If you’ve ever been to Cracker Barrel, you know their Fried Apples are a must-try! Now, you can recreate this delicious, comforting side dish right at home with minimal effort using your slow cooker. These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are sweet, tender, and infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect as a side dish, dessert, or even a topping for pancakes, these apples bring that cozy, homemade comfort to your table. With just a few simple ingredients, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of spiced apples!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, and the slow cooker does all the work for you! The apples become melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter creates a sweet, buttery sauce that’s perfect for spooning over just about anything. You’ll love how versatile this dish is—it’s equally delicious served as a side with roasted meats or as a topping for breakfast treats like waffles and oatmeal.
The Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup apple juice or apple cider
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick slices. Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples work best as they hold up well during cooking without becoming mushy.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Coat the apples: Place the apple slices in the slow cooker. Pour the brown sugar mixture over the apples and gently stir to coat all the slices evenly.
- Add the liquid: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and lemon juice until smooth. Add the apple juice or apple cider and mix well. Pour this mixture over the apples in the slow cooker.
- Cook the apples: Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but not mushy. The sauce should thicken slightly as the apples cook.
- Serve: Serve the fried apples warm as a side dish, dessert, or topping. Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or alongside pork chops or ham for a delicious combination!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: These fried apples are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them as a side dish with savory meals, as a topping for pancakes or waffles, or as a warm dessert with vanilla ice cream.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Helpful Notes
- To keep the apples from turning brown while preparing, toss them with a little lemon juice as you slice them.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the apples during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to add a pinch of allspice or cloves for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just avoid using softer varieties like Red Delicious, as they may become too mushy.
2. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes! You can cook the apples in a large skillet over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender.
3. How can I make these apples more like a dessert?
To make this dish more like a dessert, serve the fried apples with a crumble topping or add a drizzle of caramel sauce.
4. Can I freeze the fried apples?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked apples in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
5. What can I serve these apples with?
These fried apples are delicious with breakfast items like pancakes or French toast, or as a side with roasted pork or ham. You can also use them as a filling for crepes or pies!
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are a comforting, delicious dish that captures the essence of fall flavors. With their tender texture and rich, spiced sweetness, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether served as a side, a dessert, or a topping for your favorite breakfast treats. Best of all, they’re made with minimal effort, thanks to the slow cooker. Enjoy the warm, homemade goodness of these fried apples any time of year!
