Craving the classic Cracker Barrel Fried Apples but want an easier, hands-off way to make them? This Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe is the perfect solution. Tender apple slices are slow-cooked in butter, sugar, and warm spices until they’re sweet, caramelized, and bursting with flavor.
They’re the ultimate Southern-inspired comfort food—perfect as a side dish, a holiday treat, or even served over ice cream for dessert. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the work, filling your kitchen with the irresistible smell of cinnamon-spiced apples.
Ingredients
- 6–7 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prep the Apples
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into wedges. Place them in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Pour over the apples and toss gently.
Step 3: Cook the Apples
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1 ½–2 hours, until apples are tender but not mushy.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- Whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Stir into the apple mixture during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Sauce will thicken as it heats.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve warm as a side dish, dessert topping, or snack.
Variation
- Apple Pie Style: Add 1/2 teaspoon allspice or cloves for extra spice.
- Caramel Apples: Stir in 2 tablespoons caramel sauce before serving.
- Boozy Twist: Add a splash of bourbon or rum for adults.
- Healthier Version: Reduce sugar and let the apples’ natural sweetness shine.
Cooking Notes
- Granny Smith apples hold up best, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala can be used.
- Keep an eye on cooking time—apples should be tender, not mushy.
- If sauce gets too thick, add 1–2 tbsp apple juice or water.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside pork chops, ham, or roasted turkey as a side.
- Spoon over vanilla ice cream or pancakes for dessert.
- Pair with biscuits, cornbread, or waffles for a Southern-style breakfast.
Tips
- Double the recipe if cooking for a crowd.
- Stir gently to avoid breaking down the apple slices.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days—reheat gently before serving.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3–4 hours (low) or 1.5–2 hours (high)
- Total Time: ~3 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 30mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes! Cook the apples, cool completely, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
Q2: Can I use canned or frozen apples?
- Fresh apples work best, but frozen sliced apples can be used—just reduce cooking time slightly.
Q3: Do I need to peel the apples?
- Peeling is recommended for the authentic Cracker Barrel texture, but you can leave peels for extra fiber.
Q4: Can I use less sugar?
- Yes, adjust sugar to taste. You can even use honey or maple syrup as natural sweeteners.
Q5: Can I thicken without cornstarch?
- Yes, flour or arrowroot powder works as a substitute. You can also let the sauce reduce naturally.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe brings all the Southern charm of the restaurant classic into your own kitchen—with minimal effort. Sweet, buttery, and perfectly spiced, these apples are versatile enough for breakfast, dinner sides, or desserts. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a family favorite year-round.