Cozy Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe Made Simple

My love for hearty slow cooker Cracker Barrel fried apples started during a cozy autumn weekend with my grandma.

Warmth from her kitchen filled the air with sweet cinnamon aromas.

She would carefully slice crisp orchard apples into perfect golden-brown wedges.

Fragrant spices danced through her well-worn ceramic pot, creating magic with minimal effort.

Rich caramel notes emerged as the apples softened and blended into a comforting dessert.

Each spoonful promised pure nostalgia and simple southern charm.

Fall memories would flood back with just one bite of this delightful classic dish.

Savor every delectable moment and let this recipe transport you to a rustic kitchen filled with love.

Why You’ll Love Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Savor Homestyle Comfort: Slow Cooker Magic transforms classic apples into a mouthwatering dessert with minimal effort.

Transform Kitchen Routine: Simple ingredient mixing and hands-off cooking make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without constant monitoring.

Versatile Serving Sensation: Enjoy these tender, sweet apples as a side dish, breakfast topping, or decadent dessert that pleases everyone from kids to grandparents.

Stress-Free Cooking Champion: No complicated techniques required – just slice, mix, and let the slow cooker work its delightful culinary magic while you relax or tackle other tasks.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Fried Apples

• Apples: Sweet and crisp fruit that becomes tender and caramelized when slow-cooked.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a rich, caramel-like sauce.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the natural flavor of the apples and add depth.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of brightness and prevents the apples from browning.

• Apple Juice, Water: Provides moisture and helps the apples cook evenly.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy sauce.

• Cornstarch: Helps create a thicker, more luxurious sauce if desired.

How to Make Slow Cooker Fried Apples Easily

Step 1: Prep the Apple Beauties

Grab your favorite crisp apples and transform them into delectable wedges. Carefully peel each apple, remove the core, and slice them into beautiful, uniform pieces that will melt in your mouth.

Step 2: Create a Magical Sugar Blend

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• A splash of zesty lemon juice

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a fragrant, sweet mixture that promises deliciousness.

Step 3: Layer and Coat the Apples

Gently place the apple wedges into your slow cooker.

Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the apples, using your hands or a spatula to ensure every slice gets a perfect, even coating.

Step 4: Add Liquid Goodness

Pour apple juice (or water) over the sugared apples, creating a luscious base for cooking.

The liquid will help the apples become tender and infuse them with extra flavor.

Step 5: Dot with Buttery Bliss

Scatter small pieces of butter across the top of the apples.

These little butter nuggets will melt and create a rich, silky sauce as the apples cook.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat.

Let the apples simmer and transform for 3-4 hours. You’re looking for tender apples that still hold their shape – not mushy, but melt-in-your-mouth soft.

Step 7: Optional Sauce Thickening

If you want a more luxurious sauce, mix cornstarch with a bit of water during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir this into the apples to create a gloriously thick, glossy coating.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Spoon these heavenly fried apples over pancakes, waffles, or vanilla ice cream. They’re equally delightful as a side dish for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Prepare for taste bud magic!

Tips for Sweet and Tender Fried Apples

• Toss sliced apples with lemon juice immediately after cutting to prevent discoloration and maintain fresh appearance.
• Select firm, crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and balanced sweetness when slow cooking.
• Reduce sugar by half for a lighter dessert or increase brown sugar for more caramelized depth when serving with vanilla ice cream.
• Sprinkle ground cardamom or ginger alongside cinnamon for a sophisticated, warm spice profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Swap sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener alternative, making the dish more diabetes-friendly and nutrient-rich.

Fun Variations for Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Caramel Apple Slow Cooker Version: Replace sugar mixture with caramel sauce and add a pinch of sea salt for a rich, decadent flavor profile.
• Spiced Autumn Blend: Swap out cinnamon and nutmeg with pumpkin pie spice and add a splash of bourbon for a warm, seasonal touch.
• Diabetic-Friendly Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugars, and reduce apple juice to minimize natural sugar content.
• Vegan Apple Comfort: Substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine, ensuring the recipe remains creamy and flavorful for dairy-free diets.

Best Pairings for Fried Apples

Drizzle creamy vanilla bourbon sauce over the warm fried apples for a luxurious dessert experience that elevates the cinnamon and sugar notes.

Serve the fried apples alongside a slice of spiced rum cake, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, warm flavors that dance on the palate.

Top the tender fried apples with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold, creamy texture contrast beautifully with the warm, spiced fruit.

Sip a smooth cinnamon whiskey toddy alongside the apples, enhancing the dessert’s warm spices and creating a cozy, comforting autumn-inspired moment.

Storing Fried Apples for Leftover Desserts

• Transfer cooled fried apples to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pack the apples in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop heating when the apples reach your preferred temperature.

FAQs

• What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness during slow cooking.

• Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare this in a Dutch oven or baking dish. Bake at 350°F for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all ingredients like apple juice and spices are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

• How can I prevent the apples from turning brown?

Adding lemon juice to the sugar mixture helps prevent browning and adds a subtle tangy flavor to the dish.

Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sweet cinnamon-spiced Cracker Barrel Fried Apples melt in your mouth with southern comfort and homestyle charm. Perfectly caramelized and warm, this simple dessert brings nostalgic flavor right to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)

Sugars:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Spices and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup apple juice or water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Transform crisp apples into thin, uniform wedges after peeling and removing cores.
2. Transfer apple slices directly into slow cooker basin, creating an even layer.
3. Craft a fragrant seasoning blend by thoroughly combining granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh lemon juice in a separate mixing vessel.
4. Generously distribute the spiced sugar mixture across apple slices, gently tumbling to ensure complete and consistent coating.
5. Delicately cascade apple juice over the seasoned fruit, providing essential moisture for the cooking process.
6. Strategically scatter cold butter pieces across the apple surface, promoting rich, decadent flavor development.
7. Secure slow cooker lid and configure to low temperature setting, allowing apples to gently simmer for 3-4 hours until achieving tender yet structured consistency.
8. For enhanced sauce viscosity, whisk cornstarch with minimal water during final 30 cooking minutes, stirring carefully to integrate without disrupting apple texture.
9. Present warm accompaniment alongside breakfast classics, atop desserts, or as standalone sweet side dish, celebrating caramelized, spice-infused fruit creation.

Notes

• Select firmer apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for better texture and less breakdown during slow cooking.
• Adjust sugar levels for dietary needs by using coconut sugar, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener for lower-carb or diabetic-friendly version.
• Create a gluten-free option by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free and avoiding cross-contamination during preparation.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cardamom alongside the existing spices for deeper aromatic notes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (or 4 hours)
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 135 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 9 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3.5 g
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 8 mg