McDonald’s fried apple pie returns to menus across the United States for the first time in over three decades, giving customers another chance to enjoy one of the chain’s most beloved desserts.
The company announced that the crispy pastry will return to most U.S. locations on June 23 for a limited time. Its comeback coincides with celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday and taps into growing nostalgia for classic menu items.
For many longtime customers, the return revives memories of an era when the fried version was a staple alongside other signature McDonald’s offerings.
A classic dessert makes a comeback
McDonald’s first introduced the fried apple pie in 1968, the same year it launched the Big Mac. The dessert quickly became popular thanks to its flaky crust and warm apple filling.
In 1992, however, the company replaced the fried version with a baked alternative at most U.S. restaurants as consumers became more health-conscious and sought lower-fat menu options.
Despite disappearing from much of the American market, the fried pie continued to be sold in several countries, including Mexico, Australia and China.
America’s 250th birthday inspires limited-time treats
The return of the fried apple pie is part of a wider celebration surrounding the nation’s semiquincentennial.
Other fast-food chains have also introduced patriotic-themed menu items. Burger King recently unveiled its Firecracker Cookie Pie, Sonic added a red, white and blue slush float, and Hardee’s launched a Star-Spangled Biscuit decorated with festive sprinkles.
McDonald’s hopes the limited-time offering will attract both loyal fans and new customers eager to sample the original recipe.
Interesting facts about the famous pie
The baked apple pie currently sold by McDonald’s contains 230 calories, slightly more than the original fried version.
According to the company, its U.S. restaurants use around 170 million American-grown apples every year to prepare menu items.
To celebrate the dessert’s return, McDonald’s will also install a giant 35-foot-tall fried apple pie display along Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois, near its Chicago headquarters. The oversized installation will remain in place until July 4.
Customers have only a limited window
The company has not announced how long the promotion will last, making the fried apple pie a limited-time offering.
Its return gives customers an opportunity to revisit one of McDonald’s most nostalgic menu items while celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Whether the dessert becomes a permanent menu fixture again remains to be seen, but for now, fans will have a chance to enjoy the crispy classic once more.
Source: Associated Press (AP)
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