Heavenly Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Crisp autumn mornings spark memories of warm apple cracker barrel fried apples wafting through grandma’s kitchen.

Sweet aromas always transport me back to childhood comfort.

Cold seasons invite cozy culinary adventures that warm our hearts.

Soft, caramelized apple slices nestled in a rich, buttery sauce promise delightful comfort.

Tender fruit transforms into a magical side dish that pairs perfectly with savory meals.

Home cooks can effortlessly recreate this classic southern treat without complex techniques.

She loves how simple ingredients create such remarkable flavors.

Peek into this delicious recipe and let nostalgia guide you to a mouthwatering experience.

Why Cracker Barrel Style Fried Apples Are So Loved

• Slice apples quickly and toss with lemon juice, making this recipe a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Transform simple ingredients into a delectable dessert with minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy families or weekend gatherings.
• Recreate the beloved Cracker Barrel classic at home, bringing nostalgic flavors that appeal to both kids and adults with its sweet, cinnamon-infused taste.
• Enjoy as a dessert, side dish, or topping for pancakes, ice cream, or oatmeal, making it a flexible recipe for various meals and occasions.

What You’ll Need to Slow Cook These Sweet Apples

• Apples, Lemon Juice: Sweet, crisp apples provide the base of the dish, while lemon juice prevents browning and adds a subtle tangy brightness. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for their firm texture and balanced sweetness.

How to Make Fried Apples in a Crockpot

Step 1: Prepare Crisp Apples

• Wash apples thoroughly
• Remove stems and cores
• Slice apples into uniform wedges about 1/2-inch thick
• Toss apple slices with fresh lemon juice to maintain bright color and prevent browning

Step 2: Create Flavorful Coating

• Sprinkle ground cinnamon over apple slices
• Add brown sugar
• Gently mix to ensure even coating

Step 3: Set Up Slow Cooker

• Grease slow cooker interior with butter
• Carefully transfer coated apple slices into slow cooker
• Spread apples in an even layer

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Cover slow cooker with lid
• Set temperature to low
• Cook apples for 2-3 hours
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking

Step 5: Final Touch

• Check apple tenderness with fork
• When apples are soft but not mushy, they are ready
• Sprinkle additional cinnamon if desired

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Transfer warm apples to serving dish
• Optional: Top with vanilla ice cream
• Serve immediately as dessert or side dish

Tips for Tender Apples with Spiced Syrup

• Prevent Browning Brilliantly: Lemon juice works magic by stopping apple slices from turning brown, keeping your dish looking fresh and appetizing.
• Slice Uniformly: Cut apples into consistent 1/2-inch thick wedges to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation that mimics Cracker Barrel's signature style.
• Choose the Right Apples: Opt for firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape and provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
• Customize Sweetness Levels: Adjust sugar quantities based on apple variety and personal preference, allowing you to control the overall sweetness of the dish.
• Serve Temperature Matters: These fried apples taste incredible both warm and at room temperature, making them versatile for different meal settings and preferences.

Store and Reheat Apples Without Losing Texture

• Store leftover fried apples in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and delicious in the fridge.
• Warm individual portions for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and maintain texture.
• Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking and restore moisture.
• Freeze cooled apples in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Pair with Slow Cooker Fried Apples

• Pair these fried apples with vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy contrast that highlights the warm, caramelized apple flavors.
• Serve alongside crispy roasted pork tenderloin or honey-glazed ham to create a balanced meal where the sweet apples cut through the rich meat.
• Choose a crisp Riesling or a light Gewürztraminer to complement the dessert-like qualities of the fried apples, bringing out their subtle spice and sweetness.
• Transform the dish into a morning delight by spooning the warm fried apples over fluffy buttermilk pancakes or crisp waffles for a decadent breakfast experience.

Apple Variations That Taste Just Like Fall

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for a celiac-friendly option.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Swap white sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to create a lower-carbohydrate and diabetic-friendly recipe.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter and replace any dairy components with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream.
• Keto-Friendly Modification: Substitute apples with lower-carb fruits like raspberries or use chayote squash as a fruit alternative to maintain ketogenic macronutrient ratios.

Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

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• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples bring Southern comfort straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Cinnamon-kissed apple slices melt into a luscious dessert that will delight you and make dinner guests ask for seconds.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and sliced
• ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (65 g) brown sugar, packed

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) apple cider or water

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Instructions

1. Carefully prepare the apples by removing the skin, extracting the core, and slicing into uniform wedges approximately half an inch thick.
2. Immediately drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over the apple slices, gently tossing to create a protective coating that prevents discoloration.
3. Transfer the citrus-coated apple wedges into the slow cooker, spreading them evenly across the base of the cooking vessel.
4. Sprinkle a blend of granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg over the arranged apple slices, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
5. Dot the seasoned apples with small pieces of butter, strategically placing them across the surface to ensure rich, even flavor distribution.
6. Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, allowing the apples to gently simmer and caramelize for approximately 3-4 hours.
7. Periodically check the apples, using a soft spatula to delicately stir and prevent sticking, while maintaining their structural integrity.
8. Once the apples reach a tender consistency and develop a luxurious golden-brown glaze, remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
9. Serve warm as a delightful side dish or dessert, optionally garnishing with a light dusting of additional cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

• Choose firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and hold their shape during slow cooking.
• Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dish.
• Adjust sweetness by using different apple varieties or reducing sugar for a less sweet version suitable for diabetic diets.
• Sprinkle cinnamon just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor and prevent bitter undertones during long cooking times.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 95 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg