McDonald’s Holiday Pie Recipe (2024)

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As the festive season rolls around, our senses tingle with anticipation for traditions old and new. One such newer tradition that has sneaked its way into the hearts of many is the craving for McDonald’s Holiday Pie. It’s no secret that this dessert has garnered a cult following, with its creamy custard filling and the playful burst of sprinkles that dance on its sugar-glazed crust, encapsulating the joy of the holiday season in every bite.

How to make McDonald’s Holiday Pie

McDonald’s Holiday Pie is a seasonal dessert that is typically available during the winter holidays. It is a limited-time offering in select McDonald’s locations and is known for its festive look and flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 package of ready-made pie crusts (you can also make your own flaky pie crust if you prefer)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

For the Filling:

• 2 cups of whole milk
• 2/3 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup of cornstarch
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
• Rainbow sprinkles

Instructions:

Prepare the Pie Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and cut it into circles large enough to fit into your pie or tart moulds. Press the crust gently into the molds.
3. Use a fork to prick the bottom of each crust a few times. This prevents the crust from puffing up during baking.
4. Brush the tops of the crusts with a beaten egg and sprinkle a little sugar for added sweetness and shine.
5. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool completely.

Make the Custard Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, constantly stirring until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Let it boil for 1 minute, then remove it from heat.
2. Stir in the butter until fully melted and incorporated.
3. Pour the filling through a sieve to ensure it’s completely smooth.
4. Cover the surface of the custard with plastic wrap (to prevent a skin from forming) and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.

Assemble the Pies:

1. Spoon the chilled custard into the cooled pie crusts, filling them up to the top.
2. Sprinkle the tops generously with rainbow sprinkles.
3. Refrigerate the pies until you’re ready to serve. They are best enjoyed cold.

Tips:

• Custard Consistency: For a thicker custard, cook it a bit longer. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Crust Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with the crust. A graham cracker crust can also offer a delightful texture and flavor.
• Make Ahead: The custard can be made up to two days in advance, and the pie crusts can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
• Decorate: Feel free to get creative with the decoration. In addition to sprinkles, you can use whipped cream or even a drizzle of white chocolate for an extra festive touch.

What to serve with

Serving McDonald’s Holiday Pie is a festive occasion in itself, and pairing it with the perfect accompaniments can elevate the experience even further. Here’s how you can turn a simple slice of pie into a merry feast:

Hot Beverages:

A hot drink can provide a comforting warmth that complements the sweetness of the pie. Consider serving your McDonald’s Holiday Pie with the following:

• Hot Cocoa: Rich and chocolaty, hot cocoa is a classic choice, especially for children or those with a dedicated sweet tooth. Top it with marshmallows for extra coziness.
• Coffee or Espresso: The robust flavor of coffee or a strong espresso can balance the sweetness of the pie, making it an excellent option for those who enjoy a bit of bitterness to offset the sugar.
• Tea: A cup of tea, whether it’s a classic black tea or a spiced chai, can be a soothing addition to your dessert spread. Herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile are also delightful.

Cold Beverages:

Sometimes, a cold drink can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich custard and buttery crust of the pie.

• Milk: It’s hard to beat the classic combination of a sweet pie with a cold glass of milk. Go for whole milk for full-bodied flavor, or almond or soy milk for a plant-based alternative.
• Iced Coffee: For those who love coffee but prefer it cold, an iced coffee could be a great option.
• Eggnog: If you’re feeling extra festive, eggnog is a holiday favorite that can double up as a decadent drink to sip alongside your holiday pie.

Ice Cream:

A scoop of ice cream, particularly in vanilla or cinnamon flavor, melting beside a slice of holiday pie is a heavenly match. The contrast between the cold ice cream and the room-temperature pie is a playful combination that’s always a hit.

Fruit Compotes or Fresh Fruit:

If you’re looking for a lighter option to balance the holiday pie’s richness, consider:

• Cranberry Compote: A tart and sweet topping that adds a festive flair to the dessert.
• Apple Sauce or Apple Slices: A dollop of apple sauce or some freshly cut apple slices can add a refreshing and lightly acidic note.
• Orange Segments: Citrus can cut through the creaminess effectively, and orange segments are especially fitting for the holiday season.

Ingredients Substitutes

McDonald’s Holiday Pie, known for its creamy, sweet custard filling and glittery sugar on top, is a seasonal favorite for many. If you’re looking to recreate this festive treat at home but need alternatives for some ingredients, here is a detailed guide on substitutes that can help you capture the essence of the beloved dessert without compromising on flavor.

For the Pie Crust:

Original Ingredient: Pre-made pie crust or puff pastry

Substitutes:

• Homemade Pie Crust: You can make a simple pie crust at home using flour, butter, a pinch of salt, and water. For a healthier version, use whole wheat flour or a mix of almond flour for a nuttier flavor.
• Graham Cracker Crust: Crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter and pressed into the pie form create a delicious base, especially for creamy pies.

For the Creamy Custard Filling:

Original Ingredient: Vanilla pudding mix or pre-made custard

Substitutes:

• Homemade Custard: Use milk (dairy or a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk), sugar, vanilla extract, and a thickener like cornstarch or egg yolks to cook up a creamy custard from scratch.
• Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free option, coconut milk is an excellent substitute for milk in custard recipes, adding a rich, creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor.
• Greek Yogurt Mixed with Vanilla Extract: For a healthier substitute, thick Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of vanilla extract and sweetener can mimic the creamy filling.

For the Glaze and Colorful Sprinkles:

Original Ingredient: Colored sugar sprinkles

Substitutes:

• Homemade Colored Sugar: You can make your colored sugar by mixing granulated sugar with a few drops of food coloring. Spread it out to dry before using, allowing you to customize the colors.
• Edible Glitter or Sparkling Sugar: For an alternative that’s still visually festive, use edible glitter or sparkling sugar available at baking supply stores.

For the Holiday Flavor:

Original Ingredient: Undefined, but assumed to include vanilla and possibly nutmeg or cinnamon

Substitutes:

• Extracts: If you wish to deepen the flavor profile, almond extract can be used in addition to vanilla, adding a warm, nutty essence that pairs well with the sweetness.
• Spices: A dash of nutmeg, cinnamon, or even allspice can be added to the custard filling for that quintessential holiday aroma and taste.

Final Thoughts

Creating McDonald’s Holiday Pie at home not only results in a delicious treat but it also invites the warmth and joy of the holiday season into your home through the act of baking.

More Pie Recipes:

• Copycat Trader Joe’s Pie Crust Recipe
• Pumpkin Pie Filling Recipe