If you’ve ever sat down at a Cracker Barrel and ordered their warm, cinnamon-spiced fried apples, you already know: they’re not just a side dish—they’re the main attraction. Tender apple slices in a buttery, sweet syrup with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg? It’s like apple pie filling got a slow-cooked, Southern-style upgrade.

This Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe brings that same cozy, comforting flavor right to your own kitchen—and the best part? The slow cooker does most of the work for you. Whether you serve them with breakfast, dinner, or dessert, they’re the kind of dish that makes any meal feel a little more special.

I started making these during the fall when I had a whole bag of Granny Smith apples sitting on the counter and zero motivation to bake a pie. What I ended up with was a hands-off, foolproof way to enjoy one of my favorite restaurant dishes—no oven required. It’s now a go-to recipe in our house, especially when I want something warm and comforting without a lot of effort.

Let’s walk through how to get started. You’ll be surprised how quickly this comes together.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

These ingredients are super simple, and you might already have most of them in your pantry. The key here is using apples that hold up well to slow cooking—Granny Smith or Golden Delicious work best.

For the apples:

• 6 large tart apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and sliced

For the syrup mixture:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup apple juice or cider

That combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and apple juice creates the most incredible sauce that thickens just enough to coat every apple slice without turning it into a sticky mess.

STEP-BY-STEP: GETTING STARTED

Step 1: Prep Your Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into 1/2-inch wedges. You want them thick enough to hold their shape while cooking, but not so thick that they take forever to get tender. I like using an apple corer/slicer tool for this—it saves time and keeps the slices nice and even.

Step 2: Make the Syrup Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, lemon juice, and apple juice (or cider). It might seem like a lot of sugar, but remember, this recipe is all about creating that rich, dessert-like syrup that Cracker Barrel apples are known for. The cornstarch helps the sauce thicken up just the right amount as it cooks.

Step 3: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Place the sliced apples into the slow cooker and pour the syrup mixture over them. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss the apples so they’re all nicely coated. Don’t overmix—you want the apples to stay intact and keep their texture as they cook.

That’s it for now. You’re only a few hours away from warm, syrupy apple perfection—and the smell that’s going to fill your kitchen? Absolutely incredible.

SLOW COOKING, SAUCE TIPS & DELICIOUS WAYS TO SERVE YOUR FRIED APPLES:

Now that your apples are sliced and bathed in that buttery, cinnamon-kissed syrup, it’s time to let the slow cooker work its magic. This is the part of the recipe that’s practically effortless—just set it, forget it (well, almost), and wait for your kitchen to start smelling like a warm fall day at Cracker Barrel.

But don’t worry, even though this recipe is simple, a few small tips can help you get the texture and flavor just right. Plus, I’ll walk you through some fun and delicious ways to serve these slow-cooked apples—because they’re good for so much more than just a side dish.

Step 4: Cover and Cook on Low

Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook the apples for 3 to 4 hours. The goal is tender, not mushy. You want each apple slice to hold its shape and have just a little bite left to it—think soft like pie filling, not applesauce.

Step 5: Stir Gently Midway Through

About halfway through cooking, give everything a gentle stir. This helps make sure the apples on the bottom don’t get too soft and that all the slices are evenly coated in the syrup. Be gentle—remember, we’re aiming to keep the apple slices intact.

Step 6: Let the Sauce Thicken

Once the apples are cooked and tender, turn off the heat and remove the lid. Let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken slightly thanks to the cornstarch. You’ll be left with this glossy, cinnamon-spiced syrup that clings perfectly to every apple slice.

TIPS FOR PERFECT TEXTURE & FLAVOR:

• Use the right apples: Granny Smiths are tart and firm, so they hold their shape beautifully. Golden Delicious are slightly sweeter but still work well. Avoid super soft apples like Red Delicious—they tend to break down too quickly.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice: It adds just the right amount of brightness to balance out all the sweetness. Plus, it helps prevent the apples from browning too much as they cook.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the granulated sugar slightly without affecting the texture. Just don’t remove it entirely—the sugar is part of what gives the sauce its syrupy consistency.

WAYS TO SERVE YOUR SLOW COOKER FRIED APPLES:

This is where things get fun. These apples are incredibly versatile, and once you try a few of these serving ideas, you’ll see how they can work for just about any meal or occasion.

1. As a Side Dish
Just like at Cracker Barrel, serve these warm as a side with pork chops, ham, or roasted chicken. The sweet and savory combo is so good.

2. Over Breakfast
Spoon them over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a cozy breakfast that tastes like a hug. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup if you’re feeling fancy.

3. Dessert Topping
Pile them onto a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of pound cake. That warm apple syrup + cold ice cream combo? Total dessert win.

4. Inside Hand Pies or Turnovers
Use these apples as a quick filling for hand pies. Just spoon into store-bought puff pastry, seal the edges, and bake until golden.

5. Stir into Oatmeal or Yogurt
A few spoonfuls of these apples stirred into your morning oats or layered in a yogurt parfait makes breakfast feel like dessert (without overdoing it).

These apples are sweet, spiced, and versatile enough to go with breakfast, dinner, or dessert. And the best part is, they don’t require any constant babysitting or oven time—just a little prep and a few hours in the slow cooker.

FAQS & WHY YOU’LL KEEP COMING BACK TO THESE SLOW COOKER FRIED APPLES:

By now, your house probably smells like a cozy country kitchen and those slow-cooked apples are calling your name. Whether you’re enjoying them straight from the spoon or pairing them with a big Sunday breakfast, this Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe brings all the comforting, down-home flavor of the restaurant version—without ever leaving your house.

Before you dive in for seconds (or thirds), let’s go over a few common questions people have when making or storing these apples. Then we’ll wrap up with a few final thoughts on why this recipe’s a keeper.

1. Can I use other types of apples besides Granny Smith or Golden Delicious?

Yes, but be cautious. Apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp are sweeter and softer, which means they may break down more quickly in the slow cooker. For the best texture, stick to firmer varieties.

2. How do I store leftover fried apples?

Let the apples cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

3. Can I freeze these apples?

Absolutely. Once cooled, spoon the apples and sauce into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm them up on the stove or in the microwave.

4. My apples turned too soft. What went wrong?

That usually means they cooked a little too long or were sliced too thin. Try cutting slightly thicker slices next time and check for doneness around the 3-hour mark.

5. Can I make this recipe without cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with flour (use about 2 tablespoons), but keep in mind the sauce may be a little cloudier and less glossy. Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch also work well as thickening agents.

6. What if I want to make this on the stovetop instead?

You can! Just combine everything in a large skillet or saucepan and simmer on low for about 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened.

7. Are these apples good for meal prep?

Yes. Make a batch at the beginning of the week and use them in breakfast bowls, over yogurt, or as a quick dessert topping. They’re super versatile and reheat beautifully.

FINAL THOUGHTS: THE COZY, COMFORTING SIDE DISH YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED:

There’s something about these Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples that just feels like home. They’re simple, affordable, and absolutely packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving them up on a holiday table, pairing them with pork chops on a weeknight, or spooning them warm over vanilla ice cream, they bring that nostalgic, Southern-style comfort food feeling every time.

What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can dress it up or keep it simple. Make a double batch for a crowd or keep it just for you to enjoy all week. And because the slow cooker handles most of the work, you’re free to focus on other parts of your meal—or just kick back and enjoy the smell of cinnamon and apples slowly working their magic.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how you served them! Did you pair them with pancakes? Use them in a dessert? Or just sneak a spoonful straight from the slow cooker (no judgment here)? Drop a comment and let me know what your twist on it was.

Here’s to warm, buttery, cinnamon-soaked apples made with love—and without any fuss.

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