This McDonald's Fan-Favorite Fall Dessert Is Finally Back

If we asked you what’s a fan-favorite menu item at McDonald’s, you’d probably say the Big Mac, fries, or even the McFlurry (if the ice cream machine works, of course). While those answers are likely true, there’s another item that’s been on the menu for just as long as the Big Mac thanks to its cult-like following: the humble hand pie.

McDonald’s introduced its apple pie as the chain’s first dessert in 1968, which was met with many praises from Mickey D’s customers. Since its inception, the pie has seen many iterations—like the ​​Strawberry & Crème Pie, Holiday Pie, and the most recent Cookies & Crème Pie.

While most of the flavors have had good reception, McDonald’s customers seem to really love the seasonally flavored pies—which is no surprise considering how much they love other seasonal items, like the Shamrock Shake.

McDonald's Pumpkin and Crème Pie Return

So when fall rolls around, McDonald’s customers excitedly await the return of the elusive Pumpkin and Crème Pie. The fall pie features a layer of spiced pumpkin and a layer of vanilla creme in the signature warm, buttery, flaky crust.

But as with so many good fast food things—there’s a catch. The Pumpkin and Crème Pie is typically a regional menu item that McDonald’s is hush-hush about. Despite the fact that it’s displayed on Mickey D’s site, the company doesn’t widely advertise the flavor because it’s not available nationwide—similar to its Pumpkin Spice Latte, which is only sold in Chicago, Phoenix, Seattle, and St. Louis.

Recently, McDonald’s customers have spotted the Pumpkin and Crème Pie at locations across the country. A Reddit thread claims the pies will be back in Alabama, California, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington this year.

"The fan-favorite Pumpkin and Crème Pie is making its way back to the Golden Arches for the fall season! Made with pumpkin, warm spices, a vanilla flavored crème, and baked in McDonald's signature pastry crust, this dessert gives fans the taste of Pumpkin Pie they know and love on the go," according to a statement from McDonald's USA. "The Pumpkin and Crème Pie is a regional menu offering, currently available in participating local markets for a limited time, including Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, and more."

While it seems that the Pumpkin and Crème Pie still won’t be available nationwide, if you’re a fan of the autumnal hand pie, you should check your McDonald’s app to see if it’s available at any locations near you. Because, remember, McDonald’s locations are franchises, and oftentimes—like with the Grimace shake—franchise owners have a say in what limited-time items they want to sell. So, while one location near you might not have the Pumpkin and Crème Pie, the next location over could.

That means if you want to get your hands on the fall goodie, you might have to put your detective hat on to find it. But, those who have had it before know it’s worth seeking out—and, hey, at least it doesn’t require a likely-broken ice cream machine to enjoy.