I can’t resist a good copycat recipe, especially one that brings the comforting flavors of Cracker Barrel right to my kitchen. These slow cooker fried apples? Pure magic. There’s something about the way those apple slices swim in that buttery cinnamon-sugar sauce that makes my mouth water just thinking about it. And the aroma that fills your home while they simmer? Heaven. The best part might be how versatile they are—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or alongside savory dishes. Want to know my secret to getting them just right?
Why You’ll Love these Mouthwatering Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
When you’re craving something sweet, comforting, and downright delicious, these slow cooker Cracker Barrel fried apples hit every mark. I’m talking about tender apple slices bathed in a buttery, cinnamon-sugar sauce that practically melts in your mouth.
What’s not to love? They’re ridiculously simple to prepare—just peel, slice, and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend mornings. Plus, your entire home will smell like an autumn dream while they cook.
The best part? These versatile treats work as breakfast alongside oatmeal, a side dish with pork chops, or topped with vanilla ice cream for dessert. You can even adjust the sweetness to match your taste preferences. Couldn’t be easier, couldn’t be tastier.
What Ingredients are in Mouthwatering Cracker Barrel Fried Apples?
To recreate that classic Cracker Barrel flavor in your slow cooker, you’ll need just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that transform ordinary apples into something absolutely magical.
- 3–4 pounds Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—you can adjust the sweetness by using more tart Granny Smith apples with the full sugar amount, or sweeter Golden Delicious with slightly less sugar, depending on your personal preference and what you happen to have on hand.
How to Make these Mouthwatering Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Making these delicious slow cooker fried apples couldn’t be simpler, and your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly while they cook. Start by peeling, coring, and slicing 3-4 pounds of Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples—though, between us, I sometimes leave a bit of peel on for that rustic texture and extra fiber. Place those beautiful apple slices into your slow cooker and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over them, then stir until every slice is lightly coated. This cornstarch is the secret to getting that perfect, slightly thickened sauce that clings to each apple slice rather than pooling at the bottom.
Next comes the flavor explosion—add 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar to the apples, along with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, giving everything a good stir to distribute those warming spices. For traditional Southern flavor, you could also sauté the apples first in a cast iron skillet to develop deeper caramelization before transferring to the slow cooker. Then pour in 1/4 cup of melted butter (real butter, not margarine, makes all the difference), 2 teaspoons of lemon juice for brightness, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The vanilla might seem unexpected, but it rounds out the flavor profile in the most magical way. Give everything one more gentle stir, being careful not to break up those apple slices too much—we want them tender but still holding their shape in the final dish.
Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic on high heat for about 2 hours. Resist the urge to lift the lid and peek too often; each time you do, you’re adding about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time. You’ll know they’re done when the apples are tender when pierced with a fork but haven’t completely collapsed into applesauce. Remember that different slow cookers run at slightly different temperatures, so start checking around the 1.5-hour mark if yours tends to run hot. Give everything a final stir before serving to distribute that glorious cinnamon-spiced sauce evenly throughout. Truly, there’s nothing quite like these apples still warm from the slow cooker, their aroma filling your home with memories of country comfort.
What to Serve with Mouthwatering Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Now that your slow cooker has worked its magic on those tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices, let’s talk about the perfect pairings that’ll take this sweet treat to the next level.
I love serving these warm apples over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or spooned onto buttermilk pancakes for a weekend breakfast that’ll make everyone rush to the table. They’re absolutely divine alongside pork chops or ham—the sweet-tart flavor cuts through the savory meat beautifully.
For a quick breakfast, try them with yogurt and granola. And don’t forget the classic pairing with oatmeal! Want something unexpected? These apples transform a simple grilled cheese into a gourmet sweet-savory sandwich. The possibilities are endless, really.
Leftovers and Storage for these Mouthwatering Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Most folks don’t have to worry about storing leftover fried apples, since they tend to disappear pretty quickly from the table! But if you’re lucky enough to have some remaining, they’ll keep beautifully in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 5 days.
I find these apples actually taste even better the next day, once those cinnamon-sugar flavors have had time to deepen. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds, or warm them gently on the stovetop. They might thicken a bit in storage—a splash of apple juice or water will thin the sauce if needed.
For longer storage, these freeze surprisingly well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Mouthwatering Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Substitutions and Variations
While those storage tips keep your fried apples ready for round two, let’s talk about making this recipe truly your own. I’m a firm believer that recipes are just suggestions, waiting for your personal touch.
Can’t find Granny Smith? Try Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter profile. Looking to cut sugar? Replace half with maple syrup or honey for natural sweetness. The butter can be swapped with coconut oil for a subtle tropical hint.
For a cozy autumn twist, add a pinch of nutmeg and clove alongside the cinnamon. Want to get fancy? Stir in dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, or even a splash of bourbon in the final 30 minutes of cooking. Sometimes I’ll add a handful of raisins that plump up beautifully.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this slow cooker version of Cracker Barrel’s famous fried apples, I can’t help but appreciate how it captures the essence of comfort food with minimal effort. The sweet aroma that fills your kitchen, the tender apple slices bathed in cinnamon-sugar goodness—it’s all there, minus the fuss of stovetop monitoring.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. Serve it warm over vanilla ice cream, pair it with pork chops, or simply enjoy it as a delicious side dish. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into something that tastes like it came straight from the restaurant’s kitchen. For dessert lovers seeking another no-fuss option, a no-bake pie with rich chocolate filling and coconut-pecan topping offers similar convenience with decadent results.
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