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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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