Warm, Buttery, and Spiced Just Right — A Classic American Comfort Made Easy in Your Slow Cooker
If there’s one dish that captures the warmth and heart of American home cooking, it’s Cracker Barrel’s fried apples. I remember road-tripping with my family down the Blue Ridge Parkway, where a stop at Cracker Barrel was a sacred tradition. My grandmother would always smile and say, “You haven’t eaten well until you’ve had those apples.”
This recipe is my slow cooker twist on that memory—a tender, buttery, and cinnamon-rich side dish that doubles as dessert. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of time, you can fill your home with the irresistible aroma of Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples, perfect for any season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍎 Easy to Prepare – Let the slow cooker do the work.
- 🍂 Great Year-Round – Cozy in winter, light and fruity in summer.
- 🧈 Rich and Buttery – Just like the original restaurant version.
- 🥄 Versatile – Serve as a side, topping, or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Fried Apples:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 medium firm apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup apple cider or water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Vanilla ice cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
🍏 Step 1: Prep the Apples
- Wash, peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch thick wedges.
- Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
🧈 Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Let it bubble for 1-2 minutes until thick and fragrant.
🔄 Step 3: Slow Cook
- In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider and cornstarch until smooth.
- Add sliced apples to your slow cooker.
- Pour the warm spiced butter sauce and cornstarch slurry over the apples. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or until apples are tender but not mushy.
🥄 Step 4: Serve
- Spoon into bowls and serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- For breakfast, serve over pancakes or waffles.
Tips for the Best Fried Apples
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape.
- Don’t Overcook: Check apples at 3 hours—they should be fork-tender, not falling apart.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste before serving—add more brown sugar or a splash of maple syrup if desired.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Fried Apples
As a Side Dish:
- Perfect with pork chops, ham, or roasted chicken.
As a Dessert:
- Serve over vanilla ice cream or pound cake.
- Fold into crepes or wrap in puff pastry for mini apple turnovers.
For Breakfast:
- Use as a topping for oatmeal, waffles, or French toast.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare a day in advance and reheat in the slow cooker or microwave.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Yes! Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spiked Apples: Add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum for adult-friendly depth.
- No Brown Sugar?: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter.
Serving Suggestions
- 🍽️ Pair with grilled pork tenderloin or roasted turkey.
- ☕ Enjoy with coffee cake and a cup of chai.
- 🍨 Top your cheesecake or bread pudding.
FAQs
Can I use pre-sliced apples or canned apples?
Fresh is best, but peeled, sliced apples from the store will work. Avoid canned, as they may become too soft.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker has enough room and stir halfway through.
Can I cook this on high?
You can, but low heat is recommended for even cooking. On high, reduce time to 2 hours and stir gently to avoid mushiness. Seasonal Spin
Summer Style 🍓
- Serve chilled with fresh berries.
- Add a splash of lemon zest for brightness.
Winter Cozy ❄️
- Stir in dried cranberries or raisins.
- Add a dash of allspice for holiday warmth.
Why This Recipe Works in Every Season
In Winter, these apples bring comforting warmth, served alongside roasted meats or enjoyed as a fireside dessert.
In Summer, served chilled or at room temperature with fresh fruit or yogurt, they offer a lighter touch with the same sweet charm.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
Protein: <1g
Calories: 150
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sugar: 20g
Fiber: 2g