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
- Prepare Apples: Peel and finely dice the green apples to ensure even cooking and a perfect texture for the filling.
- Coat with Cornstarch: Sprinkle the diced apples with cornstarch and toss thoroughly until all pieces are coated; this helps thicken the filling during cooking.
- 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.
- Add Nutmeg: Incorporate a couple of pinches of ground nutmeg into the skillet, stirring well to distribute the warm spice flavor throughout the mixture.
- 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.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pies.
- Make Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to create a flavorful sprinkle topping.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
