If you’ve ever dined at Cracker Barrel, you know their Fried Apples are one of the most beloved side dishes on the menu. Sweet, tender, and warmly spiced, they pair perfectly with breakfast, pork chops, or even as a simple dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This slow cooker version makes it incredibly easy to enjoy that same down-home flavor at home. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have apples simmering away in a buttery cinnamon sauce that fills your kitchen with the most comforting aroma. Whether served as a side, topping, or dessert, these fried apples are the perfect taste of Southern comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking in the slow cooker—just set and forget.
- Classic Cracker Barrel flavor made simple at home.
- Versatile—serve as a side dish, topping, or dessert.
- Comfort food with minimal ingredients and effort.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples: A Southern Comfort Classic
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting side dish inspired by Cracker Barrel’s classic fried apples, made easily in the slow cooker with cinnamon, sugar, and butter.
Ingredients
- 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 cup apple cider or water
Instructions
- Place sliced apples in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and apple cider.
- Pour mixture over apples and stir to coat.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until apples are tender but not mushy.
- Serve warm as a side dish, dessert, or topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
Notes
- Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tart flavor, but Honeycrisp or Fuji can also be used.
- For a thicker sauce, stir in 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Great for meal prep—store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Side Dish, Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – firm apples that hold shape during cooking.
Unsalted butter – creates a rich, silky sauce.
Brown sugar – caramel-like sweetness for depth of flavor.
Granulated sugar – balances tartness of apples.
Ground cinnamon – warm spice for that classic fried apple taste.
Nutmeg (optional) – adds a subtle, cozy flavor.
Cornstarch – helps thicken the sauce so it clings to the apples.
Lemon juice – brightens flavor and prevents apples from browning.
Vanilla extract – enhances sweetness and warmth.
Directions
- Peel, core, and slice apples into wedges. Place them in the slow cooker.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Pour the butter-sugar mixture over the apples and toss gently to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or until apples are tender but not mushy.
- In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in cornstarch mixed with a splash of water to thicken the sauce.
- Finish with lemon juice and vanilla extract, stirring gently before serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6 portions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 4 hours 15 minutes
storage/reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm.
- Freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.
FAQs
What kind of apples work best?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape during slow cooking.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, peeling ensures a soft and smooth texture similar to Cracker Barrel’s version.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, cook apples with the sugar mixture in a skillet over medium heat for 20–25 minutes.
How do I serve fried apples?
As a side with pork or chicken, over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream, or simply on their own.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative or coconut oil.
Do I have to use both sugars?
Using a mix of brown and granulated sugar creates the best flavor, but you can use just one if preferred.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cook and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance. Reheat before serving.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce by one-third for a less sweet version without affecting texture.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are the ultimate comfort side dish—sweet, buttery, and perfectly spiced. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you can enjoy a homemade version of this restaurant favorite any time. Whether served with savory meals or as a cozy dessert, these apples are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!