McDonald's brings back its iconic fried apple pie for America's 250th

McDonald's is reviving its classic fried apple pie to mark America’s 250th birthday. The treat, once a menu staple, will return to participating US restaurants for a limited time. A giant 35-foot version will also stand along Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois, until July 4. The fried apple pie began as a family recipe in the 1960s, created by East Tennessee owner Litton Cochran. It features a filling made with 100% American-grown apples, wrapped in a golden, flaky fried crust.

McDonald’s replaced the fried version with a baked pie in most US locations in 1992 due to health concerns. However, the original fried pies remained available in regions like Hawaii, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Greece, Australia, and China.

To celebrate the return, a kickoff event will take place in Chicagoland. Guests can enjoy live music and receive complimentary Arch Cards while viewing the largest fried apple pie ever made by the chain. The fried apple pies will be sold at select US restaurants starting June 23. The promotion coincides with the installation of the oversized pie sculpture. Fans will have a limited window to taste the nostalgic dessert before it disappears again.