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McDonald’s is bringing back a dessert that nostalgic customers have been asking to see again for decades.
The fast-food chain announced that its fried apple pie will return to participating restaurants nationwide on June 23 for a limited time as part of celebrations surrounding America’s 250th birthday.
The dessert features apple filling made with American-grown apples wrapped inside a fried, flaky crust.
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The pie first appeared on McDonald’s menu in 1968 after Tennessee franchise owner Litton Cochran developed the recipe. It remained a staple for decades before most U.S. restaurants switched to a baked version in 1992 amid growing concerns about fat and cholesterol consumption, according to The Associated Press.
Shown above is McDonald’s fan-favorite fried apple pie, which is making a comeback nationwide. (McDonald’s)
The fried pie never completely vanished, remaining available in Hawaii and select international markets even after most U.S. restaurants transitioned to the baked version.
“There are certain things that just take you back — and the Fried Apple Pie is one of them,” Eric Cochran, a McDonald’s owner/operator and grandson of Litton Cochran, said in a statement.
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“It’s something that people love and remember from growing up.”
To mark the dessert’s return, McDonald’s plans to unveil a 35-foot fried apple pie display along Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois, near the company’s Chicago-area headquarters.
The apple pie made its McDonald’s debut in 1968. (iStock)
The oversized pie will remain on display through July 4.
The announcement quickly generated excitement online, particularly among customers who remember the fried pies from years past.
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“This is amazing news! But I wish it wasn’t just for two weeks!” one Reddit user wrote.
Others expressed hope that the limited-time offering could eventually become permanent.
The return of the fried pies sparked excitement among longtime customers online. (iStock)
“I see this as the beginning of a re-introduction,” another commenter wrote.
Several users pointed out that fried versions of the pie never completely disappeared.
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“For some reason they still have them in Hawaii,” one commenter wrote. “It’s just the rest of the country that has been denied the good pies.”
Others debated whether the returning pie would match the version they remembered from decades ago.
“Unless they’re frying it in beef tallow again, they’re not serving THE fried apple pie,” one commenter wrote.
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Digital reached out to McDonald’s for further comment.
