Ranking Fast-Food Apple Pies: A Taste Test Reveals the Unexpected Winner

As the fall season approaches, the craving for warm, comforting desserts becomes irresistible. For many, the quintessential autumnal treat is none other than the classic apple pie. While the homemade version remains unparalleled, the convenience of fast-food options has made them a popular choice for those seeking a quick fix. In a quest to find the best fast-food apple pie, I embarked on a taste test, sampling pies from five prominent chains and ranking them from least to most favorite.

Discovering the Most Delectable Fast-Food Apple Pie

KFC's Apple Pie Poppers: A Disappointing Bite-Sized Letdown

Starting off with the least favorite, the Apple Pie Poppers from KFC were a rather underwhelming experience. At .91 for a serving of four, these mini pies were the most expensive of the bunch. Despite their recent addition to the menu, the pastries were barely lukewarm and slightly soggy by the time they reached me. The ratio of fruit to dough was off, with each popper containing only a few tiny cubes of apple. Instead of the gooey, apple-forward flavor I was expecting, the poppers tasted more like fried flour. While they may be a convenient snack option for sharing, they failed to capture the essence of a traditional apple pie.

Panda Express' Apple Pie Roll: A Fusion Experiment That Missed the Mark

Next up, the Apple Pie Roll from Panda Express caught my eye with its unique fusion of American and Chinese flavors. Priced at , this pastry resembled a cross between a pie and an egg roll. The crispy, wonton wrapper and cinnamon sugar coating were certainly intriguing, but the overpowering sweetness made it too much for my taste. While I appreciated the crunch of the pastry and the fact that it was always served hot, the dominant cinnamon flavor overshadowed the apple filling. This pie roll may appeal to those with a sweet tooth, but it fell short of the balance I was seeking.

Popeyes' Cinnamon Apple Pie: A Spicy Twist on the Classic

Popeyes' Cinnamon Apple Pie, priced at .89, caught my attention with its bold cinnamon-coated exterior. While the crispy exterior and slightly zesty apple filling were intriguing, the overwhelming cinnamon flavor threw off the balance. I believe that spices like cinnamon are more about fragrance than taste, and in this case, Popeyes went a bit overboard. However, I did enjoy the hint of lemon in the filling, which added a nice tangy contrast to the sweetness. For those who love a strong cinnamon punch, this pie might be a hit, but for my personal preferences, it landed in the third spot.

Arby's Apple Turnover: A Flaky Croissant-Inspired Delight

Arby's Apple Turnover, priced at .99, proved to be a pleasant surprise. While the sugary drizzle on top initially seemed unnecessary, the flaky, croissant-like texture and jam-like apple filling won me over. The filling was well-balanced, neither overly sweet nor tart. However, the lack of distinct apple chunks and the overall feeling of a stuffed croissant rather than a traditional pie took away some of the seasonal appeal for me. Nevertheless, this turnover was a delightful departure from the standard fast-food apple pie.

McDonald's Baked Apple Pie: The Reigning Champion

Lastly, the Baked Apple Pie from McDonald's, priced at .89, emerged as the clear winner in my taste test. This classic pie, first introduced in 1968 and later transformed from fried to baked in 1992, has stood the test of time. The warm, crispy exterior and the perfect balance of tartness, crunch, and chunky apple pieces immediately captivated me. The ratio of apples to dough was spot-on, and the gentle hints of cinnamon complemented the filling without overpowering it. This pie encapsulated the essence of a homemade apple pie, making it the clear favorite for me and the one I found myself reaching for again and again.Each fast-food apple pie I tried had its own unique characteristics, ranging from the unusual fusion flavors of Panda Express to the bold cinnamon kick of Popeyes. However, the simple, well-executed execution of McDonald's baked apple pie ultimately won me over. Its warm, flaky crust and authentic apple filling set the perfect tone for the cozy autumn days ahead, making it the reigning champion in my fast-food apple pie taste test.