Homemade Burger King Apple Pie Recipe

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The Burger King Apple Pie has probably been a go-to indulgence. The crisp, golden crust paired with the sweet and spiced apple filling is like a mini slice of heaven packaged to-go.

How to make Burger King Apple Pie

Burger King Apple Pie is a classic fast-food dessert made with a crispy, golden pastry shell filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust (Shortcut or Homemade)

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
• ½ cup ice water

For the Apple Filling

• 3 medium Granny Smith apples (or any tart apples) – peeled, cored, and diced
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (helps thicken the filling)
• 1 tbsp butter

For Assembling the Pie

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp milk
• Sugar and cinnamon (for sprinkling on top, optional)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a flaky and delicious Burger King Apple Pie:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. If using store-bought puff pastry, let it thaw at room temperature. If making homemade crust:
2. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add chilled butter and work it in using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds its shape but isn’t too sticky.
4. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
2. Add the diced apples, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Stir well to coat.
3. Cook until the apples soften (about 8 minutes), stirring occasionally.
4. Sprinkle cornstarch over the mixture and stir to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool completely before assembling the pies.

Step 3: Assemble the Pies

1. Roll out the pie crust or puff pastry on a floured surface. Cut into rectangular shapes, about 3×5 inches in size, or to your preference.
2. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one side of each rectangle. Leave a small edge around the filling.
3. Fold the dough over to form a pocket and press the edges closed with a fork. Ensure the filling is sealed in completely!
4. Optional: Use a sharp knife to make a small slit or two on top of the pie for ventilation.

Step 4: Baking Option

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Make an egg wash by whisking together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush the tops of the pies with the mix. You can sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for extra flavor.
4. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and puffed up.

Step 5: Frying Option (For traditional, crispier pies)

1. Heat neutral oil (vegetable or canola oil) in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully fry the pies in batches for about 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar while still hot, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the filling.
• Let the filling cool before assembling the pies. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy.
• If making the pies ahead of time, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked pies for up to a month. Just bake or fry them when ready!
• For an ultra-crispy pie, go with the frying option. For a slightly healthier version, baked pies are just as delicious.
• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel on top of warm pies for an extra treat!

What to serve with

The Burger King Apple Pie is a treat that’s incredible on its own, but pairing it with the right side or accompaniment can elevate your dessert experience to the next level.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that enhances the spiced apple flavors without overpowering them.
• Caramel Ice Cream: Sweet and buttery caramel ice cream adds richness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-spiced apples.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: Double down on the Burger King Apple Pie’s flavors with a scoop of cinnamon-flavored ice cream. Intensely warm and delicious!

Ingredients Substitutes

Sometimes, you might not have all the ingredients needed to make a Burger King Apple Pie at home, but don’t worry! This guide provides detailed substitutes for the primary ingredients so that you can still recreate this iconic dessert with what you have on hand.

1. Puff Pastry or Traditional Pie Crust

Burger King Apple Pies are typically made with puff pastry dough (known for its flaky, layer-rich texture). However, there are several alternatives you can use:

Substitutes for Puff Pastry

• Store-Bought Refrigerated Pie Crust: This is a simpler, widely available option if you don’t have puff pastry or feel like skipping the steps of laminating dough. It won’t be as flaky, but it works well.
• Homemade Dough: Use a basic pie dough or shortcrust pastry. Just adjust the thickness as you roll it out so it remains light enough to bake or fry well.
• Phyllo Dough: Want to try something more unique? Layering thin sheets of phyllo dough with melted butter gives a crispy, flaky texture similar to puff pastry.
• Crescent Roll Dough: For a convenience-focused approach, pre-packaged crescent roll dough provides a buttery alternative that also creates flaky layers.

Gluten-Free Alternatives:

• Pre-Made Gluten-Free Pie Crust or Puff Pastry: These are widely available at many grocery stores (brands like Bob’s Red Mill or Schär).
• Almond Flour or Coconut Flour Crust: Combine almond or coconut flour with butter and a small amount of egg to create a crumbly, gluten-free dough.

2. Apples

The star of apple pie is, of course, the apples! For the best results, you’ll want apples that are tart and hold their shape when cooked. If you can’t find Granny Smith apples (the go-to choice), here are some other options:

Substitute Apple Types:

• Honeycrisp Apples: Crisp, sweet, and slightly tart—an excellent alternative to Granny Smith for apple pie recipes.
• Braeburn Apples: These have a balance of tart and sweet, similar to Granny Smith apples, and hold up well when baked.
• Fuji Apples: Sweeter than Granny Smith, use these if you prefer a less tart filling.
• Pink Lady Apples: Another sweet-tart variety that works wonderfully in pies.
• Gala Apples: While less tart, they work well in a pinch, especially when paired with a dash of extra cinnamon or lemon juice to enhance flavor.

Fruit Substitutes for Apples:

If you don’t have apples or want to make a variation:

• Pears: Dice fresh pears and treat them the same way you would apples. Use Bosc or Bartlett varieties for the best results.
• Peaches or Nectarines: These stone fruits can create a summery twist to your pie. Peel and slice them thinly.
• Frozen Fruit Blends: Use frozen apples, berries, or peaches—these are easy substitutes that save time, though they may create slightly more liquid during cooking (just thicken using cornstarch).

3. Sugar

The sweetener is essential in making your apple pie filling flavorful, but don’t worry if you don’t have granulated sugar or want a different option. There are plenty of substitutes for both granulated and brown sugar in apple pie recipes.

Granulated Sugar Substitutes

• Coconut Sugar: A natural substitute with a caramel-like flavor. Replace 1:1 for a more unique taste.
• Maple Syrup: Adds earthy sweetness but slightly more moisture—reduce other liquids in the filling when using. Use ¾ cup of maple syrup for every 1 cup of granulated sugar.
• Honey: Another liquid sweetener that pairs beautifully with apples. Use ¾ cup of honey for every 1 cup of sugar.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a low-calorie or diabetic-friendly option, use stevia or monk fruit sweeteners according to product guidelines.

Brown Sugar Substitutes

Brown sugar adds rich, molasses-like depth to the Burger King Apple Pie. If you don’t have it:

• White Sugar + Molasses: For every 1 cup of brown sugar, combine 1 cup granulated sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of molasses.
• Coconut Sugar: Works well as a substitute for both white and brown sugar.
• Date Sugar: Made from ground dehydrated dates, it adds a brown sugar-like sweetness with extra health benefits.

4. Lemon Juice

A splash of lemon juice is often used in pie filling to brighten the flavor and prevent the apples from browning. If you’re out of lemon juice, try:

• Vinegar (Apple Cider or White): Use sparingly—just a tiny splash will provide similar acidity.
• Lime Juice: Works as a perfect substitute for lemon juice.
• Orange Juice: Offers a subtler acidity with a citrusy flavor twist.
• Tartaric Acid or Cream of Tartar: A pinch can replace lemon juice in a pinch for the acidity.

5. Cinnamon and Spices

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for building the warm, cozy flavor profile of apple pie, but there are alternatives if you’re out or want to experiment.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A pre-made blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger that perfectly replicates the warm flavors of apple pie.
• Ground Clove or Allspice: Use sparingly as these are stronger spices, but they can mimic some of cinnamon’s warmth.
• Cardamom: Adds a fragrant, exotic twist to apple pie. Use in small amounts!
• Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon can add sweetness and depth to your pie, taking the place of the spices.

6. Butter

Butter is often used in the filling or to enrich the pastry. If you’re out of butter or need a substitute:

• Margarine or Vegan Butter: These are easy one-to-one substitutes for traditional butter.
• Coconut Oil: Solid coconut oil works as a wonderful substitute in crusts for its richness, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
• Vegetable Shortening: Works well for crusts (though it lacks the buttery flavor). Try a 50/50 mix with butter for a better taste if you have some on hand.
• Applesauce, Yogurt, or Greek Yogurt (in Filling Only): You can replace small amounts of butter in the filling with applesauce or yogurt to keep the mixture moist and flavorful.

7. Cornstarch (Thickener)

Cornstarch is often used to thicken the apple filling in pies, but there are several substitutes:

• All-Purpose Flour: Use 2 tablespoons of flour for every 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
• Arrowroot Powder: Works as a 1:1 substitute for cornstarch and is a natural alternative.
• Tapioca Starch or Tapioca Flour: A good substitute for cornstarch—use the same amount in recipes.
• Potato Starch: Another 1:1 alternative that works well for pie fillings.

8. Egg Wash (For Pies Being Baked)

An egg wash gives a beautiful golden finish to pies baked in the oven. If you need to replace the egg:

• Milk or Cream: Brushing milk over the dough will still give a golden hue (not as shiny as egg wash, but a good alternative).
• Butter: Melted butter brushed on the crust before baking gives a rich finish and golden color.
• Plant-Based Alternatives: Use non-dairy milk (like almond, soy, or oat milk) as an egg wash substitute for vegan versions.

Final Thoughts

Making Burger King Apple Pie, or any apple pie, is flexible and easy to adapt with ingredient substitutes! 

More Apple Pie Recipes:

• Homemade Whole Foods Apple Pie Recipe
• Marie Callender’s Dutch Apple Pie Recipe