McDonald’s Holiday Pie
When McDonald's brings back their legendary Holiday Pie each winter, people lose their minds, and for good reason! This flaky, golden pastry filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with festive sprinkles is pure holiday magic wrapped in a handheld treat. But here's the thing: you don't have to wait for McDonald's seasonal schedule or drive across town hoping they're still in stock.
Today, we're cracking the code on this beloved holiday dessert so you can make these irresistible pies right in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you bite into that perfectly crispy crust and taste that smooth, cake-flavored custard filling, you'll wonder why you ever waited in those drive-thru lines!
This recipe is inspired by McDonald's and is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
Why Make McDonald's Holiday Pie at Home?
Let's be real, McDonald's Holiday Pies are only around for a hot minute each year, and they always seem to disappear right when you're craving them most. Making them at home means you can enjoy this festive treat whenever the mood strikes, whether it's December or July!
Plus, homemade versions let you control the sweetness, add extra sprinkles (because more sprinkles = more joy), and even experiment with different flavors. And can we talk about the cost savings? A box of these beauties will cost you way less than multiple trips to Mickey D's.
The best part? Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible while these babies are baking. We're talking warm pastry, sweet vanilla, and pure holiday vibes that'll have your whole family asking what smells so amazing.
The Secret to Perfect Holiday Pie Filling
The magic of McDonald's Holiday Pie lies in that unique custard filling that tastes like vanilla cake batter mixed with creamy pudding. The secret? We're combining instant vanilla pudding with a touch of yellow cake mix! This genius combo gives you that distinctive flavor that's part dessert, part nostalgic childhood treat.
The texture should be thick and creamy, not runny enough to leak out during baking, but smooth enough to create that luxurious mouthfeel we all crave. Getting this balance right is key to nailing the authentic McDonald's experience.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Pies:
- 2 packages (14.1 oz each) refrigerated pie crusts (4 crusts total)
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1½ cups cold milk
- ¼ cup yellow cake mix
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- Christmas sprinkles
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- Extra sprinkles for topping
Most of these ingredients are probably already hanging out in your pantry, which makes this recipe even more appealing for those spontaneous holiday pie cravings!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Your Kitchen Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. Trust me, the parchment paper is your friend here, it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Prepare the Crust Unroll those pie crusts and trim off the rounded edges to create clean rectangles. Cut each crust in half, then slice each half into 2-3 smaller rectangles. You should end up with about 16 pieces total, enough to make 8 pies. If your dough gets too soft while you're working (hello, warm kitchen!), pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.
Whip Up That Magical Filling In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and yellow cake mix until completely smooth. No lumps allowed! The mixture should be thick and creamy, like a cross between pudding and cake batter. Fold in about a tablespoon of those festive sprinkles for extra holiday cheer and a fun pop of color in every bite.
Assemble Your Pies Now for the fun part! Spoon a generous dollop of filling onto the center of half your pastry rectangles, leaving about a ¼-inch border around the edges. Don't go overboard here: too much filling and you'll have a delicious but messy explosion in your oven. Top each filled rectangle with another piece of pastry and use a fork to crimp the edges firmly. Really press those edges together; you want a good seal to keep all that creamy goodness inside.
Cut three small slits in the top of each pie to let steam escape. This prevents your pies from puffing up too much and potentially bursting open.
The Golden Touch Beat that egg with a tablespoon of water to create a beautiful egg wash. Brush this over the top of each pie: this is what gives you that gorgeous golden color that screams "I'm delicious!" Sprinkle generously with Christmas sprinkles because let's be honest, you can never have too many sprinkles on a holiday treat.
Bake to Perfection Slide those beauties into the oven and bake for 13-15 minutes, keeping a close eye on them after the 10-minute mark. You're looking for a gorgeous golden brown color and a crust that looks set and flaky. The filling might bubble slightly through those steam vents, and that's totally normal!
Optional Glaze Magic While your pies cool (and trust me, let them cool for at least 5 minutes unless you want to burn your tongue), whisk together powdered sugar and milk until you have a smooth, drizzle-able glaze. This step is totally optional, but it adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes your pies look bakery-professional.
Pro Tips for Holiday Pie Success
Keep your pie crusts cold! Warm dough is harder to work with and can shrink during baking. If things get too soft, don't hesitate to chill everything for a few minutes.
Don't overfill your pies. I know it's tempting to stuff them with as much filling as possible, but restraint is key here. A well-sealed pie with just the right amount of filling will hold together beautifully and give you clean, Instagram-worthy slices.
Test one pie first if you're nervous about timing. Every oven runs a little differently, so baking a single test pie can help you nail the perfect baking time for your setup.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These pies are absolutely divine served warm, when the filling is creamy and the crust is at its flakiest. They're perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just because you deserve something special on a random Tuesday.
If you're planning ahead, you can assemble the pies and freeze them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to enjoy them. Leftover pies (if there are any!) can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and reheated in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to crisp up the crust.
Want to get creative? Try different sprinkle colors for various holidays, or experiment with other pudding flavors like chocolate or butterscotch for a fun twist on the classic.
Make Every Day Feel Like the Holidays
There's something magical about recreating beloved fast-food favorites in your own kitchen. Not only do you get that satisfying "I made this!" feeling, but you also get to enjoy your favorite treats exactly when you want them, customized to your taste.
These McDonald's Holiday Pie dupes capture all the nostalgic comfort and festive joy of the original, with the added bonus of being made with love in your own home. The flaky pastry, creamy vanilla filling, and cheerful sprinkles create a dessert that's pure happiness on a plate.
So go ahead, treat yourself to some homemade holiday magic. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you, and you'll have a new go-to recipe that brings smiles to everyone who tries it. After all, life's too short to wait for seasonal menu items when you can create your own delicious magic anytime you want!