Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting dish that’s pure Southern nostalgia in a bowl, you’ll love these Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples. This recipe brings out the very best in tender, cinnamon-scented apples, all with just a handful of staples and your trusty slow cooker doing most of the work. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, these fried apples channel that classic homestyle flavor and are sure to become a repeat favorite for dessert or a sweet side.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about making Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples at home is how the simplest ingredients can create such a mouthwatering dish. Each component in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the apples’ tartness to the warming spices and silky sauce.

• Granny Smith apples: Their firm texture and tart flavor hold up beautifully while cooking and balance the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Adds that classic sweet note to round out the recipe.
• Packed brown sugar: Gives a rich, caramel-like depth and the signature southern touch.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings cozy warmth and the iconic spice everyone expects in fried apples.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle hint of nuttiness to boost complexity.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Coats apples for a rich, glossy finish and buttery flavor.
• Water: Helps create the luscious sauce while gently cooking the apples.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to silky perfection without clumping.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the apples and keeps their color vibrant.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your Granny Smith apples. Place all the slices directly into the slow cooker; this gives you a firm, tart base that holds up while slowly cooking. Granny Smiths are perfect because they soften without falling apart, and their bright flavor truly shines through.

Step 2: Mix the Seasoning

In a bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This aromatic blend transforms your apples from simple fruit into Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples with a classic twist. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the apples in the slow cooker, ensuring even coverage for every slice.

Step 3: Add the Liquids

Drizzle the melted butter and pour in the water over your seasoned apples. Gently stir everything so that the fruit is evenly coated. The butter guarantees a silky sauce and an unforgettable richness that’s key to that Cracker Barrel flavor.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low. Leave it for about three hours, or until the apples are tender but not falling apart. This is where the magic happens—leting the slow cooker coax out all those nostalgic, homey aromas that will fill your kitchen.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Mix the cornstarch and lemon juice in a small dish until smooth, then stir this mixture into the slow cooker. Turn the setting to high and cook for an extra 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll see the sauce transform into a glossy, thick blanket that lovingly hugs every slice. Now your Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are ready for serving!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Garnishes

Top your apples with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or even a sprinkle of toasted pecans. A light dusting of extra cinnamon adds another cozy hit and looks downright irresistible.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples shine next to savory dishes like pork chops or roast chicken. For breakfast, they’re dreamy spooned over buttermilk pancakes, waffles, or alongside classic biscuits—guaranteed to brighten any brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the ordinary into something extraordinary by layering your fried apples in parfait glasses with granola for a fall-inspired dessert, or use them as a decadent filling for crepes or turnovers. A warm spoonful over oatmeal is a weekday breakfast game-changer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors only meld and improve as they rest, so they’re even better the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, pack the apples into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that just-cooked magic, gently warm the fried apples in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are classic for Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples thanks to their firm texture and tart flavor, varieties like Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, or Fuji also work well, depending on your taste preferences.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

You can easily adapt this recipe for the stovetop! Use a large covered skillet over low heat and follow the same steps, stirring frequently. Keep a close eye to prevent scorching and adjust the cooking time as needed since it’ll be faster than the slow cooker version.

What can I substitute for cornstarch?

If you’re out of cornstarch, try using an equal amount of tapioca starch or arrowroot flour. Alternately, a small slurry of all-purpose flour and water works in a pinch, though it may create a slightly cloudier sauce.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Definitely! If you prefer a less sweet treat, feel free to cut both the granulated and brown sugar by a quarter or even half. Taste and adjust to suit your personal preference—the apples themselves provide plenty of natural sweetness.

Do Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples work as a dessert and a side?

Yes, that’s the joy of this dish! These apples are equally at home as a comforting dessert topped with ice cream, or dished up as a sweet side alongside savory mains—they’re wonderfully versatile.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples a try the next time you’re craving that classic, down-home comfort. There’s something so heartwarming about the aroma of cinnamon apples slow-cooking away, and the first spoonful tastes like a big Southern hug. Let this recipe become a new favorite at your table—happy cooking!

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