Irresistible Sweet Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Comfort and nostalgia collide in these delectable slow cooker cracker barrel fried apples that bring Southern warmth to your table.

Tender apple slices nestle in a rich, cinnamon-infused sauce that promises pure indulgence.

The aroma will fill your kitchen with memories of home-cooked goodness.

Crisp apples caramelize slowly, creating a dessert that balances sweetness and spice perfectly.

Each bite delivers a comforting blend of traditional flavors that feels like a warm hug.

Serve these irresistible apples alongside your favorite main course or enjoy them as a standalone treat that celebrates simple, delicious cooking.

Let this recipe become your new go-to dessert for any occasion.

Sweet Additions That Make Apples Even Better

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balance of sweetness.
• Prepare the apple mixture the night before and refrigerate, then start the slow cooker in the morning for a hands-off cooking experience.
• Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-glycemic option. Use vegan butter for a dairy-free version that's just as delicious.
• Transform this side dish into a decadent dessert by topping with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Experiment with additional warm spices like cardamom or ginger to create a unique flavor profile that goes beyond traditional cinnamon.

Serve Warm Apples as a Side or Dessert

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Spoon these warm, cinnamon-kissed apples over crispy waffles or fluffy pancakes for a delightful morning treat that brings comfort to your breakfast table.
• Sweet Dessert Transformation: Layer the fried apples over vanilla ice cream or pound cake, creating a rustic, homestyle dessert that melts in your mouth with rich, caramelized flavors.
• Versatile Side Dish Delight: Serve alongside roasted pork, grilled chicken, or holiday turkey as a sweet and tangy accompaniment that elevates your main course with a touch of warmth and spice.
• Festive Party Topping: Use as a delectable topping for cheesecake, yogurt, or oatmeal, adding a festive and elegant touch to your favorite dishes during gatherings or quiet family meals.

Store Apples for Meals Ahead

• Prepare apples up to 3 days ahead and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep them sealed to maintain optimal texture and prevent browning.
• Warm leftover fried apples in microwave for 30-45 seconds or gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Divide cooled fried apples into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go breakfasts, dessert additions, or quick side dish preparations.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use a variety of apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Mix sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor profile.

• Is cornstarch necessary in the recipe?

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and prevents the apples from becoming too watery. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour as a substitute.

• Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare this in a Dutch oven or baking dish. Bake at 375°F for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

• How do I prevent the apples from turning brown?

Toss the sliced apples with a little lemon juice before adding the sugar mixture. This helps prevent oxidation and maintains their fresh appearance.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 159 kcal

Servings: 6

Fried Apple Ingredient Checklist

• Apples: Select crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold shape during slow cooking, providing perfect texture and balanced sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create rich caramel-like depth and help develop luscious sauce, enhancing natural apple flavors.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement apple's natural sweetness, adding cozy aromatic complexity to the dish.
• Cornstarch: Thickens sauce, creating silky smooth consistency that clings beautifully to apple slices.

• Apple Juice or Cider: Intensifies apple flavor, provides gentle cooking liquid for tender fruit.
• Butter: Adds luxurious richness, creates a velvety sauce and rounds out overall flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings subtle warmth and deepens the dessert's aromatic qualities, adding sophisticated undertone.

Tools That Help With Crockpot Apple Goodness

• Slow Cooker: Your main star for effortless cooking and keeping everything moist and delicious.
• Cutting Board: Perfect surface for safely slicing those crisp apples.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for peeling and cutting apples into even, beautiful wedges.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining sugars, spices, and cornstarch before sprinkling over apples.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for gentle stirring and ensuring apples are evenly coated.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for precise ingredient measurements to get the perfect flavor balance.

Cook Cracker Barrel Style Apples at Home

• Prepare Apples

Wash and transform your apples into delightful wedges by removing the skin and core. Slice them into generous, inviting pieces that will melt in your mouth.

• Createal Coating

Mix together a blend of sugars, warming spices, and a touch of cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle this enchanting mixture over your apple slices, ensuring every piece gets a perfect, even dusting.

• Add Liquid

Drizzle apple juice or cider over the seasoned apples. Scatter small butter cubes across the top, which will create a rich, luxurious sauce during cooking.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and let the apples transform. On low heat, cook for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. Gently stir halfway through to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

• Finish with Flavor

Once the apples are tender but still holding their shape, stir in a splash of vanilla extract. This final touch adds a beautiful depth of flavor that will make everyone swoon.

• Serve and Enjoy

Dish out these heavenly apples warm. They’re incredible as a side dish, dessert, or topping for ice cream, pancakes, or anything else your heart desires.

Sweet Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples showcase Southern comfort with sweet, cinnamon-spiced simplicity in this slow cooker recipe. Homemade goodness fills kitchens with warm, nostalgic aromas that welcome friends and family to the table.

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Ingredients

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• 6 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
• ½ cup (100 grams / 3.5 oz) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams / 1.8 oz) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) apple juice or apple cider
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Core and slice apples into uniform wedges, arranging them evenly within the slow cooker.
2. Seasoning Blend: Whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch in a small bowl, ensuring thorough integration of dry ingredients.
3. Coating Process: Sprinkle the spice mixture over apple slices, gently tossing to create an even, glossy coating that embraces each apple wedge.
4. Liquid and Fat Integration: Pour apple juice or cider over the seasoned fruit, then dot the surface with butter cubes to enhance richness and develop complex flavor profiles.
5. Cooking Technique: Cover and cook on low setting for 4-5 hours or high setting for 2-3 hours, allowing apples to transform into tender, caramelized delicacies with minimal intervention.
6. Final Touches: Midway through cooking, gently stir the apples to promote even softening, then stir in vanilla extract during the final moments of cooking to elevate the aromatic experience.
7. Serving Suggestion: Transfer the warm, luscious apples to a serving dish, ready to complement desserts, breakfast items, or enjoy as a standalone treat with a luxurious, velvety texture.

Notes

Choose Firm Apples: Select sturdy varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn that maintain structure during slow cooking and prevent turning mushy.

Prevent Apple Browning: Toss apple slices with lemon juice immediately after cutting to preserve their fresh appearance and prevent enzymatic oxidation.

Adjust Sugar Sensitivity: Reduce added sugars for diabetic-friendly version or use natural sugar alternatives like stevia or monk fruit for lower-calorie preparation.

Control Moisture Levels: If mixture appears too liquid midway, remove lid briefly to allow excess moisture to evaporate and concentrate flavors during final cooking stage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 158
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 7 mg