These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are a warm, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced treat that tastes just like the famous side dish from Cracker Barrel! Made with fresh apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, these slow-cooked apples become tender, caramelized, and bursting with flavor. Serve them as a dessert, breakfast topping, or side dish—they pair perfectly with pancakes, biscuits, pork chops, or even vanilla ice cream!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ cup apple juice (or water)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into wedges. Place them in the slow cooker.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the apples, then pour in apple juice and lemon juice. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
4. Add Butter & Cook: Dot the top with butter slices, cover, and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1½-2 hours, until apples are soft but not mushy.
5. Add Vanilla & Serve: Stir in vanilla extract just before serving. Serve warm as a dessert, side dish, or topping!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~210 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 5mg

The History of Fried Apples

Fried apples have been a staple in Southern cuisine for generations. Historically, apples were cooked down with butter and sugar to create a simple, yet indulgent dish that could be served alongside meats, biscuits, or even as a dessert. In many ways, this dish is a reflection of old-fashioned cooking techniques, where simple ingredients are transformed into something extraordinary with time and patience.

Cracker Barrel helped bring fried apples to a larger audience by featuring them as a popular menu item, often paired with biscuits, pancakes, or country ham. Their signature fried apples are known for their soft texture, deep cinnamon flavor, and rich buttery sauce, making them a comforting favorite among diners.

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

A slow cooker is the perfect tool for making fried apples because it allows the flavors to meld together while keeping the apples tender without turning them mushy. Unlike stovetop cooking, which requires constant attention, slow cooking provides a set-it-and-forget-it convenience. This method ensures that the apples retain their shape while absorbing the flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, creating a deeply caramelized and flavorful dish.

Additionally, using a slow cooker eliminates the need for excessive stirring or monitoring, making it an excellent option for busy households. The gentle heat prevents scorching and allows the apples to cook evenly, resulting in a perfectly tender and aromatic dish every time.

Choosing the Right Apples

The type of apple you use significantly impacts the texture and flavor of the final dish. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices because they hold their shape well during cooking while offering a balance of tartness and sweetness.

• Granny Smith Apples: These apples are known for their firm texture and tart flavor, making them ideal for slow cooking. The tartness helps balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and cinnamon.
• Honeycrisp Apples: Naturally sweet and crisp, Honeycrisp apples provide a more delicate texture with a juicy burst of flavor.
• Other Options: Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples also work well, though they may become slightly softer during the cooking process.

The Magic of Brown Sugar and Cinnamon

One of the defining characteristics of this recipe is the warm, spiced sweetness that comes from brown sugar and cinnamon. Brown sugar not only provides sweetness but also contributes to the deep caramelized flavor that makes this dish so irresistible. Cinnamon adds warmth and enhances the natural apple flavor, making each bite a delightful experience.

Nutmeg is another ingredient that plays a supporting role, adding a slightly earthy, nutty note that complements the cinnamon beautifully. Together, these spices create a rich depth of flavor that transforms simple apples into a gourmet experience.

The Role of Butter in This Recipe

Butter is essential for achieving that rich, buttery sauce that coats the apples. As it melts into the mixture, it helps create a velvety texture and enhances the caramelization process. The butter also helps balance the acidity from the apples and lemon juice, rounding out the flavors for a smooth, luscious finish.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Side Dish: Pair these apples with pork chops, roasted chicken, or even turkey for a sweet contrast to savory meats.
• With Breakfast: Serve them over pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or biscuits for a warm and satisfying morning treat.
• As a Dessert: Top a bowl of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt with these slow-cooked apples for a deliciously simple dessert.
• In Baked Goods: Use them as a filling for turnovers, pies, or cinnamon rolls to add a flavorful twist.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, these fried apples store beautifully:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of apple juice or water to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Variations to Try

This recipe is easily customizable to suit different tastes:

• Boozy Apples: Add a splash of bourbon or rum for a grown-up version with added depth of flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apples before serving for a crunchy texture.
• Cranberry Twist: Toss in a handful of dried cranberries to add a tart contrast to the sweetness.
• Maple Infusion: Substitute some of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a richer, more complex sweetness.
• Spiced Version: Enhance the warmth by adding a pinch of allspice or cloves for extra depth.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are the epitome of comfort food, bringing together simple ingredients to create a dish that is rich in flavor and nostalgia. Whether enjoyed as a side, a dessert, or a breakfast topping, these slow-cooked apples capture the essence of Southern homestyle cooking. With their tender texture, warm cinnamon spice, and buttery caramelization, they offer a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. By using a slow cooker, you can achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making this a go-to recipe for busy days when you crave something sweet and satisfying. Try experimenting with different apple varieties and flavor additions to make this dish your own, and enjoy the comforting goodness of homemade fried apples year-round!