JOLIET, ILLINOIS — McDonald's will serve fried apple pies at most of its U.S. restaurants starting June 23, 2026. This offering will be for a limited time and will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States.

The fried apple pies will be available for two weeks. McDonald's first introduced the fried apple pie in 1968. A Tennessee franchisee named Litton Cochran developed the original rectangle-shaped fried pie, which was served in a cardboard sleeve.

In 1992, McDonald's replaced the fried version with a baked apple pie in most of its U.S. locations. This change occurred as consumer attention to dietary fat and cholesterol increased. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also published its first food guide pyramid in 1992.

Fried apple pies continue to be sold on its menus in several markets, including Hawaii, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Greece, Australia, and China. The company's website indicates that the current baked apple pie contains 230 calories, which is 10 calories more than the fried version.

The company states it uses 170 million U.S.-grown apples annually across its U.S. restaurants. In connection with the reintroduction, it plans to install a 35-foot-tall replica of a fried apple pie along Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois. This installation will remain on display until July 4.

A Facebook group dedicated to advocating for the return of the original fried apple pie currently has 130 members. Other fast-food chains, including Popeyes, Burger King, and Jollibee, currently offer fried pies.

No independent assessment was available for this report.