Fan-favourite McDonald's item makes hero's return to menus after 34 years
Ella Scott
Featured Image Credit: Klaudia Radecka/NurPhoto via Getty Images
McDonald’s customers are breathing a sigh of relief after learning they can finally get their chops around a sweet treat that’s been absent from stores for more than three decades.
It’s been more than 86 years since the very first McDonald’s restaurant opened in San Bernardino, California, and since then, we’ve welcomed some new classics, like the Big Arch, and said goodbye to some mighty heroes, including Chicken Snack Wraps, Fish McBites, and the All Day breakfast option.
While some fast-food fans are still mourning the aforementioned favourites, others have been spending their time trying the brand’s new line of sodas and refreshers; collecting new World Cup-themed beakers, and digging through Happy Meals for sports-themed Squishmallows.
On 23 June, US-based eateries will also begin stocking a former favourite that has not been seen for 34 years.
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The nostalgic item, described as a ‘bona fide national treasure’ by the chain, will make its grand return in honour of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
“If you know, you know. If you don't, June 23 is your chance to find out,” McDonald’s teased.
If you didn’t already know, the Fried Apple Pie is back in business from this month.
The item, which was last available for purchase in the 1990s, features the restaurant’s signature piping-hot apple filling, wrapped in an indulgent golden fried crust.
According to a press release, the Fried Apple Pie initially began as a family recipe of East Tennessee Owner/Operator Litton Cochran.
However, it soon wound up on the McDonald’s menu because of how popular it was.
“There are certain things that just take you back – and the Fried Apple Pie is one of them. It's something that people love and remember from growing up,” said Cochran’s grandson, Eric.
Fans have been having their say on social media, with one X user typing: “Im so glad the fried is back But I wish in the future you would bring back the OG Baked Apple Pie that has a 4 vented cuts.”
Another replied: “I’ll be in line.I love warm apple pie.”
“Caution while it's hot... finally someone treating dessert like a real-time settlement window…,” joked someone else.
caution: get the fried apple pie while it’s hot on 6.23 pic.twitter.com/tk65P7RLAF
— McDonald's (@McDonalds) June 16, 2026
“I eat apple pies everyday thank you Mcdonalds,” a fourth added.
To commemorate the Fried Apple Pie’s return, McDonald's has said it will build a 35-foot version off Route 66 outside of Chicago, as per People Magazine.
The outlet reported that the giant dessert is a ‘fitting tribute to fans' love for the ‘classic American dessert’.
The attraction will be available for travellers to stop at from 23 June to July 4 at 920 N Broadway St., Joliet, IL 60435.
Nine collectable FIFA World Cup tumblers are now available across the United States.
The beakers feature some of the most iconic men’s footballers from the past and present, including Sir David Beckham, Lamine Yamal, and Thierry Henry.
To get one of the beakers, customers must head into their local McDonald’s and pick up a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNugget World Cup Meal.
Breakfast customers can also get their hands on one of the celebrity chalices by choosing between a Sausage McMuffin with Egg or a Sausage Biscuit with Egg, both of which come with hash browns.
Football players featured on the nine cups:
Speaking on his role in the World Cup campaign, USMNT’s Pulisic said: “Growing up, it was our ritual after soccer tournaments to go to our McDonald's near Hershey, PA for Chicken McNuggets and a McFlurry.
“To now be featured on a McDonald's collectable cup all these years later is a full-circle moment.”
Meanwhile, Morgan Flatley, Global Chief Marketing Officer and Head of New Business Ventures at McDonald’s, said: “At McDonald’s, magic happens when families, friends, and fans come together and celebrate with the people they love.
“Partnering with the FIFA World Cup 26 allows us to take that shared joy and bring it to life at a global scale through our food, our experiences, and the ways fans connect with the game,”
“As football icons take the field to unite fans across continents, McDonald’s will be there from the first whistle to the final minute with limited-time meals and keepsakes so fans of all ages can be part of the excitement all tournament long and beyond.”