Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Tender apple slices slow-cooked in a buttery cinnamon-sugar glaze until soft, syrupy, and perfectly caramelized—just like the homestyle favorite. Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes Yield: Serves 6. Honestly, if you love the warm, comforting flavors of fall, you’re in for a treat. These fried apples are like a hug in dessert form, and they’re incredibly easy to whip up in your slow cooker. Plus, they bring back memories of family dinners, cozying up with loved ones, and enjoying simple yet delicious food.
Now, I have to admit, my first foray into cooking was a bit chaotic. I remember trying to make a fancy dish once, and it ended with me covered in flour, and the smoke detector going off. But hey, we live and learn, right? Over the years, I’ve discovered that sometimes the best meals come from the simplest recipes. That’s where this Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe comes in. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.
So, why make this dish? Well, for one, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at dinner or as a delightful topping for pancakes or vanilla ice cream, these apples are sure to impress. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you, meaning you can set it and forget it—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Prep: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious dessert or side dish ready in no time.
- Minimal Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, making it budget-friendly.
- Versatile: Serve them warm as a side, on pancakes, or over ice cream for a decadent treat.
- Healthy Twist: While fried apples might sound indulgent, they’re made with fresh fruit and can be enjoyed without guilt.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week!
Let’s face it, not everyone has the time to whip up a three-course meal every night, and that’s okay. This recipe is perfect for anyone—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook—looking for something that’s easy yet still packed with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 medium fresh apples (preferably Golden Delicious or Fuji), peeled and sliced – These apples hold up well in cooking and have a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed – Adds that rich, caramel flavor.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – Just a touch of this white sugar helps balance the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The classic spice that makes everything feel cozy.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – A little goes a long way in adding depth to the flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the sweetness of the apples and balances the flavors.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – This gives the apples a rich, buttery glaze.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Prevents the apples from browning and adds a bright note.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Thickens the glaze to make it syrupy.
- 2 tablespoons water – To mix with the cornstarch for thickening.
These ingredients are pretty standard, but if you’re on a budget or can’t find something, let me know! You can always swap out the apples for whatever is in season or on sale, and the sugars can often be adjusted based on your taste preferences.
Let’s Get Started
Step 1: Toss Apples with Lemon Juice
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. This little step is super important! It keeps the apples looking fresh and vibrant, plus it adds a hint of acidity that complements the sweetness.
Step 2: Mix in Sugars and Spices
Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated. Honestly, this is where the magic starts to happen—the aroma of cinnamon and sugar is just heavenly.
Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker
Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased slow cooker. Pour melted butter over the apples. The butter will create a luscious glaze as the apples cook. Just imagine how good your kitchen will smell!
Step 4: Cover and Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until apples are tender but not mushy. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re soft and juicy but still hold their shape. At this point, resist the urge to sneak a taste—trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour into the slow cooker and gently stir to thicken the sauce. This step is crucial for achieving that glossy, syrupy finish that makes these apples so irresistible.
Step 6: Cook Uncovered
Cook uncovered on high for an additional 10–15 minutes until the glaze is glossy and slightly thickened. Keep an eye on it—this is when it transforms into that dreamy, caramelized goodness.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm as a side dish, over pancakes, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Seriously, you can’t go wrong with any of these options. Just picture those warm apples melting into a scoop of ice cream—pure bliss!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
- Use a mix of apples for more complex flavors—try combining Granny Smith with Golden Delicious!
- If you’re looking for a healthier twist, you can cut down on the sugar or use a sugar substitute.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time; every slow cooker is a little different. You want the apples to be soft but not mushy.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch step! It’s key to achieving that perfect glaze.
- Experiment with spices—try adding a pinch of ginger or allspice if you want to mix things up!
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (which I doubt, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stove to bring back that warm, comforting texture. If you live alone or with roommates, these fried apples can be a great addition to your breakfast routine or even a quick snack. And honestly, they taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While Golden Delicious and Fuji are great choices, you can use whatever apples you have on hand. Just make sure they’re not too mealy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! You can prepare everything and keep it in the fridge, then cook it in the slow cooker when you’re ready. Just add a little extra cooking time if you start with cold apples.
What can I serve with these fried apples?
They’re amazing on their own, but you can also serve them over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. They make a great side dish with pork chops or roasted chicken, too!
How long do they last in the fridge?
These fried apples will last about 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re perfect for meal prep!
Can I freeze fried apples?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture may change a bit after freezing. If you plan to freeze them, leave out the cornstarch until you reheat them.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your new go-to recipe for Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples. It’s practical, delicious, and brings a little bit of comfort to your kitchen, which is what cooking should be all about. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
So, next time you’re craving something sweet and warm, give this recipe a try. I promise you’ll be glad you did! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I might just whip up another batch for breakfast tomorrow. Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Delight
Ingredients
- 6 medium fresh apples (preferably Golden Delicious or Fuji), peeled and sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased slow cooker. Pour melted butter over the apples.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until apples are tender but not mushy.
- In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour into the slow cooker and gently stir to thicken the sauce.
- Cook uncovered on high for an additional 10–15 minutes until the glaze is glossy and slightly thickened.
- Serve warm as a side dish, over pancakes, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
