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