Starting June 23rd, at participating locations, McDonald’s is bringing back fried apple pies! The fast food juggernaut discontinued the sweet, lava-filled treats 34 years ago. But some of us can never forget those sweet, sweet mouth burns.
McDonald’s is bringing back the fried apple pie to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary. Calling it a “bona fide national treasure.”
“If you know, you know,” the chain teased in a press release. “If you don’t, June 23 is your chance to find out.”
The fried apple pie started as a family recipe from East Tennessee Owner/Operator Litton Cochran. In the 1960s, these fried apple hand pies became a local staple before expanding to a nationwide offering. However, it was discontinued in 1992.
“There are certain things that just take you back – and the Fried Apple Pie is one of them. It’s something that people love and remember from growing up,” said Eric Cochran, McDonald’s Owner/Operator. “When Ray Kroc was trying to come up with a dessert for McDonald’s, my Grandad, Litton Cochran, suggested a Fried Apple Pie as a classic that people would love. My Grandmom, Jo Cochran, spent months perfecting the recipe. Bringing the Fried Apple Pie back for fans this summer to celebrate America’s 250th just feels right.”
McDonald’s says its fried apple pies are made from American-grown apples, wrapped in the same golden crunch and flaky fried crust fans remember, or at least, won’t soon forget.
Roadside Attraction
The company is so excited about bringing back the desert classic that it even made a new mile marker on Route 66. A new 35-foot version of the fried apple pie can be seen rising up from the roadside. As a way of paying tribute to an iconic food on an iconic stretch of highway. And, really, what’s more American than a roadside attraction?
The deep-fried monument is located just outside Chicago, in McDonald’s own backyard at 920 N Broadway St., Joliet, IL 60435. McDonald’s will be holding a kick-off event on June 23rd in Chicagoland from 3:30-6:00 PM (CT), including live music, ice cold drinks, and complimentary Arch Cards.
