Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

 

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

 

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs apples, peeled and sliced into wedges
  (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Golden Delicious work best)
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice (prevents browning and adds brightness)
• 1/2 cup apple juice or apple cider
• 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

• Wash, peel, and core the apples.
• Cut them into thick wedges (not too thin, or they’ll turn mushy).

Step 2: Make the Sugar-Spice Mix

• In a small bowl, combine:
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Step 3: Layer the Apples

• Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter it.
• Add the apple slices to the slow cooker.
• Sprinkle the sugar-spice mix evenly over the apples.
• Drizzle lemon juice and apple juice (or cider) over the top.
• Dot the apples with the pieces of butter.

Step 4: Slow Cook

• Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or until apples are tender but not mushy.
• Gently stir halfway through if possible (not required).

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

• If the sauce is too thin at the end:
  • Mix 1 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp cold water in a small bowl.
  • Stir into the slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook for another 15-20 minutes on high to thicken.

Step 6: Serve

• Serve warm as a dessert, side dish, or topping over:
  • Pancakes
  • Pork chops
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Biscuits

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