McDonald’s Strawberry & Creme Pie Copycat Recipes: A Sweet Slice of Nostalgia
Are you craving that warm, flaky, and oh-so-delicious McDonald’s Strawberry & Creme Pie? That iconic dessert, with its sweet strawberry filling and creamy vanilla custard, has captured hearts (and stomachs!) for years. Unfortunately, this beloved pie isn’t always available on the McDonald’s menu, leaving many longing for its return. But don’t despair! You can recreate the magic at home with these incredible copycat recipes. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we explore multiple versions, each designed to bring you that nostalgic taste in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, there’s a recipe here for you. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get baking!
## The Allure of the Strawberry & Creme Pie
Before diving into the recipes, let’s understand what makes this pie so special. The McDonald’s Strawberry & Creme Pie is a simple yet satisfying treat. It features a crispy, deep-fried crust encasing a warm, gooey strawberry filling and a smooth, sweet creme filling. The contrast between the sweet and slightly tart strawberries, the rich custard, and the flaky crust creates a delightful textural and flavor experience.
## Recipe 1: The Deep-Fried Classic (Closest to the Original)
This recipe aims to replicate the authentic McDonald’s experience by deep-frying the pies. It requires a bit more attention to detail but rewards you with a pie that’s remarkably similar to the original.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Crust:**
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* 1/2 cup ice water
* 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* **For the Strawberry Filling:**
* 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* **For the Creme Filling:**
* 1 cup milk
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* **For Frying:**
* Vegetable oil or canola oil (for deep frying)
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Crust:**
* In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
* Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to keep the butter cold.
* Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
* Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
**2. Make the Strawberry Filling:**
* In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt.
* Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the strawberries soften, about 5-7 minutes.
* Remove from heat and let cool completely.
**3. Make the Creme Filling:**
* In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
* Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
* Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
* Let cool completely, covering the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
**4. Assemble the Pies:**
* On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
* Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter (or a similar-sized bowl) to cut out circles of dough. You should get about 6-8 circles per disc. Re-roll scraps if needed.
* Repeat with the second disc of dough.
* Place half of the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
* Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the strawberry filling onto the center of each circle.
* Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the creme filling on top of the strawberry filling.
* Brush the edges of the dough circles with the beaten egg.
* Top with the remaining dough circles. Press the edges firmly to seal, and crimp with a fork to ensure a good seal.
**5. Fry the Pies:**
* Heat vegetable oil or canola oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
* Carefully lower the pies into the hot oil, a few at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the fryer.
* Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
* Remove the pies from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
**6. Cool and Serve:**
* Let the pies cool slightly before serving. Be careful, as the filling will be very hot.
* Enjoy warm! They are best served fresh.
## Recipe 2: The Baked Version (Healthier and Easier)
If you prefer a baked pie over a deep-fried one, this recipe is for you. It’s healthier and easier to make, but still delivers that delicious Strawberry & Creme Pie flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Crust:**
* Same as Recipe 1 (or you can use store-bought pie crust to save time)
* **For the Strawberry Filling:**
* Same as Recipe 1
* **For the Creme Filling:**
* Same as Recipe 1
* **For Baking:**
* 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Crust:**
* Follow the instructions for the crust from Recipe 1, or use store-bought pie crust.
**2. Make the Strawberry Filling:**
* Follow the instructions for the strawberry filling from Recipe 1.
**3. Make the Creme Filling:**
* Follow the instructions for the creme filling from Recipe 1.
**4. Assemble the Pies:**
* Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
* On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
* Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter (or a similar-sized bowl) to cut out circles of dough. You should get about 6-8 circles per disc. Re-roll scraps if needed.
* Repeat with the second disc of dough.
* Place half of the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
* Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the strawberry filling onto the center of each circle.
* Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the creme filling on top of the strawberry filling.
* Brush the edges of the dough circles with the beaten egg.
* Top with the remaining dough circles. Press the edges firmly to seal, and crimp with a fork to ensure a good seal.
* Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
**5. Bake the Pies:**
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
**6. Cool and Serve:**
* Let the pies cool slightly before serving. Be careful, as the filling will be very hot.
* Enjoy warm!
## Recipe 3: The Air Fryer Delight (Quick and Crispy)
For a quicker and slightly healthier option, try making these pies in an air fryer. The air fryer creates a crispy crust without all the oil of deep-frying.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Crust:**
* Same as Recipe 1 (or you can use store-bought pie crust to save even more time)
* **For the Strawberry Filling:**
* Same as Recipe 1
* **For the Creme Filling:**
* Same as Recipe 1
* **For Air Frying:**
* Cooking spray (optional)
* 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Crust:**
* Follow the instructions for the crust from Recipe 1, or use store-bought pie crust.
**2. Make the Strawberry Filling:**
* Follow the instructions for the strawberry filling from Recipe 1.
**3. Make the Creme Filling:**
* Follow the instructions for the creme filling from Recipe 1.
**4. Assemble the Pies:**
* On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
* Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter (or a similar-sized bowl) to cut out circles of dough. You should get about 6-8 circles per disc. Re-roll scraps if needed.
* Repeat with the second disc of dough.
* Place half of the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
* Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the strawberry filling onto the center of each circle.
* Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the creme filling on top of the strawberry filling.
* Brush the edges of the dough circles with the beaten egg.
* Top with the remaining dough circles. Press the edges firmly to seal, and crimp with a fork to ensure a good seal.
* Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
**5. Air Fry the Pies:**
* Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) if your model requires preheating. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray (optional).
* Place the pies in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches.
* Air fry for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
**6. Cool and Serve:**
* Let the pies cool slightly before serving. Be careful, as the filling will be very hot.
* Enjoy warm!
## Recipe 4: The Simplified Puff Pastry Version (Quick and Easy)
If you’re short on time and want a super easy version, this recipe uses puff pastry for the crust. Puff pastry provides a flaky and delicious alternative.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package (14.1 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed
* **For the Strawberry Filling:**
* Same as Recipe 1
* **For the Creme Filling:**
* Same as Recipe 1
* **For Baking:**
* 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:**
* Follow the instructions for the strawberry filling from Recipe 1.
**2. Make the Creme Filling:**
* Follow the instructions for the creme filling from Recipe 1.
**3. Assemble the Pies:**
* Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
* Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter (or a similar-sized bowl) to cut out circles of dough. You should get about 6-8 circles per sheet. Re-roll scraps if needed.
* Place half of the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
* Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the strawberry filling onto the center of each circle.
* Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the creme filling on top of the strawberry filling.
* Brush the edges of the dough circles with the beaten egg.
* Top with the remaining dough circles. Press the edges firmly to seal, and crimp with a fork to ensure a good seal.
* Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
**4. Bake the Pies:**
* Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
**5. Cool and Serve:**
* Let the pies cool slightly before serving. Be careful, as the filling will be very hot.
* Enjoy warm!
## Tips for Perfect Strawberry & Creme Pies
* **Keep Ingredients Cold:** Especially when making the pie crust, cold ingredients are key to a flaky crust. Cold butter prevents gluten development, resulting in a tender texture.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough crust. Mix the dough just until it comes together.
* **Let the Filling Cool:** Allow both the strawberry and creme fillings to cool completely before assembling the pies. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
* **Seal the Edges Well:** Ensure that the edges of the pies are properly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying or baking. Crimp the edges with a fork for a secure seal.
* **Control the Oil Temperature:** If deep-frying, maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) for even cooking. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer/Air Fryer/Oven:** Cook the pies in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the temperature and result in uneven cooking.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** Fresh, high-quality strawberries will make a big difference in the flavor of the filling.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** Taste the strawberry filling and creme filling before assembling the pies and adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
## Variations and Additions
* **Different Fruits:** Experiment with other fruits in the filling, such as blueberries, raspberries, or apples.
* **Chocolate Crust:** Add cocoa powder to the pie crust for a chocolatey twist.
* **Spices:** Enhance the flavor of the filling with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the filling or sprinkle them on top of the pies.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add lemon zest to the creme filling for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Glaze:** Drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled pies for an extra touch of sweetness.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Warm:** Strawberry & Creme Pies are best served warm, right after they’re made.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve the pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
* **With Coffee:** Enjoy the pies with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat.
* **As a Snack:** These pies are also perfect as a snack any time of day.
## Storing Leftovers
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the pies in the oven, air fryer, or microwave before serving. Be sure to check the filling temperature before consuming.
## Conclusion
The McDonald’s Strawberry & Creme Pie is a classic dessert that evokes feelings of nostalgia and comfort. While it may not always be available at your local McDonald’s, these copycat recipes allow you to recreate the magic at home. Whether you choose the deep-fried classic, the healthier baked version, the quick air fryer delight, or the simplified puff pastry option, you’re sure to enjoy a sweet slice of happiness. So, get baking and treat yourself to a homemade version of this beloved pie!
Enjoy the process of baking and the delightful flavors of your homemade McDonald’s Strawberry & Creme Pies! Happy Baking!