McDonald's Is Bringing Back Its Original Fried Apple Pie for the First Time Since 1992
The fast food giant brings back its original fried apple pie across US locations, tying the cult dessert’s comeback to the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations.
Summary
- McDonald’s is bringing back its original fried apple pie to U.S. menus starting June 23 to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States
- The move marks the first nationwide return of the fried recipe since it was replaced by a baked version in 1992
- The company is promoting the launch with a 35-foot-tall fried apple pie monument located along Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois
McDonald’s officially confirmed the nationwide return of its legendary fried apple pie. The fast-food giant will resurrect the cult-classic dessert at participating locations across the United States starting June 23. This highly anticipated relaunch strategically aligns with the 250th birthday of the nation. Fans have waited over three decades for a widespread release of the original recipe. The crisp and blistered pastry vanished from domestic menus back in 1992. Executives now aim to tap into deep cultural nostalgia while marking a major American milestone.
The original deep-fried treat made its initial debut in 1968. Tennessee-based McDonald’s franchisees Litton and Jo Cochran developed the sweet snack to launch alongside the iconic Big Mac. It quickly became a defining pillar of the golden arches experience. The item even cultivated a dedicated political fanbase. Recent reports indicate the dessert remains a well-known Trump favorite and its impending return has sparked celebratory reactions extending all the way to the White House. Such high-profile enthusiasm highlights the enduring cultural grip of legacy fast food.
Corporate executives ultimately pulled the plug on the frying method during the early 1990s. The company faced mounting pressure from health advocates and transitioned to a baked version to appease calorie-conscious consumers. This baked iteration failed to capture the exact textural magic of the original shell. Current nutritional information shows the baked pastry clocks in at 230 calories. That total actually sits 10 calories higher than the discontinued fried predecessor. Diehard purists previously had to travel to Hawaii or select international outposts to secure the authentic crispy crunch.
Marketing efforts from McDonald’s for the upcoming release include a massive physical activation. The corporation is constructing a 35-foot-tall pastry monument right off historic Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois. This colossal tribute serves as both a roadside attraction and a nod to classic Americana. Competitors across the culinary landscape are making similar patriotic moves. Burger King and Sonic recently announced their own themed menu items to capitalize on the semiquincentennial momentum. The undeniable heavy hitter remains the golden arches and its revived 1968 classic.
