Introduction
If you love the warm, cinnamon‑sweet side dish served at Cracker Barrel, you’ll adore making Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples at home. This recipe captures that comforting southern flavor in an effortless way. It’s perfect as a side dish, a topping for pancakes or ice cream, or even as a dessert on its own. In this article, you’ll get a full recipe, step‑by‑step tips, variations, serving ideas, storage advice, and answers to common FAQs to help you cook the best version possible.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Using the slow cooker gives you hands‑off cooking. Just prep, set, and let the flavors meld. The sugar, butter, cinnamon, and apples combine to form a warm, caramel‑like sauce that tastes indulgent without the fuss. Because the fruit cooks slowly, you get tender slices that retain some texture rather than turning to mush. That balance between sweet sauce and apple bite is what makes this dish so irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here is a list of ingredients you’ll want. You can scale up or down depending on your slow cooker capacity:
- Apples — 5 to 6 pounds (a mix of sweet + tart works best, e.g. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith)
- Brown sugar — about ½ cup, packed (you can adjust sweetness to taste)
- Granulated white sugar — ~¼ cup (optional or to adjust sweetness)
- Cornstarch — ~2 tablespoons (helps thicken the sauce)
- Ground cinnamon — about 1 teaspoon (or more, depending on your spice preference)
- Optional spices — nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or allspice for extra warmth
- Butter — around ½ cup (melted) or cubed in small pieces
- Apple juice or apple cider — ~½ cup to add moisture and deepen flavor
- Lemon juice — ~1 tablespoon (or more) to brighten and help with oxidation
- Salt — a pinch to balance sweetness (optional)
- Vanilla extract — ~1 teaspoon (optional, for extra flavor)
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or grease lightly with butter so the apples don’t stick. - Prepare apples
Wash, core, and slice the apples into wedges or slices (about ¼‑inch thick is good). You can peel them or leave the peel on — leaving peel adds texture and saves work, but they might soften slightly more during cooking. - Combine dry ingredients
In a bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and optional spices (nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice). Sprinkle this mixture over the apples. Use your hands or a spoon to gently toss so that apples are coated evenly. - Add wet ingredients
In another bowl (or large measuring cup), whisk together melted butter, apple juice (or cider), lemon juice, and optional vanilla. Pour this mixture evenly over the apples. Gently stir so the apples are coated. - Cook
Cover the slow cooker with lid.
- On High: cook for ~2 to 3 hours (check for doneness)
- On Low: cook for ~3 to 4 hours (some recipes stretch to 4‑5 hours)
Halfway or nearer to the end, check the apples — they should be tender but not falling apart. Gently stir to coat them in sauce. If the sauce seems too thin, you can mix a bit of cornstarch with cold water and drizzle it in, stirring to thicken.
- Serve
Once done, turn the slow cooker to warm or off, and gently stir before serving to coat the apples in the sauce. Serve warm.
Variations & Flavor Boosts
- Use a combination of apple varieties (sweet + tart) for more depth of flavor.
- Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a spicier warmth.
- Drizzle in a bit of maple syrup or caramel sauce during the last 30 minutes for richer sweetness.
- Add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped pears (mixed fruit variation) for texture contrast and extra flavor.
- For a savory touch (less dessert, more a side dish), reduce sugar, add pinch of pepper or fresh herbs like rosemary, or mix in cooked bacon bits.
- Serve over vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or yogurt as a dessert transformation.
- Use as a topping for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or French toast.
- Blend or mash slightly for a compote texture.
Serving Suggestions
These fried apples are versatile. Some pairing ideas:
- As a side dish with pork chops, grilled chicken, ham, or roast meats
- As a dessert with ice cream or whipped cream
- Over pancakes, waffles, or French toast
- Mixed into oatmeal or yogurt
- In pies, tarts, or turnovers
Storage & Reheating
After cooking, allow the apples to cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
To reheat:
- Microwave: heat in short intervals, stirring in between
- Stove: simmer gently in a covered saucepan until warmed
- Oven: place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake around 350 °F for 10–15 minutes
You can freeze leftover apples, though texture may soften more upon thawing.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- Avoid overcooking: Watch closely near end. Overcooked apples may become mushy.
- Consistency: If sauce is thin, add cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + cold water) near end and stir.
- Sweetness: Adjust sugar amounts depending on how sweet your apples are, or your personal preference.
- Depth of flavor: Let it sit a few minutes after cooking — flavors deepen.
- Test slow cooker: Every slow cooker heats differently. Use these times as a guide and check early just in case.
- Even cooking: Gently stir midway for more uniform cooking
Common Questions
Can I skip the peel?
Yes. Peeling is optional. Peeling gives a softer texture, but leaving peel adds visual appeal and structure.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is big enough and ingredients remain proportionate.
Can I cook on low the whole time?
Yes — many recipes use low for 3–4 hours.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes — some recipes adapt this to pressure cook or slow cook mode in an Instant Pot.
Why add lemon juice?
It brightens flavor and helps prevent browning.
Why cornstarch?
To thicken the sauce so it clings to apples rather than staying watery.
Nutritional Estimate (Approximate)
Each serving has several grams of carbohydrates (from apples and sugar), some fat (from butter), and fiber from the fruit. The exact values depend on amount of sugar, butter, and serving size. One version of this recipe provides ~210 kcal per serving.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples combine ease and comfort in one dish. With minimal prep and the gentle power of a slow cooker, you get warm, spiced, tender apples in a luscious sauce. Whether served as a side with dinner or a dessert with ice cream, this recipe is a crowd‑pleaser. Try some of the variations above to suit your taste, and enjoy the cozy, nostalgic flavors at home.
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