How to Reheat McDonald‘s Apple Pie Like a Pro: The Ultimate Guide

As a picky shopper and retail and consumer expert, I know that not all apple pies are created equal. And when it comes to fast food desserts, the McDonald‘s apple pie reigns supreme. With its flaky crust, gooey cinnamon apple filling, and handheld convenience, it‘s no wonder this sweet treat has been a menu staple since 1968.

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But let‘s face it – sometimes life gets in the way of enjoying your McDonald‘s apple pie fresh out of the fryer. Whether you ordered too many or got distracted before taking that first bite, you may find yourself with a cold, sad-looking pie. Don‘t despair! With a few expert reheating techniques, you can revive your McDonald‘s apple pie to its former glory.

As someone who has eaten my fair share of McDonald‘s apple pies over the years (for research purposes, of course), I‘ve perfected the art of reheating them for optimal taste and texture. In this ultimate guide, I‘ll share my top methods for using the oven, microwave, and air fryer to reheat your pie, plus tips for storing leftovers and some fun serving suggestions.

But first, let‘s dive into what makes the McDonald‘s apple pie so irresistible to begin with. Trust me, there‘s more to this handheld dessert than meets the eye!

The Anatomy of a McDonald‘s Apple Pie

Have you ever wondered what‘s actually inside a McDonald‘s apple pie? According to the company‘s website, each pie contains the following ingredients:

  • Apples (from the U.S.)
  • Enriched flour (bleached wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
  • Sugar
  • Palm oil shortening
  • Water
  • Apple juice concentrate
  • Modified food starch
  • Invert syrup
  • Contains 2% or less: yeast, salt, cinnamon, sunflower lecithin, L-Cysteine (dough conditioner), yeast extract, enzyme, beta-carotene (color), baking soda

While not exactly health food, McDonald‘s apple pies are actually one of the lower calorie desserts on the menu. Each pie clocks in at 240 calories, with 11 grams of fat, 32 grams of carbs, and 13 grams of sugar.

Compared to other fast food apple pies, McDonald‘s version is on the smaller side at just 2.7 ounces. For example, a Popeyes apple pie is nearly twice as big at 5 ounces and contains 390 calories, while Burger King‘s Dutch Apple Pie weighs in at 6 ounces with 320 calories. So if you‘re looking for a more modest indulgence, McDonald‘s apple pie is the way to go.

Interestingly, the recipe for McDonald‘s apple pie has changed several times over the years. The original fried pies were made with a solid top crust and crimped edges, similar to a turnover. In 1992, McDonald‘s switched to a baked pie with a lattice-style crust as a healthier alternative (although many argue the fried version tasted better).

The filling has also evolved, with McDonald‘s now using a blend of six different apples from Washington state, including Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Rome, Gala, Ida Red, and Fuji varieties. This creates a balanced sweetness and texture, while the cinnamon sugar adds just the right amount of spice.

Copycat recipes suggest making a homemade version with Granny Smith apples for tartness, a touch of nutmeg and vanilla to complement the cinnamon, and a mixture of butter and shortening in the crust for extra flakiness. But let‘s be real – nothing beats the convenience of swinging by the drive-thru for a quick apple pie fix.

How Popular Are McDonald‘s Apple Pies?

So just how many McDonald‘s apple pies are consumed each year? While the company doesn‘t release exact sales figures, estimates suggest that approximately 40 million pies are sold annually in the U.S. alone. That‘s a lot of crispy crust and gooey filling!

To put that in perspective, if you lined up all the McDonald‘s apple pies sold in a year end-to-end, they would stretch over 8,000 miles – enough to cross the United States nearly three times. And if you stacked them on top of each other, the pile would reach over 500 times the height of the Golden Gate Bridge. Talk about a towering achievement!

Globally, McDonald‘s sells even more apple pies, with the treat being especially popular in Asia. In Japan, for example, McDonaold‘s has offered exotic flavors like Purple Sweet Potato and Pineapple over the years. And in Hong Kong, you can even find Apple Pies a la Mode on the menu, served with a scoop of vanilla soft serve.

But no matter where you are in the world, there‘s something universally appealing about the McDonald‘s apple pie. Its handheld format makes it easy to eat on the go, while the comforting scent of cinnamon and apples evokes feelings of nostalgia and indulgence.

In fact, studies have shown that the smell of cinnamon can boost cognitive function and memory recall, while the taste of apples activates pleasure centers in the brain. Combined with the satisfying crunch of the crust and the warmth of the filling, it‘s no wonder we crave McDonald‘s apple pies so deeply.

Mastering the Art of Apple Pie Reheating

Now that we‘ve established the cultural significance of the McDonald‘s apple pie, let‘s get down to the nitty gritty of reheating leftovers. As someone who has microwaved many a sad, soggy pie in my day, I can attest that technique matters when it comes to reviving this dessert.

Here are my top three methods for reheating McDonald‘s apple pie, ranked from good to AMAZING:

3. Microwave Method (Good)

I get it – when you‘re hungry for an apple pie, sometimes 45 seconds in the microwave is all you can muster. And you know what? That‘s okay! Nuking a McDonald‘s apple pie is certainly better than eating it cold. Here‘s how to do it right:

  1. Remove the pie from its box and wrap loosely in a damp paper towel. This will help prevent the crust from drying out or getting tough.
  2. Place the wrapped pie on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high power in 10-second intervals, checking after each round. Most pies will be ready after 30-40 seconds total.
  3. If the pie needs more time, microwave it in additional 5-10 second bursts until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, or the filling may start splattering.
  4. Let the pie cool for a minute before unwrapping the paper towel and digging in. The filling will be very hot at first!

Pros of the Microwave Method:

  • Quick and easy
  • Minimal cleanup
  • Gets the job done in a pinch

Cons of the Microwave Method:

  • Crust may become soft or soggy
  • Filling can overcook and lose texture if heated too long
  • Not as satisfying as oven or air fryer methods

If you‘re reheating multiple pies at once, microwave them individually for best results. Stacking or overcrowding pies can lead to uneven heating.

2. Oven Method (Better)

When you have a little extra time and want to revive your McDonald‘s apple pie to nearly fresh-baked status, try the oven method. Reheating pies in the oven allows the crust to crisp up again and brings out the flavors in the filling. Here‘s how to do it:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the pie from its packaging and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Bake for 5-7 minutes, until the crust is crisp and the filling is warmed through. Keep an eye on the pie to make sure it doesn‘t burn.
  3. For an extra crispy bottom crust, pop the pie directly onto the oven rack for the last 1-2 minutes of heating. Just be careful not to let it fall through the grates!
  4. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your perfectly reheated McDonald‘s apple pie!

Pros of the Oven Method:

  • Crisps up the crust nicely
  • Heats the filling evenly
  • Makes your kitchen smell amazing
  • Easy to reheat multiple pies at once

Cons of the Oven Method:

  • Takes longer than the microwave
  • Requires more energy and cleanup
  • May heat up your kitchen in warm weather

If you‘re feeling extra indulgent, try serving your oven-warmed apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Sweet tooth, satisfied.

1. Air Fryer Method (Best!)

As a picky shopper and connoisseur of reheated McDonald‘s apple pies, I can confidently say that the air fryer is the ultimate method for achieving crispy, flaky, gooey perfection. If you haven‘t jumped on the air fryer bandwagon yet, this recipe alone is worth the investment. Here‘s how to do it:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Remove the pie from its packaging and place it in the fryer basket, making sure it‘s not overcrowded.
  2. Air fry the pie for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The crust should be golden brown and the filling should be bubbling slightly.
  3. Remove the pie from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula and let it cool for a minute or two before diving in. Be careful, as the filling will be molten hot!

Pros of the Air Fryer Method:

  • Creates an ultra-crispy, flaky crust
  • Heats the pie quickly and evenly
  • Preserves the texture of the filling
  • Feels more special than the microwave

Cons of the Air Fryer Method:

  • Requires an air fryer (but trust me, it‘s worth it)
  • Can only reheat 1-2 pies at a time depending on your fryer‘s size
  • May smoke slightly if the pie starts leaking filling

Pro Tip: For an even crispier crust, lightly spray the outside of the pie with cooking spray before air frying. This will help the crust puff up and brown more evenly. Just be sure to use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil so it doesn‘t alter the flavor of the pie.

Storing McDonald‘s Apple Pies for Later

Now that you know how to reheat a McDonald‘s apple pie to perfection, you may be wondering how long you can safely store leftovers. According to the USDA, fruit pies can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days before they need to be refrigerated or frozen.

However, because McDonald‘s apple pies contain a moist filling and are packaged in a non-airtight box, I recommend refrigerating them within 2 hours of purchase to be safe. To store pies in the fridge, follow these steps:

  1. Let the pies cool completely to room temperature. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the packaging.
  2. Place the pies in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing.
  3. Label the container or bag with the date and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  4. When ready to eat, reheat pies using one of the methods above, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time to account for the colder starting temperature.

If you want to save your McDonald‘s apple pies for an even later date, you can freeze them for up to 3-4 months. Here‘s how:

  1. Wrap each cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  2. Label the bag or container with the date and contents, then place in the freezer.
  3. To thaw, transfer pies to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as desired using the oven, microwave, or air fryer method, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Pro Tip: If you have the freezer space, consider stocking up on McDonald‘s apple pies when they‘re on sale or when you have a craving. That way, you‘ll always have a tasty dessert on hand when the mood strikes!

Creative Ways to Enjoy McDonald‘s Apple Pie

While a classic McDonald‘s apple pie is pretty perfect on its own, there are plenty of ways to jazz up this humble dessert. Here are a few ideas to take your pie game to the next level:

  • Apple Pie Sundae: Crumble a warm McDonald‘s apple pie over a bowl of vanilla soft serve or ice cream. Top with caramel sauce, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for the ultimate indulgence.

  • Apple Pie Milkshake: Blend a McDonald‘s apple pie with a cup of vanilla ice cream and a splash of milk until smooth. Serve with a straw and enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness.

  • Apple Pie French Toast: Dip a leftover McDonald‘s apple pie in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and cinnamon. Fry in butter until golden brown on both sides, then serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.

  • Apple Pie Parfait: Layer crumbled McDonald‘s apple pie with vanilla yogurt and granola in a tall glass. Repeat until the glass is full, then top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

  • Apple Pie Bites: Cut a McDonald‘s apple pie into bite-sized pieces and serve on toothpicks as a party appetizer. Drizzle with caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar for extra flair.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your McDonald‘s apple pie. Don‘t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and toppings!

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, reheating a McDonald‘s apple pie is both an art and a science. Whether you choose the oven, microwave, or air fryer method, the key is to balance crispy crust with gooey filling and avoid overcooking.

As a picky shopper and retail and consumer expert, I hope this guide has given you the tools and inspiration to enjoy your McDonald‘s apple pies to the fullest. With a little know-how and creativity, you can transform this humble fast food dessert into a crave-worthy treat.

So the next time you find yourself with leftover McDonald‘s apple pies, don‘t settle for a sad, soggy mess. Fire up the oven (or microwave or air fryer) and get ready to savor every last cinnamony bite. Your taste buds will thank you!