Copycat McDonald’s Pumpkin and Creme Pie
Every autumn, as the leaves turn shades of gold and crimson, many of us (just me?!) eagerly await the return of McDonald’s beloved pumpkin pie on their seasonal menu.
With its flaky pastry crust, rich pumpkin filling, and a side of vanilla creme filling, this pie promises a treat for the taste buds. Today, I’m sharing a homemade version of this fall favorite so you can indulge in this sweet treat anytime!
What ingredients do you need for this seasonal menu item?
Pumpkin puree (1 can, 15 oz): The whole can goes into the filling mixture. You’ll have more pumpkin filling than you need for 8 pies — the logs need to be small enough that the top crust can seal down over them. Expect leftover filling.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Full-fat block cream cheese, not the spreadable tub. Beat it until completely smooth before adding the powdered sugar — any lumps in the cream cheese filling will show through the pastry.
2-pack pie crust: Standard refrigerated rolled pie crust (Pillsbury is the most widely available). One sheet forms the base with all the filling piped on top, and the second sheet goes over the top. The crusts need to be at room temperature for about 10 minutes before unrolling — cold crust cracks when unrolled.
Egg wash: 1 egg plus 2 tablespoons of water, whisked together. Brush over each pie before baking for the golden, slightly glossy finish. Don’t skip it — the finish on McDonald’s pumpkin pies is part of the visual appeal this copycat is replicating.
FAQs
How similar is this to the McDonald’s pumpkin pie?While this recipe is inspired by the McDonald’s pumpkin pie, it’s crafted for home kitchens. The taste is very close, and some might even say it’s a next-level version, offering your taste buds the royalty treatment.
Is this similar to McDonald’s apple pie?The construction, especially the turnover-style crust, is reminiscent of the McDonald’s apple pie. However, the filling is a flavorful twist with pumpkin and vanilla creme instead of apple.
Are the nutrition facts similar?Given the homemade nature, there might be slight differences in grams of fat, grams of sugars, grams of carbs, milligrams of sodium, and grams of protein. Always refer to the recipe card for exact nutritional information.
Tips and Tricks for the best Pumpkin Pies
For the flakiest crust, ensure your butter and palm oil are cold.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a golden finish.
If you’re tracking the nutrition, consider using a QR code on your recipe card or social media post, directing readers to detailed nutrition facts.
Variations
Creme Pie Twist: Incorporate elements of the McDonald’s creme pie by layering the pumpkin with a creamier, thicker vanilla creme filling.
Apple Fusion: For a hybrid treat, consider adding apple-flavored treats within the pumpkin filling for a delightful twist.
Cinnamon Roll Crust: Incorporate cinnamon roll dough for the crust for an even richer flavor.
How can I keep these pumpkin pie fresh?
Wrap the pies individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. They’re best enjoyed within 2-3 days for maximum freshness.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Soggy Bottom: This can happen if your filling is too wet. Ensure your pumpkin filling is of the right consistency.
Crust Not Flaky: This is often due to overworked dough or warm butter. Always keep ingredients cold and handle the dough minimally.
Making This Recipe with Kids
Allow kids to help with filling the pie – they’ll love spooning the pumpkin mixture!
Encourage them to crimp the edges of the pie for a hands-on experience.
For an educational twist, show them the news of McDonald’s seasonal release in previous years, so they understand the significance.
Topping Options
Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle: Before baking, sprinkle a mix of sugar and cinnamon for a sweet, aromatic finish.
Vanilla Creme Drizzle: Post-baking, drizzle some vanilla creme over the top for extra indulgence.
The sealing step is the one to not rush — a loose edge becomes an open pie in the oven and the filling goes everywhere. Press firmly all the way around before they go in. The cinnamon sugar on top is optional but genuinely makes them look like they came from a bakery rather than a home kitchen. Leave a comment and tell me how close you think they taste to the real thing.
What are some other fun pumpkin recipes to try?
If you are looking for more amazing dessert recipes, be sure to check out this comprehensive list! 50+ Fun and Easy Dessert Recipes For Kids
Easy McDonald's Pumpkin Pie Copycat
These Mcdonald's pumpkin pies are super popular for a reason! So good and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 15 ounce can pumpkin puree
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice seasoning
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 pk pie crust
- Egg wash - 1 egg + 2 teaspoons water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a bowl add the pumpkin puree, vanilla, pumpkin spice seasoning and white sugar.
- Whisk together until combined. Set aside
- In another bowl beat the cream cheese until smooth. Then add the powdered sugar and beat again until combined.
- Unroll the first of the 2pk pie crust and place on a parchment covered baking sheet. Cut the excess top and bottom horizontally that doesnt fit within the sheet. Place those edges on the left and right, molding together to create a rectangle close to the size of the pan.
- Place the pumpkin mixture in one piping bag and the cream cheese mixture in another. Snip the ends of both.
- Create a log of the pumpkin mixture about 3 inches long and a log of the cream cheese adjacent to it the same size. Repeat this 8 times for 8 hand pies, keeping about 3 inches of width between each set of mixtures. You will create 2 rows of 4.
- Place the second pie crust on top of the piped mixtures and again cut excess and replace to the left and right sides of the pastry.
- Use your fingers to press down the dough in the spaces between the pie filling. This will help give you a clear indication of where to cut.
- After pressing the dough, use a pizza cutter to cut out the 8 hand pies. Cut once horizontally, and 3 times vertically. Cut any excess from the tops and bottoms to create uniform pies.
- Remove the excess dough and rearrange the pies on the baking sheet at least an inch apart from each other.
- Use a paring knife to cut 2 slits in each hand pie. Then use a fork to seal the edges of each pie.
- In a small bowl whisk the egg with 2 tablespoons of water. Brush this over each hand pie.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple minutes. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 377Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 75mgSodium 337mgCarbohydrates 39gFiber 3gSugar 16gProtein 6g
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Hi! I’m Nellie. I am an entrepreneur, a busy mama of 3 and a wife to my high school sweetheart. I have been sharing content for over 12 years about how to cook easy recipes, workout tips and free printables that make life a little bit easier. I have been featured in places like Yahoo, Buzzfeed, What To Expect, Mediavine, Niche Pursuits, HuffPost, BabyCenter, Mom 2.0, Mommy Nearest, Parade, Care.com, and more!
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