Top Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe – A Sweet Treat

Slow cooker cracker barrel fried apples bring comfort and nostalgia to your kitchen with their warm, sweet essence.

These delectable treats elevate ordinary fruit into a magical dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this simple yet incredible dish that turns apples into something extraordinary.

Generations of home cooks have perfected the art of creating tender, caramelized apple slices that melt in your mouth.

Cinnamon and butter create a rich, luxurious coating that elevates these apples from basic fruit to an irresistible side dish or dessert.

The slow cooker method ensures each slice becomes perfectly soft and infused with deep, complex flavors.

Rich aromas will fill your home, making everyone anticipate the delightful moment they can savor these incredible apples.

Why Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Hit the Mark

• Effortless Comfort Cooking: Slow cooker method transforms ordinary apples into a mouthwatering dessert with minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy home cooks who crave delicious results.
• Sensational Flavor Explosion: Combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla creates a rich, warm taste profile that delivers the classic Cracker Barrel restaurant experience right in your kitchen.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Serve these tender, sweet apples alongside breakfast dishes, as a dessert topping, or paired with vanilla ice cream for a crowd-pleasing treat that works for multiple occasions.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward cooking technique mean even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques or specialized equipment.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Apples: Sweet, firm apples are best for holding shape during slow cooking; select varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious for ideal texture.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create a rich, syrupy sauce; balances the tartness of apples.

• Cinnamon: Warm, classic spice that complements apple flavor and adds aromatic depth to the dish.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy, smooth coating for the apples.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious sauce; enhances overall flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a subtle tangy brightness to balance sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, complex undertone that enhances the overall dessert flavor.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Fried Apples in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Prep Delightful Apples

Grab your favorite crisp apples and transform them into mouth-watering slices. Core, peel, and slice apples into delicate wedges. Pro tip: An apple slicer makes this task super quick and easy.

Step 2: Dust with Magic Powder

Sprinkle cornstarch over apple slices in the slow cooker. Gently toss to ensure every slice gets a light, even coating. This secret ingredient helps create a luscious, thick sauce.

Step 3: Create Sweet Spice Blend

• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Stir thoroughly so each apple piece gets coated in this heavenly sweet mixture.

Step 4: Add Liquid Gold and Flavor Boosters

• Melted butter
• Fresh lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Mix everything together, ensuring the apples are completely embraced by these delicious ingredients.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set to high heat for 2 hours. Let the magic happen as the apples transform into a tender, aromatic treat.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

When cooking completes, give the apples a gentle stir. They’ll look glossy and irresistible. Serve warm as a dessert or scrumptious side dish that’ll make everyone smile.

Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Fried Apples

• Select the Right Apples: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during slow cooking and provide a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice immediately after cutting to prevent oxidation and maintain their fresh, vibrant appearance.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Avoid overcooking by checking apples at the 1.5-hour mark; they should be tender but still hold their shape, not mushy or falling apart.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast ground cinnamon briefly in a dry pan before adding to intensify its warmth and complexity, elevating the overall taste profile.
• Customize Sweetness Levels: Adjust sugar quantities based on apple variety and personal preference, using less sugar for naturally sweeter apples or more for tart varieties.

Reheating and Storing Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Storage Method: Transfer leftover fried apples to an airtight container with a tight-sealing lid. Refrigerate promptly after cooling to room temperature, which helps preserve freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigeration Timeframe: Store the apples in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Always use clean utensils when handling to maintain food safety and prevent contamination.
• Reheating Technique: Warm the apples gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. For stovetop reheating, use low heat and stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Add a splash of water if the apples seem dry to restore their original moisture and prevent them from becoming tough.

What to Pair with Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a generous portion of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm, cinnamon-spiced apples for a classic dessert combination that balances the sweet and tangy flavors.
• Match with Warm Spiced Chai: Brew a comforting cup of spiced chai tea to complement the cinnamon notes in the apples, creating a cozy and aromatic pairing that enhances the dessert's warmth.
• Serve with Buttery Shortbread Cookies: Crisp, buttery shortbread cookies provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft, tender apples, adding a delicate crunch to each bite.
• Accompany with Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle rich, golden caramel sauce over the apples to elevate the dessert's sweetness and create a luxurious, indulgent experience that will delight your taste buds.

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe Variations

• Caramel Apple Fusion: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooked apples and sprinkle with sea salt for a decadent upgrade.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the apples during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added texture and depth.
• Spiced Rum Infusion: Replace vanilla extract with dark rum and add a pinch of nutmeg for a sophisticated adult version of the recipe.
• Maple Bourbon Remix: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon for a rich, complex flavor profile.

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples bring Southern comfort straight to kitchen tables with rich cinnamon-spiced goodness. Tender apple slices simmered slowly create a silky dessert perfect for pairing with vanilla ice cream or enjoying as a sweet side dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3–4 pounds (1.36–1.81 kilograms) apples, peeled and sliced into wedges
• ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (57 grams) butter, melted

Thickening and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Select ripe, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Peel, core, and slice into uniform 1/2-inch (1.27 centimeters) wedges using a sharp kitchen knife or specialized apple slicer.
2. Transfer apple slices into a 4-quart (3.8 liters) slow cooker. Evenly dust with cornstarch, gently tossing to ensure complete coating for optimal sauce thickening.
3. Sprinkle a luxurious blend of dark brown sugar, granulated white sugar, and ground cinnamon over the apple slices. Thoroughly mix to create an even, sweet distribution of flavors.
4. Drizzle melted unsalted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and pure vanilla extract across the seasoned apples. Gently fold ingredients together to guarantee consistent flavor integration.
5. Secure slow cooker lid and set temperature to high. Allow apples to simmer and caramelize for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent bottom layer from burning.
6. Once apples reach a tender, glossy consistency with a rich amber sauce, remove from heat. Let cool for 5-10 minutes to allow sauce to slightly thicken.
7. Serve warm as a decadent dessert accompaniment or standalone sweet treat. Optional: garnish with a sprinkle of additional ground cinnamon or a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Use an apple slicer and corer to quickly transform whole apples into uniform wedges, saving time and ensuring consistent cooking.
• Cornstarch Magic: Coating apple slices with cornstarch creates a luscious, thickened sauce that clings beautifully to each tender piece.
• Sweet Spice Blend: Combining brown and granulated sugars with cinnamon delivers a rich, caramelized flavor that elevates the humble apple.
• Flavor Boosters: A splash of lemon juice and vanilla extract adds depth and brightness, preventing apple browning while enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Slow Cooker Perfection: Two hours on high heat transforms firm apples into melt-in-your-mouth, glossy delights without constant monitoring.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these warm apples as a decadent dessert, comforting side dish, or topping for ice cream, pancakes, or oatmeal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 22 mg