Craving the nostalgic and heartwarming taste of Cracker Barrel’s fried apples? You can recreate this beloved classic right in your own kitchen with the ease of a slow cooker. Perfect for busy weekdays, cozy evenings, or festive gatherings, this Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe is as delightful as it is simple to make. In this guide, I’ll walk you through each step, ensuring you can bring a spoonful of comfort and joy to your table without any hassle.
What Makes This Slow Cooker Recipe Special?
Cracker Barrel’s fried apples have always been a favorite among patrons of the popular restaurant chain, renowned for their tender, sweetly spiced slices that pair wonderfully with almost any meal. By using a slow cooker, this recipe offers a hands-off approach that allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully over several hours, creating an irresistible dessert or side dish that tastes like a slice of Americana.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Fried Apples
To prepare this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 large tart apples (like Granny Smith or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
These simple ingredients work together to create a richly flavored and comforting treat that’s reminiscent of the original Cracker Barrel offering.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples. If you prefer a thicker sauce, slice them into thicker wedges. For a softer texture, go with thinner slices.
- Mix the Sugars and Spices: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This blend will infuse the apples with those classic, warm spice flavors.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced apples in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the apples and toss to coat them evenly. Dot the apples with pieces of butter and drizzle vanilla extract over the top.
- Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for about 4 hours, or until the apples are tender and the sauce is bubbly.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker to help thicken the sauce, creating that glossy, rich texture characteristic of fried apples.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the apples are perfectly tender and the sauce has thickened, they’re ready to serve. Enjoy your Slow Cooker Fried Apples as a standalone dessert, topped with ice cream, or as a side dish to pork chops, ham, or chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are versatile and can be served in various delicious ways. Here are a few ideas:
- As a Dessert: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
- With Breakfast: Spoon over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a decadent breakfast treat.
- As a Side Dish: Pair with pork chops, grilled chicken, or ham to add a sweet touch to your savory meals.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a trip down memory lane and a celebration of simple, yet satisfying flavors that have stood the test of time. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, treat your family, or just indulge in a bit of comfort food, this recipe promises to deliver warmth, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia with every bite. Set up your slow cooker and let the magic happen — the delicious aroma filling your home is just a bonus!
Serving and Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
After mastering the art of making Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples, ensuring they’re served beautifully and stored correctly is just as important. Here’s how you can best enjoy your homemade treat now and later.
Serving Tips:
- Serve Warm: Slow Cooker Fried Apples are best served warm. If they have cooled down, gently reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat before serving to bring back their comforting warmth and enhance their flavors.
- Pair with Ice Cream: For a classic dessert, serve your fried apples warm over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and the cold, creamy ice cream is simply irresistible.
- Breakfast Companion: Elevate your morning meals by spooning these apples over oatmeal, yogurt, or cottage cheese. They also make a fantastic topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast, providing a sweet and flavorful start to your day.
- Add to Baked Goods: Incorporate the fried apples into baked items like muffins, apple bread, or even as a cake filling. Their cooked texture and rich flavor blend perfectly into various desserts.
- Side Dish Savvy: Pair these apples with savory dishes such as pork chops, roasted turkey, or grilled chicken for a delightful balance of sweetness that complements meat very well.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerating: Allow the fried apples to cool to room temperature after cooking. Transfer them into airtight containers and refrigerate. Properly stored, the apples will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply use a microwave or warm them on the stovetop.
- Freezing: Fried apples freeze well. To freeze, cool them completely and place in freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the containers with the date, as they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy your stored fried apples, reheat them gently. In a microwave, use a low-power setting to warm them slowly and evenly, stirring occasionally. On the stovetop, place them in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. If the apples have become too thick in storage, you can add a little water or apple juice during heating to thin the sauce slightly.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are delicious from the first serving to the last. Whether enjoyed as a dessert, a breakfast upgrade, or a side dish, they’re sure to bring a cozy and comforting element to your meals.
1. What are the best apples to use for this recipe?
For the best results, tart apples such as Granny Smith or Braeburn are recommended because they hold up well during the slow cooking process and offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. These varieties also tend to maintain their texture better than softer apple varieties, ensuring that your fried apples don’t turn mushy.
2. Can I make this recipe with less sugar?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar content based on your preference. If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of granulated and brown sugar. Start by reducing the sugar by a quarter and adjust to taste. Keep in mind that reducing the sugar might slightly alter the texture and flavor balance of the final dish.
3. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If the sauce in your fried apples is too runny after cooking, you can thicken it by mixing additional cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, set it on high, and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
4. Are Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples suitable for freezing?
Yes, these fried apples freeze quite well. Allow the cooked apples to cool completely, then transfer them to freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. The apples can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.