Warm Slow Cooker Fried Apples Recipe like Cracker Barrel

Crisp autumn days call for a comforting side dish that brings warmth to any table, and these slow cooker cracker barrel fried apples deliver pure southern charm.

Sweet, tender apples simmer gently in a bath of cinnamon and butter, creating a nostalgic flavor that transports you to a cozy kitchen.

The aroma fills your home with hints of spice and comfort, promising a delectable treat that’s both simple and irresistible.

Soft apple slices break down slowly, developing rich caramelized edges that make each bite deeply satisfying.

This recipe captures the essence of homestyle cooking with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy, these fried apples complement any main course or stand alone as a delightful dessert.

Dive into this classic recipe and savor a taste of southern comfort.

Storing Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Right

• Apple Freshness Shield: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain vibrant color before cooking or storing.
• Refrigeration Ready: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, ensuring crisp texture and delicious flavor stays intact.
• Freezing Option: Portion cooled fried apples into freezer-safe containers, where they'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheat Trick: Warm refrigerated or thawed fried apples gently in microwave or skillet, adding a splash of water to restore moisture and prevent drying out.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2-4 hours

Total Time: 2-4 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 5

All Ingredients For Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Granny Smith Apples: Tart and firm apples that hold their shape perfectly during slow cooking, providing a delightful contrast of textures.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that prevents apple discoloration and adds a subtle tangy freshness to the dish.

• Brown Sugar: Deep caramel-like sweetness that creates a luscious coating and helps develop rich, complex flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that enhances the natural sweetness of apples and adds comforting depth.
• Nutmeg: Subtle, earthy spice that complements the cinnamon and brings a sophisticated warmth to the dessert.

• Butter: Silky fat that helps create a glossy, smooth sauce and adds richness to the slow-cooked apples.
• Cornstarch: Gentle thickening agent that helps create a luxurious, syrupy consistency without altering the pure apple flavor.

Tools For Cooking Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Large Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the apples to tender, caramelized perfection.
• Sharp Knife: Helps peel and slice apples evenly and precisely.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean, stable surface for preparing apples.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing apples with lemon juice and coating ingredients.
• Peeler: Quickly removes apple skin for smooth, clean slices.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and coating apples during preparation.

How To Prepare Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Apple Preparation

Carefully select ripe, firm apples from your local market. Gently remove the skin using a sharp peeler, working in smooth, careful motions. Slice the apples into consistent wedges, creating elegant, uniform pieces that will cook evenly in the slow cooker.

• Flavor Foundation

Create a delightful base by sprinkling cinnamon and brown sugar over the apple slices. The sugar will caramelize during cooking, transforming the apples into a rich, golden treat that melts in your mouth.

• Slow Cooker Magic

Arrange the seasoned apple slices inside the slow cooker, ensuring they are spread in an even layer. Cover and set the cooker to low heat, allowing the apples to simmer and develop deep, complex flavors over several hours.

• Finishing Touch

After cooking, the apples will become tender and infused with warm spices. Gently stir the mixture to coat each slice with the luxurious caramelized sauce. Serve warm as a comforting dessert or sweet side dish that captures the essence of homestyle cooking.

Tips To Make Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Better

• Apple Selection Magic: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor that holds up beautifully during slow cooking.
• Texture Tip: Cut apple slices uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from turning mushy while others remain too firm.
• Dietary Swap: For a lower-sugar version, replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, making this dish diabetic-friendly and keto-compatible.
• Serving Creativity: Transform these fried apples from a side dish to a versatile treat by spooning them over vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or stirring into morning oatmeal for extra warmth and sweetness.
• Make-Ahead Hack: Prepare the apple mixture the night before and store in the refrigerator, then simply transfer to the slow cooker in the morning for an effortless side dish that fills your kitchen with incredible cinnamon aroma.

Serving Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Apple Dessert Companion: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful contrast between hot and cold textures.
• Breakfast Topping Wonder: Spoon these tender apples over fluffy pancakes, waffles, or French toast to elevate your morning meal with rich cinnamon flavors.
• Cozy Comfort Pairing: Layer the fried apples alongside roasted pork tenderloin or as a sweet side dish with hearty country-style breakfast plates for a comforting Southern-style experience.
• Rustic Dessert Base: Use as a filling for quick hand pies, top with a sprinkle of granola, or fold into Greek yogurt for a wholesome and satisfying treat that captures homestyle charm.

Comforting Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 2-4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel’s slow cooker fried apples delight taste buds with nostalgic Southern comfort. Cinnamon-spiced apples simmer to tender perfection, offering a sweet side dish perfect for family gatherings. Home cooks can easily recreate this classic recipe.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
• ⅓ cup (65 g) brown sugar (packed)
• ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) apple cider or water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Meticulously peel, core, and slice apples into uniform half-inch wedges, ensuring precise, consistent cuts for optimal cooking texture.
2. Protection: Drizzle lemon juice over apple slices to prevent browning and preserve their pristine, fresh appearance.
3. Layering: Arrange apple wedges in slow cooker, creating an overlapping pattern that promotes even heat distribution and flavor integration.
4. Seasoning: Generously sprinkle ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg across apple layers, allowing spices to meld and create a rich, aromatic base.
5. Moisture Enhancement: Strategically distribute butter fragments throughout the apple mixture, ensuring comprehensive caramelization and deep flavor development.
6. Slow Cooking: Set slow cooker to low temperature, allowing apples to gently simmer for 3-4 hours, transforming into a tender, intensely flavored delicacy.
7. Finalization: Midway through cooking, gently stir contents to prevent sticking and ensure uniform softening; continue cooking until apples reach a fork-tender consistency with slightly translucent, syrupy edges.
8. Serving: Transfer to serving dish, letting flavors settle briefly; present warm as an indulgent side or dessert, optionally embellishing with an extra dusting of cinnamon or accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Choose Apple Variety Wisely: Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold shape during slow cooking and provide balanced sweetness.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Quickly toss sliced apples in lemon juice to maintain fresh color and prevent oxidation, ensuring visually appealing presentation.
• Control Spice Intensity: Adjust cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar ratios to personal taste preferences, creating customized flavor profiles for different palates.
• Enhance Dietary Adaptability: Substitute butter with coconut oil for vegan version or use sugar alternatives like stevia for low-carb and diabetic-friendly adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-4 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg