Cozy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Crisp autumn afternoons spark memories of my grandmother’s delectable slow cooker cracker barrel fried apples wafting through her cozy kitchen.

Warm cinnamon notes dance around the room, beckoning everyone near.

Sweet apple slices shimmer with caramelized edges, promising pure comfort in each bite.

Rustic and nostalgic, this recipe connects generations through its simple magic.

Soft apples melt into a luscious sauce that tingles taste buds with hearty sweetness.

Home cooks relish how effortlessly these apples come together in a slow cooker.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this classic southern-style treat.

Ingredients That Make These Fried Apples Just Right

Main Ingredients:

Apples: Sweet, crisp fruit that creates the base of the dish. Best with firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for holding shape during slow cooking.

Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Natural sweeteners that caramelize and enhance apple flavor. Brown sugar adds deeper, molasses-like richness.

Spice and Thickening Ingredients:

Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that complements apple’s natural sweetness. Ground cinnamon works best.

Nutmeg: Optional spice with subtle, nutty flavor that adds depth to the apple mixture.

Cornstarch: Thickening agent that helps create a slightly syrupy consistency.

Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:

Apple Juice or Cider: Provides moisture and enhances apple flavor. Fresh, unfiltered cider recommended for deeper taste.

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy finish. Unsalted butter preferred for better flavor control.

Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle, sweet background flavor that rounds out the dish.

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Step 1: Prepare Apple Slices

Wash and peel crisp apples. Slice them into beautiful wedges about 1/2-inch thick. Arrange the apple pieces inside your slow cooker, creating a delightful fruit foundation.

Step 2: Create Sweet Spice Blend

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cornstarch

Generously sprinkle this sweet mixture over apple slices, ensuring every piece gets coated with flavor.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Butter

Pour apple juice or apple cider over the seasoned fruit. Dot the top with small cubes of butter, which will melt and create a luxurious sauce.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: Cook for 4-5 hours
• High setting: Cook for 2-3 hours

Gently stir the apples midway through cooking to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 5: Finish with Vanilla Flourish

Stir in pure vanilla extract right before serving. This final touch adds depth and warmth to the dish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out these tender, caramelized apples as a side dish, dessert, or topping for pancakes, ice cream, or cake.

Tips for Getting That Signature Soft Texture

• Choose the Right Apples: Select firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during slow cooking and provide a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss sliced apples with a little lemon juice to prevent discoloration and maintain their fresh appearance before adding to the slow cooker.
• Adjust Sweetness Levels: Reduce sugar for a healthier version or swap granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more complex flavor profile.
• Control Texture Carefully: Check apples periodically to avoid overcooking; they should remain tender but not turn into applesauce, maintaining a slight bite and structure.
• Serve Multiple Ways: Transform leftovers into a delicious topping for pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt, or vanilla ice cream for added versatility and enjoyment.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat These Cooked Apples

• Store leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of apple juice to maintain moisture if needed.
• Gently reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a small amount of water or apple juice to prevent sticking and keep the apples from drying out.
• Enjoy the fried apples cold as a refreshing topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream if you prefer a different serving style.

Great Pairings for Slow Cooker Fried Apples

• The sweet and spiced apples beautifully complement rich, savory pork chops or roasted pork tenderloin, creating a delightful balance of flavors that dance on your palate.
• Scoop a generous portion of warm fried apples over creamy vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert that blends warm, spiced fruit with cool, smooth sweetness.
• A smooth bourbon or cinnamon-infused whiskey enhances the warm spices in the apples, creating a cozy and sophisticated flavor experience that elevates the entire dish.
• Fluffy, warm buttermilk biscuits provide the perfect vehicle for scooping up the tender, caramelized apples, adding a comforting Southern-style touch to the meal.

Fun Twists to Try with Fried Apple Recipes

• Healthier Apple Delight: Replace granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a low-calorie version. Use whole wheat flour instead of cornstarch for added fiber.
• Vegan Apple Comfort: Substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine. Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of white and brown sugars for natural sweetness.
• Spiced Autumn Variation: Add ground cardamom, ginger, and a pinch of cloves to enhance the warm flavor profile. Sprinkle toasted pecans or almonds on top for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Apple Treat: Use gluten-free cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickener. Choose organic, gluten-free apples and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.

Why Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Are a Sweet Side Favorite

• Minimal chopping and mixing make this recipe incredibly simple, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated steps.
• Enjoy these fried apples as a comforting side dish, decadent dessert, or topping for pancakes, ice cream, and other sweet treats, making it adaptable for various meals and occasions.
• The hands-off cooking method allows you to prepare a delightful apple dish with minimal effort, letting the slow cooker do all the hard work while you focus on other tasks.
• Packed with warm spices and sweet flavors, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, creating a nostalgic and crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone together at the table.

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples bring southern comfort straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Cinnamon-spiced slices simmer slowly, creating a luscious dessert that whispers memories of homestyle cooking you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
• ½ cup (100 grams / 3.5 ounces) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams / 1.8 ounces) brown sugar, packed

Spices and Thickeners:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) apple juice or apple cider
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Meticulously cleanse and segment crisp apples into uniform half-inch wedges, carefully arranging them within the slow cooker’s spacious interior.
2. Craft a fragrant seasoning blend by harmoniously mixing granulated and brown sugars with warming cinnamon, optional nutmeg, and cornstarch in a compact mixing vessel.
3. Delicately shower the sugared spice mixture over the apple slices, gently tumbling them to ensure each wedge receives an even, luxurious coating.
4. Cascade apple juice or cider across the seasoned fruit, then strategically distribute small butter cubes throughout the mixture to enhance richness and depth.
5. Secure the slow cooker’s lid and initiate a gentle cooking process – selecting low temperature for approximately 4-5 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours, monitoring until apples transform into tender, luscious morsels.
6. Midway through cooking, tenderly redistribute the apples to promote uniform softening and caramelization.
7. Upon reaching optimal tenderness, gracefully incorporate vanilla extract, stirring to infuse an aromatic essence throughout the dish.
8. Present these sumptuous apples while warm, perfect as an accompaniment, indulgent dessert, or decadent topping for various culinary creations.

Notes

• Opt for firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain texture and prevent turning into applesauce during slow cooking.
• Adjust sugar levels based on apple sweetness; taste the apples first to determine the right amount of sugar needed.
• Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch or replacing it with arrowroot powder for thickening the sauce.
• Enhance flavor by adding a splash of bourbon or rum during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 159
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg