s texture and avoid burns from hot filling.

Notes

  • Using green apples provides the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
  • Chilling the pies before baking helps prevent the edges from puffing up irregularly.
  • Make sure the filling is completely cooled before assembling to avoid soggy pastry.
  • You can prepare the apple filling a day ahead and refrigerate for convenience.
  • Use fresh puff pastry for the best flaky texture, or thaw frozen pastry thoroughly before use.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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

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