Name: Homemade McDonald’s Apple Pies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup (2oz/57g) butter; 4 apples, peeled, cored and diced small; ⅔ cup (4oz/115g) brown sugar; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; Juice of 1 lemon; 3 teaspoons cornflour; 1 tablespoon water; 2 x recipe Easy Puff Pastry (or store bought puff pastry); Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water); Cinnamon sugar for dusting

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 3 reviews

If you’ve ever found yourself craving that warm, flaky, cinnamon-kissed treat from McDonald’s, you’re about to be blown away by how easy it is to make your own version at home. The Homemade McDonald’s Apple Pies Recipe brings that iconic taste right into your kitchen, combining tender spiced apples with buttery puff pastry for a truly irresistible dessert that’s perfect any time of year. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone you share these with because nothing beats the joy of creating this classic all by yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a speckled white pan filled with a mixture of small, soft, golden-brown apple pieces coated in a thick, glossy brown sauce that covers the apple chunks evenly, with slight reflections of light making the sauce shiny, all placed on a white marbled surface with part of another dish showing in the top right corner; photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Homemade McDonald’s Apple Pies Recipe calls for a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the buttery richness of the pastry to the sweet and tangy warmth of the apple filling, every component is essential to make this dish shine.

Butter (¼ cup or 2oz/57g): Adds a rich, creamy base for cooking the apple filling and deepens the overall flavor.
Apples (4, peeled, cored, diced): Choose a sharp, crisp dessert apple for that perfect balance between sweet and tart.
Brown sugar (⅔ cup or 4oz/115g): Provides a caramel-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon and apples beautifully.
Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The warm spice that makes the apple filling comforting and fragrant.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon): Adds freshness and prevents the apples from turning brown while brightening the flavor.
Cornflour (3 teaspoons): Creates a smooth, thick texture in the filling that won’t be soggy.
Water (1 tablespoon): Used to make the cornflour slurry ensuring even thickening.
Puff pastry (2 recipes of Easy Puff Pastry or store-bought): The flaky, buttery shell that holds the filling and bakes to golden perfection.
Egg wash: Brushed on the pastry for a shiny, golden crust.
Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkled on top for a sweet, crunchy finish.

How to Make Homemade McDonald’s Apple Pies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep makes sure your pies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for perfection.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

In a shallow saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and toss in your diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice. Stir this delightful mixture until the apples soften and most of the liquid evaporates—this step is where the magic starts, transforming raw fruit into a warmly spiced filling.

Step 3: Thicken the Filling

Create a slurry by mixing cornflour and water in a small bowl, then stir it into the filling. Cook for an additional two minutes as the mixture thickens to a luscious, spoonable consistency that will stay inside your pies without making the pastry soggy.

Step 4: Cool the Filling

Remove your thickened apple mixture from heat and let it cool completely. This is key for handling the filling when assembling, and you can refrigerate it for up to five days or even freeze it if you want to prepare ahead.

Step 5: Roll and Cut Pastry

Roll out your puff pastry on a floured surface until it’s about ⅛ inch thick. Cut it into eight rectangles approximately 4.5 by 6 inches. This flaky foundation is what makes your homemade pies feel indulgently crisp and buttery.

Step 6: Fill and Seal

Place 1-2 heaping teaspoons of cooled apple filling in the center of each pastry rectangle. Brush the edges with egg wash, fold the pastry over, and seal with a fork—this ensures your filling stays safe and warm inside its golden home.

Step 7: Vent and Glaze

Cut three small slits on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape. Brush them generously with egg wash and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar to create that signature sweet, crunchy finish that we all love.

Step 8: Bake and Enjoy

Bake your pies for 25 to 30 minutes, or until puffed up and golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll know these homemade treats are ready to be enjoyed warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream.

How to Serve Homemade McDonald’s Apple Pies Recipe

The image shows three golden brown rectangular pastries on white baking paper over a baking tray with a white marbled background. The front pastry is cut open, revealing soft yellowish apple filling inside layers of flaky crust. A swirl of thick, white cream sits on top of the open pastry. The two pastries in the back have three diagonal slits on top and are whole, showing a crispy, bumpy surface that is darker in some spots. The lighting makes the crust look warm and slightly shiny. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate these pies to restaurant-quality, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm filling.

Side Dishes

Pair these apple pies with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For a brunch spread, serving alongside cinnamon-spiced oatmeal or even savory bacon adds an exciting mix of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve mini versions of these pies on skewers as an elegant party appetizer. Or try crumbling warmed pie over pancakes or waffles for a decadent breakfast experience inspired by this Homemade McDonald’s Apple Pies Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to two days and maintain their delicious flavor and texture when reheated properly.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked pies after assembling by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your pies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to re-crisp the pastry without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that iconic flakiness intact.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought puff pastry for this Homemade McDonald’s Apple Pies Recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade puff pastry adds an extra layer of love, store-bought options work wonderfully and save time without sacrificing the flaky texture you crave.

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn provide the best balance of sweetness and acidity, which keeps the filling bright and flavorful after cooking.

Is there a way to make these pies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a store-bought gluten-free puff pastry or a homemade gluten-free pastry dough to accommodate dietary needs while still enjoying this beloved recipe.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, the apple filling can be made up to five days in advance and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for longer storage, making these pies a great option for busy days or planned entertaining.

How do I avoid soggy bottoms on the pies?

Thickening the filling with cornflour and making sure it’s completely cool before assembling helps prevent sogginess. Baking on a parchment-lined sheet with space between pies also ensures even heat distribution and a crispy crust.

Final Thoughts

Making the Homemade McDonald’s Apple Pies Recipe from scratch is such a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. It’s a sweet treat that’s surprisingly simple to whip up, guaranteed to bring smiles and requests for seconds from family and friends. So don’t wait—grab those apples and puff pastry and start baking your own little taste of happiness today!