Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie

Alright, this Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie? It’s golden, crispy, and filled with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples—just like the one from the drive-thru, but even better homemade. The outside is flaky and crunchy, and the inside? Warm, gooey apple filling that smells like fall in every bite.

I made a batch for fun one weekend, and they were gone in minutes. That deep-fried crunch with soft apples and sugar-cinnamon magic? Tastes just like childhood—cozy, familiar, and totally addictive.

And guess what? You don’t need fancy ingredients. Just prep the filling, fold it into pastry, fry (or bake!), and enjoy. Let’s make a batch together—you’re gonna love how easy it is to bring that nostalgic treat to your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture Without a Deep Fryer: These pies can be baked in the oven or air-fried, offering a crunchy exterior without the need for hot oil. They still mimic that classic fast-food texture, thanks to the layered, flaky dough.
• Fresh, Real Apple Filling: Unlike store-bought versions, these use real diced apples cooked in a buttery, cinnamon-sugar mixture. You control the flavor, the sugar, and the texture—whether you prefer soft or slightly crisp apples.
• Nostalgic but Better: These are inspired by the original McDonald’s apple pies (the fried version, not the current baked one), but with better quality ingredients, no additives, and a fresher taste.
• Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly: You can prep the filling and dough ahead, or freeze the assembled pies for a quick dessert later. Just pull from the freezer and bake.
• Great for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re just getting into baking or you’re a seasoned cook, this recipe keeps things simple without compromising taste or texture.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
This includes peeling and chopping apples, cooking the filling, and assembling the pies.

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Depending on your oven or frying method, cooking may vary slightly, but typically under 30 minutes.

Total Time: About 45 minutes
With minimal prep and a quick bake or fry, this dessert doesn’t require much time commitment.

Servings: Makes 8 apple hand pies
Each one is about the size of a traditional McDonald’s pie—so enough for 4 people if you’re sharing two each, or 8 for single servings.

Difficulty Level: Easy
The most important skills here are folding dough and sealing the edges—great for beginners or a family activity.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s a quick look at the tools that help the process run smoothly:

• Rolling Pin: For shaping dough, especially if using homemade crust.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing egg wash on top to get that shiny, golden-brown finish.
• Small Saucepan: To cook the apple filling until soft and syrupy.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining filling ingredients or preparing homemade dough.
• Fork or Pastry Crimper: Used to seal the edges of each pie so filling stays inside.
• Parchment Paper + Baking Sheet: For even baking and easy cleanup.
• Cooling Rack (optional): Helps keep the crust crisp after baking by allowing airflow underneath.

Ingredients for Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie

For the Dough:

• 1 (14–16 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts – You’ll typically get 2 sheets per package. Thaw according to package directions if using frozen. Homemade flaky pie dough also works beautifully here.
• All-purpose flour, for rolling – This prevents sticking when handling the dough.
• 1 large egg, beaten – Used as an egg wash to give the pastry its golden-brown, glossy appearance when baked.

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
  Tip: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady. These varieties hold their shape during cooking and offer the ideal sweet-tart balance.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps soften the apples.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – For warmth and classic apple pie flavor.
• 1 pinch kosher salt – Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar – Brings a deeper caramel note to the filling compared to white sugar.
• 1 tablespoon water – Helps loosen the mixture and prevents burning during cooking.
• 1½ teaspoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the apple filling slightly so it doesn’t run out when baked.

Variations for Copycat Apple Pies

This recipe is easy to adapt based on taste, season, or dietary preferences. Here are a few simple ways to make it your own:

• Add a Fruit Mix: Blend in chopped pears or a handful of frozen berries with the apples for added flavor.
• Use Puff Pastry: For an extra-flaky crust, swap out pie dough with puff pastry sheets.
• Try Different Spices: Add nutmeg or a pinch of ground cloves for more warmth.
• Make It Vegan: Use a plant-based butter and skip the egg wash, or replace it with a mix of maple syrup and plant milk.
• Air Fry It: Brush lightly with oil and cook in an air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until crisp and golden.

How to Make Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and water.
3. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples soften slightly but still hold their shape.
4. Sprinkle in the flour, stir, and continue cooking for 1–2 more minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely before assembling.

Tip: You can make the filling up to 3 days in advance. Store it covered in the fridge.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough

1. Lightly flour your surface and roll out your pie dough if needed (pre-rolled dough may only need unrolling).
2. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to divide the dough into 8 rectangles, about 4×5 inches each.

Chef’s Note: You can also use a square cutter or trace a small index card to get even pieces.

Step 3: Fill and Seal the Pies

1. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of cooled apple filling onto one half of each rectangle, leaving space around the edges.
2. Brush the edges lightly with beaten egg.
3. Fold over the dough to form a pocket. Press edges together with your fingers, then crimp with a fork to seal.
4. Transfer the pies to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Tip: Don’t overfill the pies or they’ll burst open in the oven. A tight seal also helps keep the filling inside.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Vent

1. Brush the tops of each pie with more egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.
2. Use a small knife to cut 2–3 slits on top of each pie for steam to escape during baking.

Step 5: Bake (or Fry)

Baking Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake pies for 22–26 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and golden brown.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Air Fryer Instructions:

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
• Place pies in a single layer and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

Note: Traditional frying is also possible, but this recipe is designed to reduce oil while still keeping that crisp finish.

Serving and Decoration

These hand pies are best served warm, just a few minutes out of the oven when the crust is crisp and the filling is tender. For an extra treat:

• Dust lightly with powdered sugar right before serving.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for a richer dessert-style finish.

Chef’s Tip: If you’re serving a crowd, keep them warm on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F) for up to 30 minutes.

How to Store and Reheat

To Store:

• Let pies cool completely, then place in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:

• Bake in a 350°F oven for about 5–8 minutes until crisp again.
• Or reheat in an air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 350°F.
• Avoid microwaving if possible—it softens the crust.

To Freeze:

• Unbaked pies can be frozen on a tray, then stored in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to the time.
• Baked pies can also be frozen and reheated the same way.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Cold Dough: Keep pie crust chilled before working with it. This helps it bake up crisp and flaky.
• Cool the Filling: Never add hot filling to raw dough—it makes sealing tricky and can lead to leaks.
• Don’t Skip the Steam Vents: Without small slits on top, steam builds up and may burst open the pies.
• Crimp Well: Go over edges firmly with a fork to prevent spills during baking.
• Bake on Parchment: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 Pie)
Calories	210 kcal
Carbohydrates	28 g
Sugars	10 g
Protein	2 g
Fat	10 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Fiber	2 g
Sodium	115 mg

Note: Nutrition estimates are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion size.

Copycat Apple Pie FAQs

Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of homemade?
Yes, you can use canned filling in a pinch, but the flavor and texture won’t be quite as fresh. If using canned filling, chop the apples into smaller pieces so they fit better inside the hand pies.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free pie crust (store-bought or homemade) and replace the all-purpose flour in the filling with cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener.

What’s the best way to seal the edges so they don’t burst open?
Use a fork to crimp the edges firmly after brushing with egg wash. Make sure the filling isn’t too wet and that the dough is cold for a cleaner seal.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Always cool the filling completely before adding it to the dough. Hot or warm filling softens the crust too early and can cause sogginess.

Can I fry these like the original McDonald’s pies?
Yes. Heat 2–3 inches of neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) to 350°F, and fry each pie for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels before serving.

Conclusion

This Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie recipe captures everything people love about the original: a golden, flaky crust wrapped around warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. But unlike the fast-food version, you get to use fresh ingredients and adjust it to your liking—from baking instead of frying, to changing up the spices or fruit.

It’s a simple dessert that feels homemade in the best way, and with the easy prep and short baking time, it’s perfect for both weeknights and special occasions. Whether you’re making a nostalgic treat or just craving something warm and fruity, these apple hand pies are a satisfying choice.