Irresistible Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe for Slow Cookers

Crisp autumn days call for comforting southern slow cooker fried apples that melt in your mouth with pure homestyle deliciousness.

Warm spices dance through tender apple slices, creating a dessert that whispers nostalgic memories.

Sweet and cinnamon-kissed, these apples bring rustic charm to any meal or gathering.

Soft apple wedges caramelize slowly, releasing a rich aroma that fills the kitchen with warmth.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle spice.

The simple ingredients transform into a decadent treat that feels like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen.

You’ll adore how easily this recipe comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 6

What’s in Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Granny Smith Apples, Golden Delicious Apples: Choose firm, crisp apples that hold their shape during slow cooking and offer a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple slices from turning brown and adds a bright, fresh note to the dish.

• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel undertones and helps create a rich, syrupy coating for the apples.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that complements the natural sweetness of the apples.
• Nutmeg: Introduces a subtle, earthy warmth that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Butter: Creates a luxurious, silky sauce and helps the spices coat the apple slices evenly.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and gives a glossy finish to the cooked apples.

Tools for Making Cracker Barrel Apples at Home

• Slow Cooker: Essential for this recipe, allows easy, hands-off cooking of apples.
• Large Bowl: Perfect for tossing apples with lemon juice and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to peel, core, and slice apples evenly.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for chopping apples safely.
• Peeler: Helps remove apple skin quickly and efficiently.
• Measuring Cups: Useful for measuring lemon juice accurately.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing apples in slow cooker.

Steps to Cook Slow Cooker Fried Apples

• Prepare Apple Slices

Grab fresh apples and slice them into uniform wedges. Splash a bit of lemon juice over the slices to keep them looking bright and prevent them from turning brown.

• Create Delicious Coating

Mix together a blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg. Gently toss the apple slices in this sweet and warm spice mixture until every slice is perfectly coated.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Transfer the seasoned apple slices into your slow cooker. Add small pats of butter across the top to enhance richness and flavor. Cover and let the slow cooker work its, transforming those apples into a tender, caramelized delight.

• Finish and Serve

After 2-3 hours on low heat, your apples will be incredibly soft and infused with warm spices. Stir gently to ensure even cooking. Serve warm as a side dish, dessert, or topping for vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or waffles.

Tips for Extra Flavor in Fried Apples

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balance of sweetness in your dish.
• Prepare the apple mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to develop and saving precious cooking time.
• Swap regular butter with coconut oil or vegan butter to create a dairy-free version, perfect for those with lactose intolerance or following a plant-based diet.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top just before serving, adding a delightful nutty dimension to the classic recipe.
• Experiment with different spice combinations like cardamom or ginger alongside cinnamon to create a unique flavor profile that keeps the dish exciting and fresh.

Serving Slow Cooker Apples the Cozy Way

• Rustic Breakfast Companion: Serve these warm, spiced apples alongside fluffy buttermilk pancakes or crispy French toast for a delightful morning meal that feels like a cozy restaurant experience.
• Dessert Canvas: Transform the fried apples into a stunning dessert by topping vanilla ice cream or pound cake, drizzling caramel sauce for extra indulgence and creating a simple yet impressive sweet treat.
• Pork's Perfect Partner: Pair these tender, cinnamon-infused apples with roasted pork chops or glazed ham, letting the sweet and savory flavors complement each other beautifully on your dinner plate.
• Breakfast Bowl Booster: Stir the fried apples into morning oatmeal or yogurt, adding a burst of warm spices and natural sweetness that elevates your standard breakfast routine with minimal effort.

Storage Tips for Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Coat sliced apples with lemon juice immediately after cutting to maintain crisp white color and prevent oxidation.
• Refrigerate prepared apples in an airtight container for up to 3 days before cooking, keeping them fresh and ready for slow cooker preparation.
• Make multiple servings and store cooked fried apples in sealed containers in the refrigerator for easy 5-day meal planning and quick side dish options.
• Portion cooled fried apples into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, allowing them to stay delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed and labeled with date.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Each type will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish, so choose apples that hold their shape well during cooking.

• Do I need to pre-cook the apples before putting them in the slow cooker?

No, you’ll add the raw apple slices directly to the slow cooker. The slow cooking process will naturally soften and caramelize the apples, creating a delicious, tender result.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure you use gluten-free cinnamon and check that any additional spices or toppings are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

• How do I know when the apples are perfectly cooked?

The apples are done when they’re soft but still hold their shape, typically after 2-3 hours on low heat. They should be tender and caramelized, with a rich, soft texture that’s not mushy.

Luscious Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples perfectly balance sweet and tangy flavors in this comforting Southern classic. Home cooks can recreate restaurant magic with minimal ingredients and simple slow cooker techniques.

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Ingredients

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• 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and sliced
• ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (65 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• ⅓ cup (80 mL) apple cider or water

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Peel, core, and slice apples into uniform half-inch wedges, then immediately toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Seasoning: Arrange apple slices in slow cooker, generously sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, ensuring complete coverage of fruit.
3. Butter Placement: Strategically distribute small butter pieces across apple surface to infuse rich, caramelizing flavor throughout cooking process.
4. Slow Cooking: Cover and set slow cooker to low heat, allowing apples to gently simmer and transform into a tender, golden-brown delicacy over 3-4 hours.
5. Monitoring: Occasionally stir apples with soft spatula to prevent sticking and maintain structural integrity, creating an even caramelization.
6. Finishing: Once apples reach perfect tenderness with a luxurious glaze, remove from heat and let rest briefly before serving.
7. Serving: Present warm as an elegant side dish or dessert, optionally enhancing with a light cinnamon dusting or creamy whipped cream garnish.

Notes

• Prevent Browning: Lemon juice creates a protective barrier against oxidation, keeping apple slices fresh and preventing unsightly discoloration during cooking.
• Slice Uniformity Matters: Cut apple wedges precisely half-inch thick to ensure consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Butter Placement Strategy: Distribute butter pieces strategically across apple surface for even caramelization and rich, balanced flavor throughout the dish.
• Gentle Stirring Technique: Use soft spatula when checking apples to maintain their shape and prevent breaking, ensuring beautiful presentation and texture retention.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 154
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 53 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg