Homemade McDonald’s Apple Pies

Remember those iconic McDonald’s apple pies with their perfectly crispy shell and warm, gooey center? Get ready to recreate that magic right in your kitchen – but even better because these are completely vegan and customizable!

The secret to these heavenly hand pies lies in the perfect balance of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and flaky, golden-brown pastry. When that first bite breaks through the crispy exterior into the sweet, warm filling, you’ll wonder why you ever waited in a drive-thru line.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 medium apples
• 1 tbsp vegan margarine
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)

For the Pastry:

• 1 sheet puff pastry (320g / 11.3oz), vegan or gluten-free
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• 2 tsp vegetable oil

Steps

1. Remove puff pastry from fridge and let rest at room temperature (68-72°F/20-22°C) for 15 minutes until pliable but still cool.
2. Heat vegan margarine in a saucepan over medium heat (350°F/175°C). Core, peel, and dice apples into 1cm pieces. Add apples, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are fork-tender but not mushy.
3. Create cornflour slurry by mixing cornflour with 3 tbsp cold water until smooth. Add to apple mixture, stirring constantly for 3 minutes until thickened. Transfer to a bowl and cool completely (about 30 minutes).
4. Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C) with fan assistance. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Mix maple syrup and oil for vegan egg wash. Roll pastry into a rectangle and cut into 8 equal rectangles. Each should measure roughly 4×6 inches (10x15cm).
6. Place 1/4 cup filling on 4 rectangles, leaving 1/2cm border. Brush borders with egg wash. Top with remaining rectangles.
7. Seal edges firmly with fingers, then crimp with fork tines. Cut 3-4 small slits in top for steam vents.
8. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Bake 15-25 minutes until golden brown and pastry is fully cooked through.

Smart Swaps

• Use coconut oil instead of vegan margarine
• Try monk fruit sweetener for a sugar-free version
• Substitute gluten-free puff pastry for traditional

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Replace sugar with 1.5 tbsp allulose plus 1/2 tsp stevia
• Use Granny Smith apples for lower sugar content
• Reduce portion size to 1/2 pie (reduces carbs by 40%)

Pro Tips

• Let filling cool completely to prevent soggy pastry
• Don’t skip the venting slits – they prevent filling explosions
• Check bottom of pies at 12 minutes – if browning too fast, move to upper rack