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Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie

This recipe recreates the beloved McDonald's Apple Pie. Featuring a sweet-tart apple filling cooked with cinnamon and lemon, encased in a flaky, golden-baked pie crust. It's a delightful, nostalgic dessert that's perfect for a comforting treat. The process involves preparing the apple mixture, assembling individual hand pies, and baking them until perfectly golden and crisp.
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Total Time 55 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 2543.6 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Saucepan
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Baking Sheet
  • 1 Pastry Brush
  • 1 Fork for sealing edges

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 1/2 cups apple chopped; from about 2 to 4 peeled and cored apples
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar firmly packed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour more or less, for dusting
  • 1 14.1-ounce box rolled refrigerated pie crusts
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the all-purpose flour and continue to cook for 1 minute more until the filling thickens. Remove the apple mixture from the heat and let it cool completely.
  • Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Use a knife or pastry wheel to cut each round into four equal squares.
  • Place about 2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto one half of each pie crust square, leaving a clear border around the edges.
  • Beat the egg in a small bowl to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the pie crusts with the beaten egg.
  • Fold the empty half of the pie crust over the filling to form a rectangle. Press the edges firmly together with a fork to seal and crimp.
  • Cut two small slits on the top of each pie with a knife to allow steam to escape during baking.
  • Carefully transfer the assembled pies to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the pies with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle generously with granulated sugar.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pie crusts are golden brown and flaky. Let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

For an authentic McDonald's flavor profile, use a mix of slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness. Ensure the apple filling cools completely before assembling to prevent soggy crusts. When sealing the pie pockets, press firmly with a fork to create a good crimp, preventing leaks during baking. Don't skip the slits on top, they are crucial for steam release, preventing the pies from bursting. While this recipe bakes, traditional McDonald's pies are deep-fried for a supremely crispy exterior; if attempting, ensure safe deep-frying practices and temperature control. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an elevated dessert experience.