Bring the festive cheer home with this McDonald's Holiday Pie copycat recipe! These creamy, custard-filled pastries wrapped in golden, flaky crusts are a holiday favorite. Skip the trip to McDonald's and enjoy this holiday dessert from the comfort of your own home.
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I love the holidays because my favorite restaurants always feature their holiday menu items! The holiday pie at McDonald's is no exception, and it's one of my favorite things to get when we make a trip in December!
Since I love testing out copycat recipes, I decided to give this one a try. This felt like a necessity, because the holiday pie doesn't come out every year (booo)! Spoiler Alert... I came up with a great trick for replicating the custard filling that doesn't require lots of time in the kitchen, and I can't wait to share it with you!
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What is McDonald's Holiday Pie
McDonald's Holiday Pie has become a seasonal legend, making its jolly appearance around Christmas. Its creamy vanilla filling and vibrant sprinkle topping make it a showstopper.
McDonald's introduced the holiday pie back in 1999, and it became an official menu item in 2012. However, it's a rare item and is not available every year. Keep your eyes open in November or December if you're on the lookout! And if you miss it, this copycat recipe can come to the rescue!
If you're in the holiday spirit and love copycat recipes, you can also check out my Starbucks Turkey Sage Danish... it's delish!
Why you'll love this recipe
- Festive and fun: It's like eating Christmas in pastry form!
- Budget-friendly: Skip the drive-thru and make a dozen for less than the cost of a few store-bought pies.
- Customizable: Add your favorite sprinkles or swap out the filling for a personal twist.
- Easy to make: With a few key tips (keep reading), you'll have bakery-level treats from your own kitchen.
Key ingredients
This recipe calls for easy-to-find pantry staples. Here's why they shine in this dish:
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese in the filling creates that luscious, velvety texture we all love. Plus, it balances the sweetness perfectly. Pro Tip: you can freeze your extra cream cheese to use for the rest of your holiday baking!
Quick and Easy Pastry Cream Mix: Using this mix keeps the filling light and custard-like without hours of whisking. A game-changer for home bakers!
Refrigerated Pie Crust: Why make it harder than it needs to be? These pre-made crusts are the perfect shortcut for buttery, flaky goodness. I even use them when I make my pumpkin pie recipe!
Vanilla Extract: This adds a warm and smooth taste to your filling. Feel free to use a substitute if you have none on hand!
What is pastry cream?
Pastry cream, or crème pâtissière, is a rich, velvety custard that's a staple in classic baking. Made with milk, sugar, eggs, and a thickener like cornstarch, it creates a luxurious filling for everything from éclairs to tarts.
Fun Fact
Pastry cream is thicker than pudding and holds its shape better, making it ideal for desserts like this McDonald's Holiday Pie where a stable filling is key!
In this recipe, we're using a quick and easy pastry cream mix to save time without skimping on flavor or texture.
King Arthur makes a delicious pastry cream that requires no cooking. You can also find some brands on Amazon or your local grocery store.
Heather's helpful hints
- Chill the dough after cutting and before baking-it prevents the dreaded soggy crust.
- Don't overfill! It's tempting, but too much filling leads to a sticky, leaky mess.
- Use a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and even baking.
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your Holiday Pies. The full printable recipe is in the card below!
- Step 1: Beat the cream cheese in a mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Add in the other filling ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Step 3: Scoop some of the filling into the middle of the rectangle.
- Step 4: Spread out the filling slightly.
- Step 5: Place the second piece of dough over the top and use a fork to close the edges.
- Step 6: Bake and brush with frosting!
Variations
Want to mix it up? Try swapping the vanilla custard for:
- Chocolate pudding for a rich twist.
- Lemon curd for a tangy, bright flavor.
- Cinnamon sugar filling for a churro-inspired treat.
Make ahead and storage
You can prep these pies up to two days ahead. Store them in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.
Reheat in the oven to maintain the flaky crust.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Wrap them tightly before freezing and reheat them in the oven to crisp them up.
Technically, no, but isn't that the holiday spirit?
Absolutely, but it's more work. Store-bought crusts work wonderfully here.
Related recipes
If you're in the mood for more holiday-inspired treats, check out these favorites from My Sweet Precision:
Not sure what to try? Check out our complete recipe index to search for recipes, baking tips, and more!
Recipe
McDonald's Holiday Pie
Ingredients
Pie Ingredients
- 3 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons Quick and Easy Pastry Cream Mix
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 packages refrigerated pie crust
Icing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- ½ cup confectioners' sugar
- sprinkles optional
Instructions
Make the Filling
- Beat cream cheese until fluffy and free of lumps. Add remaining ingredients and mix on low until blended. Beat on high for two minutes. Refrigerate for four hours or overnight.
Rolling the Pie Dough
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly flour a work surface with flour. Place one pie dough on the flour (keep the second one refrigerated). Using a rolling pin, roll it into a ⅛-inch thick round that's at least 11 inches wide if needed (focus more on the thickness, not the diameter).
- Trim the edges so that you have an 8-inch square. Cut in half to form 2 rectangles. Position the rectangles with a longer side closer to you. Make 2 vertical cuts in each half, spacing them equally (about 2 ⅔ inches) apart. You should be left with 6 (2 ⅔x4-inch) rectangles. (If the dough gets too soft at any point, refrigerate for 10 minutes before trying again). Transfer the rectangles onto the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Repeat rolling and cutting the second pie dough, adding them to the second baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm, 15 to 40 minutes.
Assemble the Pies
- Transfer a portion of the filling onto each brushed rectangle. Gently arrange the filling into an even layer, leaving a ¼-inch border. Top each one with a second rectangle and press down with your fingers to seal the top and bottom dough together, making sure to go all around. (Pick up the pie if needed to really pinch the edges together.) Refrigerate while you preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is no longer raw. Watch carefully after 10 minutes, or the filling may begin to leak.
Notes and Tips
- Only roll out and cut one pie dough at a time so that the dough doesn't get too warm and soft. After you've cut out all the dough, chill it until firm; this can take anywhere from 15 to 40 minutes depending on how warm your kitchen is. After you fill the dough, chill the assembled pies again before baking.
- You can also make homemade pastry cream for this recipe. I really like this crème pâtissière recipe, and it's come out perfect every time.
Jen says
The pastry cream mix is a fantastic idea! Can't wait to give this a try!
Heather says
Yes! I tried so many different fillings, and I really think this makes the difference! Also so much quicker than making real pastry cream!