Move Over Baked Version: McDonald’s Is Bringing Back the Original Fried Apple Pie and a Massive 35-Foot Monument

The OG McDonald’s Fried Apple Pie is officially back for a limited time starting June 23. Find out where to see the 35-foot roadside replica.
Summer is about to get a whole lot sweeter and a lot more nostalgic. McDonald’s has announced the nationwide return of a bona fide cult classic: the McDonald’s Fried Apple Pie. Starting June 23, fast-food fans can skip the modern baked version and bite into the legendary golden crunch, flaky fried crust, and 100% American-grown apple filling that defined the Golden Arches for decades. The fan-favorite treat will be available all day at participating restaurants nationwide for a limited time.
McDonald’s Fried Apple Pie: A Family Recipe That Made History

Before it was a nationwide sensation, the McDonald’s Fried Apple Pie was a local masterpiece. In the 1960s, East Tennessee Owner/Operator Litton Cochran created a fried apple hand pie based on a family recipe. It quickly became a local favorite, eventually catching the eye of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc.
“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.”
A 35-Foot Monument on Route 66
To celebrate the return alongside America’s upcoming 250th birthday, McDonald’s is going big! A massive 35-foot Fried Apple Pie monument is rising just outside of Chicago along the iconic Route 66. Located at 920 N Broadway St. Joliet, IL 60435, this roadside attraction is designed to be the ultimate summer road trip detour. ,Visitors can stop by to snap a selfie and pick up a commemorative McDonald’s souvenir map.
Mark Your Calendars:
- June 23 (Kickoff Event): Join the debut in Chicagoland from 3:30–6:00 p.m. CT for live music, Coca-Cola, and complimentary Arch Cards.
- June 23 through July 4: The monument will stand tall through the Independence Day holiday, offering the perfect backdrop for a milestone summer.
Whether you’re mapping out a road trip to Joliet or just pulling into your local drive-thru, make sure to grab this flaky, crispy blast from the past before it’s gone.
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For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News. As always, eat like you mean it!

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