Craving a McDonald's Fried Apple Pie? Here's How to Make Your Own!
Few things are as satisfying as a warm, gooey McDonald's fried apple pie. But what if you could enjoy that deliciousness whenever the craving strikes, without leaving the comfort of your own kitchen? You can, with a little effort and the right recipe. This guide will walk you through the steps of recreating McDonald's beloved fried apple pie at home, from the flaky crust to the sweet, spiced filling.
Gathering Your Ingredients for the Perfect McDonald's Fried Apple Pie
To start, you'll need to gather the key ingredients. For the crust, you'll need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup ice water
For the apple filling, you'll need:
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are excellent choices)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
You'll also need:
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for sprinkling
- Vegetable oil for frying
Creating the Perfect McDonald's Fried Apple Pie Crust
The secret to a great McDonald's fried apple pie is a flaky, buttery crust. Here's how to make it:
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough crust.
- Form the dough: Divide the dough in half and flatten each half into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
Assembling and Filling the McDonald's Fried Apple Pie
Now it's time to bring the apple pie together.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Add the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir until well combined.
- Fill the crust: Place half of the apple filling in the center of the rolled-out dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Top with the second crust: Roll out the second disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Place it over the apple filling and gently press the edges of both circles together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the pie.
- Cut and bake: Use a sharp knife to cut four slits in the top of the pie to allow steam to escape. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Frying the McDonald's Fried Apple Pie
The final step is frying the pie, which gives it that crispy exterior and gooey center.
- Heat the oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet to reach about 1/2 inch in depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fry the pie: Carefully lower the baked pie into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and cool: Remove the pie from the oil and drain on paper towels. Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Adding the Final Touches to your Homemade McDonald's Fried Apple Pie
For an even more authentic McDonald's experience, you can dust the finished pie with powdered sugar or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can even drizzle a little caramel sauce on top.
Tips for Making the Best Homemade McDonald's Fried Apple Pie
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and ice water will help ensure a flaky crust.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
- Refrigerate the dough: Letting the dough rest in the refrigerator allows the gluten to relax, making for a more tender crust.
- Use a good quality apple: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are both great choices for this recipe.
- Be careful when frying: Hot oil can splatter, so use caution when frying the pie.
Conclusion: The Joy of a Homemade McDonald's Fried Apple Pie
Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a nostalgic treat. The warm, flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling will transport you back to those happy childhood memories of McDonald's apple pie. So next time you're craving a McDonald's fried apple pie, give this recipe a try. You might just find yourself surprised at how easy it is to recreate this classic treat at home.
