Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

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Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples: A Sweet, Southern Classic Made Easy

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples bring the comfort of down-home Southern cooking right into your kitchen. These warm, tender apples coated in a buttery, cinnamon-spiced glaze taste just like the iconic restaurant version — but with almost no effort thanks to the slow cooker. Whether served as a cozy dessert, a holiday side dish, or a sweet breakfast topping, this beloved recipe captures the nostalgia and unmistakable charm of classic country cooking.

Below, discover a rich, detailed guide to preparing these delicious slow cooker fried apples, including expert tips, variations, serving suggestions, and everything you need to recreate this comforting dish perfectly every time.

Why Slow Cooker Fried Apples Are So Irresistible

Slow cooking transforms fresh apples into soft, melt-in-your-mouth slices infused with cinnamon, butter, and sugar. Unlike stovetop fried apples that require constant attention, the slow cooker gently simmers the fruit until tender and caramel-coated.

What makes this version so special:

  • Hands-off preparation with zero babysitting
  • Perfect sweetness and spice balance
  • Versatile use: breakfast, dessert, or a savory pairing
  • Familiar Cracker Barrel flavor in a simple homemade recipe

With just a few pantry staples and seasonal apples, this recipe turns into something extraordinary.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

To prepare this warm, comforting dish, gather the following ingredients:

Fresh Ingredients

  • 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
    (Their tartness balances the sweetness beautifully.)

Sweeteners & Spices

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Liquids & Thickener

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

These simple ingredients combine into a luscious syrup that coats every tender apple slice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples into even wedges. This ensures they cook at the same rate in the slow cooker.

2. Add Apples to the Slow Cooker

Place all apple slices into the slow cooker. Choose a 4–6 quart cooker for best results.

3. Mix the Sweet Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • melted butter
  • granulated sugar
  • brown sugar
  • cinnamon
  • nutmeg
  • lemon juice
  • water

Pour this buttery, spiced mixture evenly over the apples.

4. Cook on Low

Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours. The apples should become tender but still hold their shape.

5. Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, stir the cornstarch with 2–3 tablespoons of the cooking liquid until dissolved. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker and gently stir.

6. Cook 15 More Minutes

Let the apples cook for another 15 minutes. The sauce will thicken into a glossy, cinnamon-sweet syrup.

7. Serve Warm

Scoop the fried apples into bowls or spoon them over your favorite dishes. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Fried Apples

Use Granny Smith Apples

Their firmness and tang hold up beautifully during slow cooking.

Stir Gently

Avoid breaking the apple slices. Use a soft silicone spatula.

Don’t Overcook

Apples should be tender—not mushy. Low heat helps preserve their structure.

Adjust Sweetness

If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the granulated sugar slightly.

Make It Richer

Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra warmth.

Delicious Ways to Serve Fried Apples

These fried apples are incredibly versatile. Here are our favorite serving suggestions:

Breakfast Pairings

  • Over pancakes or waffles
  • Spoon over oatmeal or yogurt
  • On top of French toast

Dessert Ideas

  • Warm over vanilla ice cream
  • Paired with pound cake or angel food cake
  • As a filling for crêpes or pastries

Savory Pairings

  • With pork chops or pork loin
  • Next to roasted chicken
  • Beside holiday ham

The sweetness of the apples complements savory meats perfectly.

Variations to Try

Caramel Fried Apples

Stir in 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce at the end.

Maple Cinnamon Apples

Swap granulated sugar for pure maple syrup.

Apple Pie Fried Apples

Add ¼ teaspoon allspice and ¼ teaspoon cloves.

Bourbon Apples

Add 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon before cooking for a warm, deep flavor.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheat

  • Microwave: 30–60 seconds
  • Stovetop: Warm over low heat until syrupy

The flavors deepen beautifully the next day.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples bring nostalgic Southern comfort to your table with almost no effort. Their buttery cinnamon glaze, warm spices, and tender apple slices make them a beautiful addition to breakfasts, desserts, and savory meals. Whether you’re recreating a Cracker Barrel favorite or exploring classic homemade Southern cooking, this recipe delivers cozy, irresistible flavor every time.

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