McDonald’s is reviving a longtime fan favorite in the US as part of the celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday, giving customers a chance to try it again for the first time in more than three decades.
The company confirmed this week that the original fried apple pie will return to many of its restaurants across the country for a limited run beginning June 23.
The dessert, which features a deep-fried crust and warm apple filling, has been off most US menus since 1992, when McDonald’s switched to a baked version amid growing concerns about dietary fat and cholesterol.
The returning item is the classic fried apple pie, a nostalgic McDonald’s favorite that debuted in 1968 alongside the Big Mac after Tennessee franchisee Litton Cochran developed the rectangular sweet treat.
While the fried version disappeared from most mainland US locations, it never vanished everywhere. Some restaurants in Hawaii have continued serving it, and it is still sold in other countries, including the UK, Mexico, Greece, Australia and China.
In the US, McDonald’s replaced the fried pie with a baked version instead, which remains on the menu today.
The change also came around the same period as the introduction of the US Department of Agriculture’s first food guide pyramid, reflecting a broader shift in public attention toward nutrition.
The company has leaned into the pie’s comeback with a patriotic theme, even installing a giant fried apple pie display near its Chicago-area headquarters on Route 66 to mark the occasion.
caution: get the fried apple pie while it’s hot on 6.23 pic.twitter.com/tk65P7RLAF
— McDonald's (@McDonalds) June 16, 2026
Checking McDonald’s international nutrition listings for markets that still sell the fried pie gives some insight into its nutritional value.
In the UK, for example, one fried apple pie contains 220 calories, which is 10 fewer than the baked version.
The announcement has been met with plenty of enthusiasm, especially from people who remember the original version from years ago.
On X, people reacted to McDonald’s official post announcing it, with one exclaiming: “What is this for reals?!?!? Is it really back?!?!? The lava filled Fried Apple Pies?!?!?! Super siiiick!!! The secret of the Fried Apple Pies is the beef tallow!! Awesome as always! You all do listen to the fans!”
So much for that ingredient being a secret.
Another wrote: “I am so happy that the fried apple pie is coming back.”
Someone else said: “The best back in the day glad the new generation get to enjoy the taste of yesteryear.”
For fans of the old menu item, June 23 could be a very satisfying day.
Just remember to let it cool a little before taking the first bite.