McDonald’s Fried Apple Pie Makes a Nostalgic Return This Summer

Fast-food fans, rejoice! McDonald’s is bringing back one of its most beloved retro desserts just in time for the summer season. The legendary Fried Apple Pie is making a limited-time comeback, giving customers a chance to enjoy a crispy, nostalgic treat.

When is the McDonald’s Fried Apple Pie Returning?

Mark your calendars for June 23. Starting on this date, participating McDonald’s locations across the country will add the classic Fried Apple Pie back to their all-day menus. However, you will want to act fast, as this fan-favorite dessert will only be available for a limited time while supplies last. While you are out grabbing this sweet treat, you might also want to check out other amazing fast-food offers, such as how to score a Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme for just $1 or grab discounted Little Caesars pizzas this month.

What Makes the Original Fried Apple Pie So Special?

Unlike the baked version commonly found on modern menus, the original recipe features a bubbly, golden-brown fried crust that delivers a satisfying crunch. Inside, the pie is stuffed with a warm, sweet filling made entirely from 100 percent American-grown apples. It is the exact same flaky, delicious recipe that older generations remember and new fans are sure to love.

The History Behind the Classic Recipe

This iconic dessert actually started as a family recipe rather than a corporate creation.

A Family Tradition Goes National

In the 1960s, Litton Cochran, a McDonald’s franchise owner in East Tennessee, developed a fried apple hand pie. His wife, Jo Cochran, spent months refining the recipe to perfection. When McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc was searching for a signature dessert to add to the national menu, Litton suggested his family’s fried pie. It quickly became an instant classic.

According to Eric Cochran, a current McDonald’s owner and grandson of the creators, the return of the pie is a perfect way to bring back fond childhood memories while celebrating America’s upcoming 250th milestone.

Visit the Giant 35-Foot Fried Apple Pie on Route 66

To celebrate the return of this American classic, McDonald’s is erecting a massive, 35-foot-tall Fried Apple Pie installation along the historic Route 66. Located just outside of Chicago at 920 N Broadway St. in Joliet, Illinois, this roadside attraction is the perfect spot for summer road trippers to stop, take photos, and grab a commemorative souvenir map.

Special Launch Events and Dates

If you are in the Chicagoland area, you can participate in some exciting festivities surrounding the giant installation:

• June 23 Kickoff Celebration: From 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT, the giant pie installation will host a grand opening event featuring live music, cold Coca-Cola, and complimentary Arch Cards.
• June 23 through July 4: The towering 35-foot monument will remain on display through the Independence Day holiday, offering a fun way to celebrate the start of a historic summer.

Whether you are planning a road trip down Route 66 or simply heading to your local drive-thru, make sure to grab a hot, crispy Fried Apple Pie before it disappears from the menu once again.