The Secret Nostalgia of McDonald’s Apple Pie—A Fresh Perspective

I never thought I’d break down a fast-food dessert like this, but here I am. The weird part? It’s the scent of fried apple chunks paired with that flaky crust. It smells like memories brewing in greasy paper bags—something I didn’t realize I missed so much. This pie isn’t about perfection; it’s about that moment when biting into a crisp, oozing apple filling you didn’t expect, made with a touch of sweetness and a pinch of salt. Right now, with fall creeping in, I keep craving those tiny bursts of apple and that sugary glaze. It’s not fancy. It’s not complicated. But somehow, it makes you stop and reconsider why some foods stick around, even if it’s just in the back of your mind.

Fried Apple Pie

This fried apple pie features a flaky crust filled with sweet, spiced apple chunks. The filling is cooked until tender and caramelized, then encased in the crust and fried to a golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior with a sugary glaze.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold water for dough
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cold, cubed
• 1 pinch salt
• 3 large medium apples peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar for filling
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for filling
• 1/4 cup brown sugar for glazing
• 1 cup vegetable oil for frying

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Cooking spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire Rack or Paper Towels

Method

 

1. Combine the flour, salt, and cold, cubed butter in a mixing bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
   2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 pinch salt
2. While dough chills, peel and chop apples into small chunks. In a skillet, combine chopped apples with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until apples are tender and mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
   3 large medium apples, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3. Remove dough from refrigerator and roll out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
   2 cups all-purpose flour
4. Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges by pressing with a fork. Repeat for all filled circles.
   3 large medium apples
5. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat until shimmering and about 350°F (175°C). Fry the pies in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
   1 cup vegetable oil
6. While still warm, brush the fried pies with brown sugar glaze or sprinkle with additional sugar. Serve hot or at room temperature.
   1/4 cup brown sugar

Notes

Ensure oil temperature is maintained for even frying. Adjust cooking time if pies are larger or smaller. For a sweeter glaze, melt additional brown sugar with a little water and brush on pies before serving.

Maybe because it’s so simple. Or maybe because it’s the kind of thing you want to replicate, but never quite can. Still, I’ll keep trying. Just in case.