Popeyes Apple Pie Recipe

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The crunch of the flaky, deep-fried crust paired with the warm, spiced apple filling creates a dessert experience that’s equal parts nostalgic and heavenly. The Popeyes Apple Pie is one of those treats that has you coming back for more, whether you’re stopping by Popeyes for fried chicken or just craving something sweet.

How to make Popeyes Apple Pie

Popeyes Apple Pie is a classic fast-food dessert offered by Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. It’s a handheld, deep-fried pastry with a crisp, golden-brown crust coated in cinnamon and sugar, filled with a warm, sweet apple filling.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for a balance of tart and sweet)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning and add a touch of brightness)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (as a slurry, to thicken the filling)

For the Crust:

• 1 package of premade pie crusts (or make your own if you prefer!)
• Flour (for rolling out the dough)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for sealing and brushing)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil work well for deep-frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes. Try to keep the pieces uniform for even cooking.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
3. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened but not mushy.
4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until the mixture thickens.
5. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely before assembling the pies.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crusts

1. Roll out the premade pie crusts on a floured surface to ensure they’re even.
2. Cut the dough into rectangles (about 4×6 inches). These will become your pie shells.
3. Place about 1–2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling in the center of each rectangle, leaving about a 1/2-inch border.

Step 3: Assemble the Pies

1. Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket, creating a sealed edge. Press the edges together firmly using a fork. This not only seals the pie but also gives it a decorative crimped edge.
2. Brush the edges with the beaten egg to ensure a tight seal and a golden finish when fried.

Step 4: Fry the Pies

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to ensure the temperature is consistent.
2. Carefully place the pies into the hot oil, frying 1–2 at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
3. Remove the pies from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating.
2. While the pies are still warm, roll or sprinkle them with the cinnamon sugar, ensuring an even coating.

Tips for Perfect Popeyes Apple Pie

• Use the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples work wonderfully because their tartness balances the sweetness of the filling. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples can add more natural sweetness if that’s what you prefer.
• Cool the Filling: The filling should be completely cool before assembling the pies; this prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
• Don’t Overfill: Be cautious not to add too much filling to each pie. Overfilling can cause the crust to tear or the filling to spill out while frying.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: The key to getting that perfect crispy crust is keeping the oil at a steady 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the pies will burn on the outside before they are cooked through.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the pies in advance and freeze them for later use. They can be fried straight from the freezer—just add about 1–2 minutes to the frying time.

What to serve with

Homemade Popeyes Apple Pie is a decadent treat on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience even more.

• Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: A timeless pairing that balances the sweetness of the Popeyes Apple Pie and the spiced apple filling.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: Amplify the cinnamon flavor in the Popeyes Apple Pie with this spiced option.
• Salted Caramel Ice Cream: The sweet-and-salty element is a perfect match for the cinnamon-sugar crust and caramel undertones of the apple filling.
• Butter Pecan Ice Cream: The nutty, buttery flavor complements the fruity tartness of the apple filling.

Ingredients Substitutes

Craving Popeyes Apple Pie but missing some ingredients? Don’t worry! Many of the components in this recipe can be substituted or modified without sacrificing the flavor or texture.

1. Substitutes for Apples

The most important part of the pie is the apple filling, but if you don’t have apples on hand—or you want to mix it up—here are some great alternatives:

• Pears: Pears work wonderfully as a substitute for apples, especially varieties like Bosc or Anjou. Dice them slightly larger as they soften faster when cooked.
• Frozen or Canned Apples: If fresh apples aren’t available, you can use frozen apple slices or canned apples. Just make sure to adjust the sugar content, as canned apples may already contain added sugar.
• Peaches or Nectarines (fresh, frozen, or canned) for a summer-inspired twist.
• Cherries or blueberries for a berry-spin on the filling.
• Rhubarb offers a tart and unique flavour—perfect for combining with sweet fruits like strawberries.
• Green Mangoes: While unconventional, green mangoes are firm and tart, making them a surprisingly good alternative to apples.

2. Substitutes for Sugar (White and Brown)

The combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar gives the filling its signature sweetness, but you can substitute these if needed:

Granulated Sugar Substitutes:

• Coconut Sugar: Adds a subtle caramel flavor similar to brown sugar.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Reduce the amount of sugar slightly if using liquid sweeteners to prevent the mixture from becoming too runny.
• Stevia: Use stevia or another natural sweetener for a sugar-free option. Be sure to follow the brand’s conversion ratio instructions, as stevia is much sweeter than sugar.

Brown Sugar Substitutes:

• Mix white sugar with a small amount of molasses (1 tablespoon molasses per cup of sugar).
• Use dark corn syrup or coconut sugar as a one-to-one replacement for brown sugar.

3. Substitutes for Spices

The classic warm flavors in the apple filling come from cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes a hint of allspice or cloves. If you don’t have these exact spices, here are alternatives:

• Cinnamon Alternatives: Ground allspice or a combination of ground ginger and nutmeg can mimic cinnamon’s warmth.
• Nutmeg Alternatives: Swap with a pinch of allspice, mace, or simply use more ground cinnamon.
• All-In-One Spice Blend: Use pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice, as they contain a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

4. Substitutes for Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is used to prevent the apples from browning and to add a touch of brightness. If you’re out of lemons, try:

• Lime Juice: Works as a one-for-one substitute.
• Orange Juice: Slightly sweeter but will still brighten the flavors.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Use sparingly (about half the amount of lemon juice), as it has a tangier and stronger flavor.
• White Vinegar + Water: A splash of white vinegar diluted with water can work in a pinch.

5. Substitutes for Butter

Butter gives the filling its richness, but there are plenty of substitutes available depending on your dietary preferences:

Dairy-Free Options:

• Coconut Oil: Use an equal amount. This will give a subtle coconut flavor, which can complement the apple filling.
• Vegan Butter: A fantastic one-to-one substitute that works almost identically to regular butter.

Healthier Substitutes:

• Olive Oil: Use sparingly (you only need about 75% of the amount of butter specified).
• Unsweetened Applesauce: While unconventional, it adds moisture without the fat.

6. Substitutes for Pie Crust

The pie crust is the foundation of this dessert, but if you don’t have traditional pie dough, here are alternative options:

• Puff Pastry: Produces a flaky, golden exterior just like Popeyes’ pie. Be sure to seal the edges well when frying to prevent them from becoming dry.
• Phyllo Dough: For a lighter, crispier version. Brush each layer with melted butter or oil before folding.
• Homemade Dough: If you don’t have premade pie crust, make a simple dough with flour, water, and fat (such as butter, shortening, or oil). Even a biscuit or shortbread-like dough can work.
• Tortillas: A creative hack—flour tortillas can be filled, folded, and fried for a thinner, crispier crust.

7. Substitutes for Vegetable Oil (for Frying)

Choosing the right oil is essential for frying, and if you don’t have vegetable oil, try these substitutes:

• Canola Oil: A neutral-flavored oil that fries beautifully and works as a direct replacement.
• Peanut Oil: Ideal for frying due to its high smoke point, though it has a mild nutty flavor.
• Sunflower Oil: Another great option for frying with a light and clean taste.
• Air Fryer Alternative: If you want to skip oil entirely, try air frying—just brush the pies lightly with oil or butter and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.

8. Substitutes for Cinnamon Sugar Coating

The cinnamon sugar coating on the crust is what makes this dessert stand out. If you’re missing the ingredients or want a different flavor, here’s what you can use:

• Powdered Sugar: A simpler option that adds sweetness without the spice.
• Cocoa Powder + Sugar: For a chocolate twist, mix granulated sugar with cocoa powder and coat the pies.
• Honey or Syrup Glaze: Instead of a dry coating, lightly brush the warm pies with honey or maple syrup and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon.
• Spiced Sugar Variations: Add a hint of cardamom, ginger, or clove to your sugar mix for a custom flavor profile.

9. Substitutes for Egg Wash

Egg wash gives the crust a golden color and helps seal the edges, but there are easy alternatives:

• Dairy-Free Wash: Use a plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat) mixed with a small amount of oil or maple syrup.
• Butter or Oil: Brush melted butter or neutral oil on the crust before frying.
• Milk Wash: Regular milk can be brushed on for similar golden results.

Final Thoughts

Popeyes Apple Pie is a classic favorite that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with any of these accompaniments to create a truly memorable dessert.

More Pie Recipes:

• Cinnamon Apple Pie Filling Recipe
• Jello Chocolate Pudding Pie Recipe
• Copycat Reese’s Caramel Apple Pie Recipe