McDonald’s is famous not only for its iconic burgers and fries but also for its irresistible limited-time desserts in the UK. These seasonal treats combine sweetness with innovation, offering unique flavours that excite dessert lovers. From creamy McFlurries to crispy, sweet pies, McDonald’s limited time desserts offer fresh and seasonal flavours that are only available for a limited time, creating a sense of urgency and excitement.
Curious about which McDonald’s limited time desserts you absolutely must try before they’re gone? Let’s dive into the top 5 must-try sweet treats!
Top 5 McDonald’s Limited Time Desserts in the UK
Here are the top 5 limited-time McDonald’s desserts that you don’t want to miss:
1. Jaffa Cakes McFlurry®
A delicious British twist on a classic treat, the Jaffa Cakes McFlurry blends creamy vanilla soft serve with crunchy chocolate biscuit pieces and tangy orange syrup. This perfect mix of smooth, citrusy, and chocolatey goodness offers a sweet and tangy dessert experience like no other. Ideal for those who crave the perfect balance of rich chocolate and refreshing citrus, this McFlurry is the ultimate delight for dessert lovers
- Why It’s Special: It perfectly captures the essence of a Jaffa Cake: the rich combination of chocolate, orange, and sponge cake, transformed into a cold, creamy treat.
- Availability: Usually available in the summer months.
- Cost: Around £2.29 for a regular portion.
- Where to Get It: You can find the Jaffa Cakes McFlurry® at most McDonald’s restaurants across the UK, but only for a limited time while supplies last. Keep an eye on the McDonald’s UK app or website for the latest availability.
2. Milky Way McFlurry®
The MILKY WAY McFlurry® is a dream come true for chocolate lovers. This decadent dessert features McDonald’s signature creamy vanilla soft serve mixed with chunks of MILKY WAY® candy bars and a swirl of rich caramel sauce. Inspired by the beloved Milky Way candy bar, each spoonful offers the perfect combination of smooth vanilla, rich chocolate, and sweet caramel. It’s a heavenly treat for anyone who craves that perfect balance of chocolate and caramel in every bite.
- Why It’s Special: This light, luxurious dessert offers the perfect balance of rich chocolate and smooth caramel, making it an irresistible treat for chocolate lovers.
- Availability: Typically available in winter, around Valentine’s Day.
- Cost: Approximately £2.49 for a regular portion.
- Where to Get It: It’s available at many McDonald’s restaurants across the UK for a limited time. Check the McDonald’s UK app or website to see if it’s currently available near you during the promotional period.
3. Oreo McFlurry®
The Oreo® McFlurry® is one of McDonald’s classic treats that always hits the spot. It features McDonald’s signature creamy vanilla soft serve blended with crunchy Oreo cookie pieces and topped with a generous swirl of chocolate or caramel sauce. The perfect combination of smooth, creamy ice cream and crispy cookie texture makes every bite a satisfying dessert experience, loved by all.
- Why It’s Special: Oreo fans rave about the combination of crunchy cookies and creamy ice cream, which is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Cost: The Oreo® McFlurry® typically costs around £2.29 for a regular portion in the UK, with a mini version available for those seeking a smaller treat.
- Where to Get It: You can buy the Oreo® McFlurry® at most McDonald’s locations across the UK, often available year-round as a staple dessert. Availability may vary by location, and it can also be ordered via McDelivery for added convenience, especially during special promotions.
4. Apple Pie McFlurry®
The Apple Pie McFlurry® brings together two beloved McDonald’s classics: warm, spiced apple pie chunks and their signature creamy vanilla soft serve. This delicious treat features a perfect blend of apple pie filling mixed into smooth vanilla ice cream, with cinnamon spice adding extra warmth. The contrast of warm apple pie and ice cream creates a delightful dessert experience that’s a perfect balance of hot and cold, making it an unforgettable choice for dessert lovers.
- Why It’s Special: It combines the warmth and comfort of a classic apple pie with McDonald’s smooth ice cream, delivering the perfect contrast of temperatures and textures..
- Cost: Typically priced around £2.49.
- Where to Get It: You can find the Apple Pie McFlurry® at most McDonald’s locations across the UK, but it’s available only for a limited time, usually during the autumn months. Check the McDonald’s UK app or website for current availability.
5. Smarties McFlurry®
A colourful and fun treat, the Smarties McFlurry® features McDonald’s signature vanilla soft serve mixed with colourful Smarties candy pieces. Bursting with vibrant colours and crunchy, chocolatey goodness, this dessert offers a playful experience that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. Perfect for those who love a sweet, crunchy treat that’s both visually exciting and delicious.
- Why It’s Special: Its bright colours and crunchy candy pieces make it a visual treat, perfect for sharing on social media.
- Availability: Mostly available in spring and sometimes during the festive period.
- Cost: The Smarties McFlurry typically costs around £2.29 for a regular portion in the UK.
- Where to Get It: This McFlurry is available at McDonald’s UK locations during promotional seasons, often as a limited-time dessert. Check the McDonald’s UK app or website for the latest availability.
What Makes McDonald’s Limited-Time Desserts Stand Out?
McDonald’s limited-time desserts are special because they aren’t just about food; they create a unique experience.
1. Nostalgia
McDonald’s taps into your childhood memories by featuring iconic candy brands and seasonal flavours that transport you back to simpler times. Whether it’s the Jaffa Cake McFlurry® or the Smarties McFlurry®, these desserts are a sweet reminder of the treats you loved as a kid.
2. Innovative Flavours
By combining familiar ingredients in exciting new ways, McDonald’s offers a fresh twist on classic desserts. The Apple Pie McFlurry® is a perfect example, blending two beloved menu items for a brand-new taste sensation.
3. The Urgency Factor
Since these desserts are available for a limited time, they create a sense of urgency that drives customers to act quickly. Once they’re gone, they’re gone, so you have to try them before the window closes!
How to Get Your Hands on These Desserts in the UK
Getting these limited-time desserts is easy, but you’ll want to act fast before they disappear.
- Visit McDonald’s Restaurants
Most locations carry limited-time desserts while available. Visit your nearest McDonald’s to enjoy them in-store or at the drive-thru.
- Download the McDonald’s UK App
The app offers real-time alerts for new desserts and lets you check availability near you. You can also order ahead for convenient pickup or delivery.
- Order via McDelivery
Many McDonald’s locations offer home delivery through McDelivery via the McDonald’s app or platforms like Uber Eats and Deliveroo.
- Keep an Eye on Promotions
Stay updated on new launches via in-store posters, social media, and app notifications.
- Visit High-Traffic Locations
Larger McDonald’s restaurants restock limited-time items faster than smaller Locations.
Limited-Time Desserts vs. Permanent Menu Items: What’s the Difference?
The main difference lies in novelty versus consistency. Limited-time desserts are meant to bring excitement and fresh flavours that change with the seasons, often featuring brand collaborations. Permanent menu items, such as the classic Oreo McFlurry, are always available, offering tried-and-true favourites. Limited-time offerings offer the chance to experience something new before it disappears, while permanent items are your reliable go-to options.
How to Make McDonald’s Limited-Time Desserts at Home
If you can’t wait for the next limited-time launch, here’s how you can make McDonald’s limited-time desserts at home – and trust me, it’s just as fun and delicious as grabbing one from your local McDonald’s!
Jaffa Cake McFlurry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream
- 2 Jaffa Cakes (crumbled)
- 1 tbsp orange marmalade
- ½ tsp water
Method:
- Start by mixing the creamy vanilla ice cream with the crumbled Jaffa Cakes.
- Microwave the orange marmalade and water for 10 seconds to soften and make it easier to swirl.
- Gently swirl the orange marmalade into the ice cream mixture for a sweet, citrusy flavour.
- Enjoy immediately for that signature McFlurry texture and the perfect balance of chocolate and orange!
Milky Way McFlurry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream
- 2 Milky Way bars (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tbsp chocolate syrup
Method:
- Mix the smooth vanilla ice cream with the chopped Milky Way pieces for a rich, chocolatey base.
- Drizzle in some chocolate syrup for an added layer of sweetness and swirl to combine.
- Enjoy immediately for a creamy, dreamy McFlurry that’s as delicious as the classic candy bar!
Oreo McFlurry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream
- 4 Oreo cookies (crumbled)
- 1 tbsp chocolate or caramel syrup
Method:
- Start by mixing the vanilla ice cream with the crumbled Oreo cookies for that perfect crunchy texture.
- Drizzle in your choice of chocolate or caramel syrup to bring extra flavour to the McFlurry.
- Enjoy immediately for a delightful dessert that balances creamy, crunchy, and sweet!
Apple Pie McFlurry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream
- 1 small apple pie (cut into small pieces)
- 1 tbsp caramel syrup
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
Method:
- Mix the vanilla ice cream with small pieces of apple pie for that warm, comforting flavour.
- Drizzle in the rich caramel syrup and sprinkle cinnamon for extra warmth and spice.
- Enjoy immediately for a delightful dessert that combines the best of both worlds: hot and cold!
Smarties McFlurry Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream
- 1 handful of Smarties candies
- 1 tbsp chocolate syrup (optional)
Method:
- Mix the creamy vanilla ice cream with the colourful Smarties candies for a crunchy, vibrant twist.
- Drizzle in chocolate syrup (optional) for an added layer of sweetness and flavour.
- Enjoy immediately for a fun, colourful McFlurry that’s perfect for dessert lovers of all ages!
How McDonald’s Desserts Compare to Other Fast-Food Chains Offerings
McDonald’s leads the way in creativity and brand collaborations. While competitors like KFC and Burger King offer classic desserts, McDonald’s keeps fans excited with seasonal offerings and limited-time collaborations. From the Jaffa Cake McFlurry to the Smarties McFlurry, McDonald’s consistently delivers innovative treats that keep dessert lovers coming back for more.
Let’s see how McDonald’s limited-time desserts compare to offerings from other fast-food chains:
| Chain | Limited-Time Dessert | Approx. Price | Kcal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burger King | Chocolate Fudge Sundae | £2.20 | 550 |
| KFC | Strawberry & Cream Pie | £2.50 | 405 |
| Subway | Seasonal Fruit Yoghurt | £1.80 | 150 |
| McDonald’s | Jaffa Cake McFlurry | £2.49 | 331 |
McDonald’s stands out with its high-profile brand collaborations (such as Jaffa Cakes, Oreo, and Milky Way), creating excitement and demand. The urgency created by these limited-time promotions encourages customers to act quickly, making McDonald’s desserts more desirable compared to regular menu items from other chains.
Conclusion
McDonald’s limited time desserts in the UK are the perfect blend of creativity, nostalgia, and enjoyment. With exciting seasonal flavours like the Jaffa Cake McFlurry® and Milky Way McFlurry, these treats appeal to all tastes.
Next time you’re craving something sweet, head to your local McDonald’s, check the app for the latest dessert releases, and don’t miss out on these exclusive, limited-time offerings. Once they’re gone, grab yours before they disappear!
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