Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Warm, buttery, cinnamon-scented apples that taste just like the ones served at Cracker Barrel — soft, caramelized, and full of cozy fall flavor. This slow cooker version makes it effortless: you just toss everything in, and hours later you’ve got a heavenly dessert or side dish that smells like apple pie and melts in your mouth.
Ingredients:
- 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into thick wedges
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice (optional for a richer flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (prevents browning and adds brightness)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, sliced
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into even wedges. You can use an apple slicer to speed things up. Choose firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious — they hold their shape well during slow cooking and soak up all that buttery sweetness.
Step 2: Mix the Flavor Base
In a medium bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed. This will be your sweet, aromatic coating that turns into a caramel-like glaze as it cooks.
Step 3: Load the Slow Cooker
Add the sliced apples into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture over them, then drizzle with lemon juice and scatter the butter slices across the top. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Step 4: Cook Slowly to Perfection
Set your slow cooker on LOW and cook for 2½ to 3 hours, or until the apples are tender but not mushy. Halfway through cooking, gently stir the mixture to make sure all the apples are coated in the buttery cinnamon sauce
Pro Tip: Avoid lifting the lid too often — keeping the steam trapped inside helps the apples cook evenly and keeps them juicy.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you like your fried apples with a thicker, glossy glaze (like the restaurant-style version), whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir it into the apples during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking. The sauce will thicken as it simmers.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once done, stir in the vanilla extract and let the apples rest for 5–10 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
Serving Ideas:
These slow cooker Cracker Barrel–style fried apples are incredibly versatile:
- As a dessert topping: Spoon warm apples over vanilla ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- As a side dish: Serve them alongside pork chops, roasted chicken, or turkey for a sweet-salty contrast.
- As pie or cobbler filling: Layer the cooked apples in a pie crust, add a crumble topping, and bake for a shortcut apple crisp.
- As a spread: Mash slightly and spread over toast, biscuits, or warm cornbread.
Tips for the Best Results:
- Use firm apples: Avoid Red Delicious — they’ll turn mushy. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal.
- Balance the sweetness: Taste before serving; add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of salt if too sweet.
- Add extra depth: A splash of apple cider, maple syrup, or bourbon can enhance the flavor beautifully.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- No stirring or watching the stove — the slow cooker does all the work.
- Smells like a bakery in your kitchen for hours.
- Perfect for holidays, brunches, or cozy fall evenings.
- Tastes exactly like Cracker Barrel’s famous fried apples — maybe even better.