In 1992, a seismic shift occurred in the fast-food landscape. The golden arches of McDonald’s, a global icon, decided to make a significant change in their dessert menu, specifically their beloved apple pies. The decision? To stop frying their apple pies and instead opt for a baked version. This decision, seemingly simple, was a response to the growing health concerns and changing customer preferences of the time. However, it sparked a range of reactions from the McDonald’s faithful.
McDonald’s stopped frying their apple pies in 1992. The change was made in response to growing health concerns and changing customer preferences towards healthier options. Despite mixed reactions from customers, the baked version of the apple pie has remained the standard offering in most McDonald’s locations since then.
The Original McDonald’s Apple Pie
Introduced in 1968, the original McDonald’s apple pie was a deep-fried, turnover-style delight. Its crispy, golden crust and hot, sweet apple filling made it a fast favorite among customers. The recipe was the brainchild of a Knoxville, Tennessee franchisee named Litton Cochran.
Making these original fried apple pies involved preparing a turnover-style pie crust, filling it with a cooked apple filling, and then deep frying the assembled pie until it turned golden brown. The result was a delectable dessert that was the perfect end to a fast-food meal.
The Shift to Baking
In September 1992, McDonald’s decided to switch from frying to baking their apple pies. This move was in response to the growing trend of people moving away from fried products due to health concerns. Baked pies were considered somewhat “healthier” than the fried version, containing fewer calories and less fat.
The baking process was different from the original frying method. It involved preparing a pie crust, filling it with apple filling, and then baking the pie in an oven at high temperatures. The pie was done when the crust was golden brown and the filling was cooked through.
Public Response and Business Impact
This change in the apple pie recipe was met with mixed reactions. While some appreciated the healthier option, many customers missed the original fried pies, finding the baked pies to be more doughy and less flavorful. Despite the backlash, the baked version has remained the standard offering in most McDonald’s locations.
In terms of business impact, McDonald’s decision was primarily driven by health concerns and a desire to cater to changing customer preferences. The move to baked pies did not significantly impact the overall business, as the company continued to innovate and expand its menu offerings.
However, McDonald’s did not completely do away with their fried apple pies. In select markets where there was a strong demand for the original version, like Hawaii and Downey, California, the fried apple pies are still available. Interestingly, in Hawaii, the fried pies outsell their baked counterparts.
The Evolution of McDonald’s Apple Pie
Over the years, McDonald’s apple pie recipe has undergone several changes. More than 40 variants of the pie have been introduced, featuring different fillings, cooking methods, and crust styles.
In 2016, McDonald’s made some minor changes to the recipe and introduced a new lattice-top crust. In 2018, the recipe was further reworked to contain fewer ingredients, less sugar, and more cinnamon. Today’s apple pies are filled with six varieties of apples — Fuji, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Rome, Gala, and Ida Red — and remain a popular dessert item on the menu.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of the original fried apple pie or prefer the current baked version, there’s no denying the McDonald’s apple pie has made a significant impact in the fast-food world. Despite the changes over the years, it has remained a favorite among customers, proving that the apple pie is here to stay on the McDonald’s menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did McDonald’s decide to stop frying their apple pies?
McDonald’s decision to stop frying their apple pies was primarily driven by health concerns and a desire to cater to changing customer preferences. The baked version was considered healthier than the fried one, with fewer calories and less fat.
Are the original fried apple pies still available at McDonald’s?
Yes, the original fried apple pies are still available at select McDonald’s locations where there is a strong demand for them, like Hawaii and Downey, California. In fact, in Hawaii, the fried pies outsell their baked counterparts.
What changes were made to the McDonald’s apple pie recipe over the years?
McDonald’s apple pie recipe has undergone several changes over the years. More than 40 variants of the pie have been introduced, featuring different fillings, cooking methods, and crust styles. In 2016, a new lattice-top crust was introduced. In 2018, the recipe was reworked to contain fewer ingredients, less sugar, and more cinnamon. The current version is filled with six varieties of apples — Fuji, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Rome, Gala, and Ida Red.
How was the public’s response to the change in the apple pie recipe?
The change in the apple pie recipe was met with mixed reactions. While some customers appreciated the healthier baked option, many missed the original fried pies, finding the baked version to be more doughy and less flavorful. Despite this, the baked version has remained the standard offering in most McDonald’s locations.
