If you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying the comforting, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced fried apples from Cracker Barrel, you know exactly what I’m talking about. These slow-cooked apples are tender, syrupy, and packed with that irresistible warm spice, making them the perfect side dish or dessert for any occasion. Whether served alongside a hearty breakfast or as a comforting dessert, these apples will quickly become a family favorite. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them every week!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
This recipe is all about bringing that classic Cracker Barrel taste into your home with minimal effort. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Versatile: These fried apples can be enjoyed as a side dish with pork chops or roast chicken, or as a sweet treat after dinner. They’re the ultimate comfort food, no matter the meal.

Budget-Friendly: Apples are affordable and readily available year-round, so you can make this dish any time without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: With the magic of the slow cooker, you just toss the ingredients in, set it, and let the slow cooker do all the work. It’s the easiest way to enjoy this delicious dish!

Customizable: Want to add a little extra sweetness? A drizzle of caramel sauce will take these apples to the next level. You can also swap in different types of apples for a slightly different flavor profile.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for a small family dinner or a big holiday gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone. The cinnamon-sugar combo will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients in Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

These fried apples are made with simple ingredients, but the flavor is anything but basic. Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting dish:

Apples: The star of the dish! Use a sweet variety like Gala, Fuji, or Golden Delicious for a perfect balance of sweetness and softness.

Brown Sugar: This adds a rich, deep sweetness to the apples, making them perfectly caramelized as they cook.

Cinnamon: The warming spice that brings everything together. It’s the signature flavor in these apples.

Butter: A little butter goes a long way in making these apples tender and adds a touch of richness to the dish.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings a cozy, aromatic element that enhances the overall flavor.

Lemon Juice: A small amount of lemon juice helps balance the sweetness and keeps the apples from turning too mushy.

Nutmeg: Optional, but a pinch of nutmeg adds a wonderful depth of flavor and complements the cinnamon perfectly.

Salt: Just a tiny pinch of salt to round out all the flavors and make them pop.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Time to make your kitchen smell like heaven! Here’s how to prepare these Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples:

Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. You can leave the peel on for a bit of texture, but feel free to peel them if you prefer.

Make the Syrup: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), salt, and lemon juice. This mixture will coat the apples and create that irresistible syrupy goodness.

Cook the Apples: Place the sliced apples in your slow cooker, and pour the brown sugar and spice mixture over them. Toss gently to make sure the apples are evenly coated.

Add the Butter: Dot the apples with pieces of butter, allowing it to melt into the apples as they cook.

Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the apples on low for about 3-4 hours, or until they are tender and have released their sweet syrup. If you like them extra soft and caramelized, you can cook them for a bit longer.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the apples are tender and fragrant, they’re ready to serve! Spoon them over ice cream, enjoy them with a biscuit, or simply dig in as is. These apples are amazing on their own or paired with just about anything.

Finishing Touches: For an extra special touch, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce just before serving.

Serve and Enjoy: These fried apples are the perfect side for pork chops, chicken, or even a warm stack of pancakes. You could also serve them as a delicious dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 150

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours
Total Time: 3-4 hours 10 minutes

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
These fried apples are so versatile! Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Pair them with roasted pork or chicken for a savory-sweet meal.
Spoon them over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a breakfast treat.
Serve them alongside a warm biscuit or cornbread for a true Southern-inspired meal.
Turn them into a dessert by topping them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar depending on how sweet you like your apples.
If you prefer a thicker syrup, you can cook the apples on high for a shorter period, and the syrup will thicken up faster.
These fried apples make great leftovers! Just store them in the fridge for up to a week and reheat when ready to serve.
Experiment with different apple varieties. Some apples, like Granny Smith, will stay firmer and give the dish a tart contrast.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! While Granny Smith apples are commonly used for their tartness, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples for a sweeter flavor. Just keep in mind that softer apples may break down more during cooking.

2. How can I make the apples sweeter?
You can increase the sweetness by adding more brown sugar or a drizzle of honey. Maple syrup also works well for a richer depth of flavor.

3. Can I use a stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just cook the apples in a saucepan over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and the syrup thickens.

4. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover fried apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

5. Can I freeze the fried apples?
Yes! Let the apples cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

6. Can I add other spices like allspice or clove?
Of course! Adding allspice, clove, or even nutmeg can enhance the warm, spiced flavor of the apples. Adjust the amounts to your preference.

7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the apples in advance and store them in the fridge. Simply reheat before serving, and they’ll taste just as delicious.

8. Should I peel the apples?
It depends on your preference. Peeling the apples gives a smoother texture, while keeping the peel adds extra fiber and a slightly chewier bite.

9. Can I substitute the butter with something else?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter works well. For a lower-fat alternative, try using a small amount of applesauce.

10. How do I thicken the syrup if it’s too runny?
If the syrup is too thin, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the apples while they cook. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens.

Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are the perfect sweet and comforting dish that will fill your home with the cozy aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar. Whether you enjoy them as a side, dessert, or breakfast topping, they’re a crowd-pleaser every time. Plus, the slow cooker makes it so easy—just set it and forget it! This is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to, and I bet your family will too. So, grab your apples, spice them up, and get ready for a taste of pure comfort!

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

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Author: Ikram
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (on low)
Total Time: Approximately 4.5–6.5 hours
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish, Dessert
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Southern American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Inspired by the classic Cracker Barrel recipe, these slow cooker fried apples are a sweet and tender treat. Apple slices are slowly simmered with butter, brown sugar, and warm spices until they reach a luscious, saucy consistency—perfect as a comforting side or a dessert topping.

Instructions

Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the apple slices into the slow cooker. Drizzle with melted butter, then sprinkle the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and toss gently to evenly coat.
- Stir in vanilla extract. Add raisins and lemon juice if using.
Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, or on high for 2–3 hours, until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened.