Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples: A Southern Classic Made Easy
If there’s one dish that embodies cozy Southern comfort, it’s Cracker Barrel’s famous fried apples. Sweet, spiced, buttery, and tender — they’re the perfect balance of rustic simplicity and indulgence. With this slow cooker version, you get all that homestyle flavor without standing over the stove. Just toss everything in, let it cook low and slow, and prepare for your kitchen to smell like a country kitchen dream.
This dish is incredibly versatile — serve it as a warm dessert topped with vanilla ice cream, a side for pork chops, or even as a breakfast topping for pancakes and waffles. Once you make them, they’ll quickly become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking – Your slow cooker does all the work.
- Sweet & Spiced – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter create the perfect glaze.
- Versatile – Works as a dessert, side dish, or breakfast topping.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Familiar flavors that kids and adults both love.
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife & cutting board
Ingredients
- 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice apples into wedges. Place them directly into the slow cooker.
2. Mix the Spices
In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
3. Add the Liquids
Drizzle melted butter and water over the apples. Stir gently to coat everything.
4. Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours until the apples are tender but not mushy.
5. Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and lemon juice until smooth. Stir into the slow cooker. Switch to HIGH for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glaze.
6. Serve
Enjoy warm as a dessert, side dish, or topping.
Pro Tips for the Best Fried Apples
- Use Firm Apples – Granny Smith holds shape best, but Honeycrisp or Fuji also work.
- Cut Evenly – Uniform slices ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overcook – They should be tender but not mushy.
- Extra Flavor Boost – Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of allspice.
- Make Ahead – These reheat beautifully; perfect for holidays or meal prep.
Serving Ideas
- Dessert – Top with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.
- Breakfast – Spoon over pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- Savory Side – Serve alongside pork chops, ham, or roasted chicken.
- Snack – Simply enjoy warm in a bowl by itself.
Variations
- Caramel Fried Apples – Stir in 2 tablespoons caramel sauce at the end.
- Bourbon Twist – Add a tablespoon of bourbon with the butter for depth.
- Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts before serving.
- Cranberry Blend – Mix in a handful of dried cranberries for a tart pop.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these on the stovetop instead?
Yes! Cook apples, sugars, butter, and spices in a skillet over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, adding cornstarch slurry at the end.
Q: Can I freeze fried apples?
Absolutely. Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove.
Q: Which apples are best?
Granny Smith is traditional, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work if you prefer sweeter results.
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place apples in the slow cooker.
- Mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg; sprinkle over apples.
- Drizzle melted butter and water over apples; stir gently.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours until tender.
- Whisk cornstarch and lemon juice; stir into apples.
- Cook on HIGH 10–15 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Serve warm as a dessert, side, or topping.
Notes