MCDONALD’S COPYCAT APPLE PIES
If you’re a fan of McDonald’s apple pie, you’re in for a treat with this easy homemade version, and it’s even better! These pies boast an incredibly flaky, crispy crust, and the filling is wonderfully ooey and gooey, bursting with the delicious warmth of apple spice flavor.
THE APPLE PIE FILLING
The initial and crucial step in this recipe is creating the apple pie filling. Achieving the perfect apple pie involves two key elements:
- Striking the ideal balance between sweetness and tartness, avoiding extremes of either sourness or excessive sweetness. It’s all about finding that “just right.”
- Ensuring the apples are cooked to perfection. You don’t want them undercooked and crunchy, nor overcooked and mushy.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- Apples
- Light brown sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Cornstarch mixed with water
In a pan set to medium heat, combine the butter, apples, light brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir the ingredients together and let them simmer for about 6 to 8 minutes until the apples turn tender when pierced with a fork. Prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing water and cornstarch in a small bowl, then add it to the pan. Stir to thicken the filling, remove it from the heat, and transfer it to a bowl.
ASSEMBLY & BAKING
Two additional components are essential for assembling the apple pies:
- EGG WASH: Simply whisk together an egg and a dash of milk in a small bowl. It’s as easy as that!
- CINNAMON SUGAR: In a separate small bowl, combine white sugar and cinnamon, and give them a good mix. Set this mixture aside.
Now, let’s focus on the puff pastry. Be sure to follow the package instructions for defrosting. Once it’s ready, unwrap both sheets and divide each sheet into four equal pieces.
Brush the outer edges of each piece with the egg wash. Place the apple filling along one side, and then fold it over to create a long, rectangular pie shape. Gently press down on the edges to ensure a good seal and use a fork to firmly pinch the edges shut.
Brush the tops with the egg wash and generously sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar. Create three small cuts on the surface.
Place in the oven and bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes or until they achieve a beautiful, golden, and crispy appearance. Once out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before digging in! Keep in mind, they’ll be quite hot, so exercise caution and a little patience when taking that first delightful bite.
If you’ve given this recipe a try and it won you over, please share your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! If you have any questions about this recipe, don’t hesitate to ask – I’m here to help and will respond promptly.
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MCDONALD'S COPYCAT APPLE PIES
Ingredients
For the puff pastry
- 1 puff pastry package
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp whole milk
For the apple pie filling
- 2 large apples
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
For the cinnamon sugar topping
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
Make the egg wash
- Whisk together the egg and milk in a bowl. Set aside.
Prepare the cinnamon sugar
- Combine the cinnamon and sugar in a bowl and set aside.
Make the apple pie filling
- In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter, and then add the apples, light brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
- Stir the ingredients together and let them simmer on low heat for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the apples become tender when poked with a fork.
- In a separate small bowl, create a cornstarch slurry by combining water and cornstarch. Add this slurry to the pan, stirring to thicken the filling. Finally, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a separate bowl.
Prepare the puff pastry
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F ( 205 degrees ).
- Layout the puff pastry on a baking sheet and carefully cut each sheet into four equal pieces.
- Lightly brush the edges of each piece with a touch of the egg wash.
- Place the apple filling along one side and fold it over, pressing the edges down to create a secure seal. Use a fork to gently press around the edges for a snug closure. Repeat these steps for the rest of the piece.
- Finally, brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and generously sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Pop the pastries into the oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Once they're out of the oven, savor these delightful treats while they're still warm and freshly baked!