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Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
About This Recipe
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are a sweet and comforting Southern-style side dish inspired by the classic restaurant favorite. Tender apple slices are slowly cooked with butter, sugar, and warm spices until they’re perfectly caramelized and full of flavor. This slow cooker version makes it easy to prepare the dish with minimal effort, allowing the apples to cook low and slow until they become soft, sweet, and irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe captures all the flavors of the traditional Cracker Barrel fried apples but in a hands-off, slow cooker-friendly way. The apples turn out perfectly tender without falling apart, and the buttery cinnamon-sugar sauce is ideal for spooning over pancakes, waffles, pork chops, or even enjoying on its own. It’s a versatile dish that works equally well as a dessert, side dish, or topping.
Ingredients
- 6 large firm apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch slurry)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them into even wedges.
2. Place the apple slices into the slow cooker. Drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Add the butter cubes, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice (if using). Gently stir to coat the apples evenly.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, or until the apples are tender but not mushy.
5. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the apples during the last 15 minutes of cooking and allow the sauce to thicken.
6. Serve warm as a side dish, topping, or dessert.
Tips for Success
- Choose firm apples that hold their shape when cooked—Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great options.
- If you want a richer flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cloves.
- For a lighter sauce, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup without compromising flavor.
- Always cook on low heat to prevent the apples from becoming mushy.
Serving Suggestions
These slow cooker fried apples pair beautifully with pork chops, roasted chicken, or holiday turkey. For a sweet treat, serve them over vanilla ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or French toast. They also make an excellent filling for hand pies or turnovers.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
You Must Know
This recipe is a perfect make-ahead side for holidays or family gatherings. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to focus on other dishes. It’s a nostalgic Southern comfort food that tastes just like the restaurant version but with the ease and convenience of home cooking.