By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-06-17 15:59:49 | Updated at 2026-06-18 17:15:46
1 day ago
McDonald's is bringing back one of its hottest menu items ever this summer.
The fast-food giant has announced the return of its legendary fried apple pie for the first time in more than three decades, sending longtime customers into a frenzy.
Starting June 23, McDonald’s will bring back its fried apple pies at participating locations, marking their first return to the US menu in over 30 years. It will be available only until July 4, partially celebrating America's milestone birthday.
The all-day menu item is made with 100 percent American-grown apples, wrapped in a fried crust.
Back in the 1960s, East Tennessee owner Litton Cochran created the first fried apple hand pie, which eventually became a McDonald's fan-favorite.
'There are certain things that just take you back – and the Fried Apple Pie is one of them,' McDonald's owner Eric Cochran said in a statement. 'It's something that people love and remember from growing up.'
Cochran explained that when McDonald's was brainstorming which dessert to add to its restaurants, his grandfather, Litton Cochran, suggested a fried apple pie as a 'classic that people would love.'
'My Grandmom, Jo Cochran, spent months perfecting the recipe,' he added. 'Bringing the fried apple pie back for fans this summer to celebrate America's 250th just feels right.'
McDonald's says their fried apple pies feature their 'signature filling made with 100 percent American-grown apples, wrapped in the same golden crunch and flaky fried crust fans remember'
McDonald's is known for menu items like the McFlurry and the iconic Big Mac sandwich
In 1992, McDonald’s first swapped its fried apple pie for a baked version at most US restaurants amid growing health concerns over fat and cholesterol.
But fried apple pies remained on the menu in Hawaii and are still sold globally in some McDonald's locations, including the United Kingdom, Mexico, Greece, Australia and China.
McDonald's is even unveiling a 35-foot fried apple pie monument along Route 66, turning one of its most-missed menu items into a summer attraction.
On social media, McDonald's customers shared their love for the long-lost dessert option, with a Reddit user writing that despite the 'amazing' news, they wished it 'wasn't just for two weeks.'
'This is a cute way to celebrate,' another Reddit user wrote.
Some mentioned other McDonald's treats that have since disappeared from menus, including the fried cherry pie. Aside from the upcoming fried apple pie, McDonald's still has their iconic McFlurry available for order.
The McFlurry, made from soft-serve vanilla ice cream and mixed with candies, cookies or sauces, has remained one of the fast-food giant's most iconic dessert offerings since its debut in the mid-1990s.
Over the years, the treat has featured a rotating lineup of mix-ins and limited-time flavors, helping it maintain a loyal following even as other menu items have come and gone.
As one of the largest chain restaurants, McDonald's has an estimated 14,300 locations in the US
In March, that included a Kpop Demon Hunters-inspired 'Derpy' McFlurry, made with vanilla soft serve, berry popping pearls and a wild berry sauce.
McDonald's has other menu items expected to debut in the coming months.
In summer, the fast-food giant is launching a new Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer, marking its first partnership with the energy drink brand.
A McDonald's spokesman previously told the Daily Mail: 'Our fans’ love for McDonald’s beverages runs deep, from rallying for the return of Hi-C Orange Lavaburst to coining the iconic 'Spicy Sprite.'
McDonald’s remains the world’s largest fast food chain in terms of sales - Mixue Ice Cream & Tea is bigger than McDonald’s and Starbucks by store count.
