Transport yourself to the comfort of a Cracker Barrel meal with this simple and delicious recipe for slow cooker fried apples. These sweet, cinnamon-infused apples are tender, flavorful, and perfect as a dessert, side dish, or breakfast topping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Made in a slow cooker, this recipe is largely hands-off.
- Authentic Taste: Replicates the comforting and familiar flavors of Cracker Barrel’s fried apples.
- Versatile Dish: Serve as a side dish, dessert, or even as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
- Minimal Ingredients: Requires just a handful of pantry staples.
- Perfect for All Seasons: A warming treat in colder months or a delightful accompaniment to summer barbecues.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Apples (recommendation: Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Butter
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Water
Directions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into wedges or bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, layer the apples. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and add small dollops of butter. Drizzle lemon juice and water over the mixture.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the apples are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally.
- Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Stir into the apples during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Enjoy warm as is or with your favorite main dishes and desserts.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Variations
- Add Raisins or Cranberries: Stir in dried fruits for added texture and sweetness.
- Spiced Apples: Enhance with additional spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
- Caramel Apples: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce to the cooked apples for extra indulgence.
- Apple Pie Filling: Use these fried apples as a quick apple pie filling.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the apples in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the apples on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
1. What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Granny Smith and Golden Delicious are ideal because they hold their shape well during cooking and offer a good balance of tartness and sweetness.
2. Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
3. Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but you can leave the peels on for added fiber and texture.
4. Can I cook this recipe on high?
Yes, you can cook on high for 2-3 hours, but keep an eye on the apples to avoid overcooking.
5. How do I prevent the apples from becoming mushy?
Choose firm apple varieties and monitor cooking time closely.
6. Can I add alcohol for flavor?
A splash of bourbon or brandy can be added for a sophisticated touch.
7. What can I serve these apples with?
These apples pair well with pork chops, pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or yogurt.
8. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free butter substitute or coconut oil in place of butter.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and adjust the cooking time slightly if necessary.
10. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, cook the apples in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until tender.
Conclusion
Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are a comforting, versatile dish that captures the flavors of home-cooked meals. Whether you’re serving them as a side, dessert, or breakfast topping, these tender and spiced apples will be a hit. Simple to make and perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!
Print
Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-4 hours
- Total Time: 2-4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are tender, sweet, and spiced with cinnamon—just like the restaurant favorite. They’re perfect as a side dish, dessert topping, or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
- 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (65 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) apple cider or water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into even wedges (about 1/2-inch thick). Toss them with the lemon juice in a large bowl to prevent browning.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
- In the slow cooker, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the apple slices and toss to coat them evenly with the sugar-spice mixture.
- Sprinkle the butter pieces over the top and pour the apple cider or water evenly over the apples.
3. Cook the Apples:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
4. Serve:
- Serve warm as a side dish, over pancakes, with ice cream, or on biscuits.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it into the apples during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.