Slow-Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Craving the warm, cinnamon-kissed flavors of Cracker Barrel’s famous fried apples? Now you can make this comforting Southern treat right at home with ease using your slow cooker.

These tender, caramelized apples are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a sweet side dish for your favorite meals. With minimal prep and just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is as effortless as it is delicious.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker
• Peeler and corer
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients Overview

• Apples: Choose firm, sweet-tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala to hold their shape and provide the perfect balance of flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps create that indulgent caramelized texture.
• Brown Sugar: For a deep molasses-like sweetness that enhances the natural sugars in the apples.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The classic warm spices that make fried apples so irresistible.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce slightly to coat the apples beautifully.

Ingredients

• 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup apple juice or water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples

• Peel, core, and slice the apples into even wedges for consistent cooking.

2. Mix the Ingredients

• In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple juice or water. Stir well to form a sweet, spiced syrup.

3. Add to Slow Cooker

• Place the sliced apples into the slow cooker. Pour the syrup mixture over the apples, tossing gently to ensure all slices are evenly coated.

4. Cook on Low

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Thicken the Sauce

• About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to thicken the sauce. Continue cooking until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened.

6. Serve

• Once cooked, transfer the apples to a serving dish and enjoy warm.

Recipe Tips

• Apple Variety: For a mix of flavors and textures, use a combination of apple types, like Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji or Gala for sweetness.
• Avoid Mushy Apples: Be careful not to overcook the apples if you prefer them to have a bit of bite.
• Make It a Dessert: Top with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even crumble some granola over the apples for extra texture.
• Stove-Top Option: If you’re short on time, you can also cook these apples on the stove over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Breakfast: Pair with pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a hearty and comforting start to your day.
• Dessert: Serve over vanilla ice cream, pound cake, or with a dollop of whipped cream for a satisfying treat.
• Dinner Side: These sweet apples complement savory dishes like roasted chicken, pork chops, or turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey for a slightly different flavor profile.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I freeze these apples?
Yes! Let the apples cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

• Add to yogurt or cottage cheese for a delightful snack or breakfast.
• Spoon over pancakes or waffles for a decadent topping.
• Serve alongside savory meats for a sweet and tangy side dish.

These slow-cooker fried apples are the epitome of comfort food, combining tender apples with rich, spiced sweetness. Whether you enjoy them as a topping, side dish, or dessert, they’re bound to bring a cozy, homemade warmth to your table!

cinnamon-kissed flavors of Cracker Barrel’s famous fried

Craving the warm, cinnamon-kissed flavors of Cracker Barrel’s famous fried apples? Now you can make this comforting Southern treat right at home with ease using your slow cooker. These tender, caramelized apples are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a sweet side dish for your favorite meals. With minimal prep and just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is as effortless as it is delicious.

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Ingredients

  

• 6 large apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup apple juice or water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Apples
• Peel, core, and slice the apples into even wedges for consistent cooking.
• Mix the Ingredients
• In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple juice or water. Stir well to form a sweet, spiced syrup.
• Add to Slow Cooker
• Place the sliced apples into the slow cooker. Pour the syrup mixture over the apples, tossing gently to ensure all slices are evenly coated.
• Cook on Low
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Thicken the Sauce
• About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to thicken the sauce. Continue cooking until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened.
• Serve
• Once cooked, transfer the apples to a serving dish and enjoy warm.