Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Introduction

These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples bring a warm, comforting touch to your kitchen with tender, cinnamon-spiced fruit cooked to perfection. Easy to prepare and wonderfully flavorful, they make a perfect side dish or dessert.

Ingredients

• 6 large tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• ¼ cup apple cider or water
• Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for extra depth

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel, core, and slice the apples into ½-inch thick slices. Add them to your slow cooker.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the apples in the slow cooker. Add the butter pieces on top, then drizzle with lemon juice and apple cider or water.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through, until the apples are tender but not mushy.
5. Step 5: For a thicker glaze, remove the lid during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking and stir gently until the sauce coats the apples well.
6. Step 6 (optional): Stir in vanilla extract at the end for a richer, bakery-style flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and a firm texture that holds up well during cooking.
• Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a spicier autumn twist.
• Serve warm over vanilla ice cream or pancakes for a delightful treat.

Storage

Store leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Stir occasionally to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

While fresh apples are best for texture, you can use frozen apples. Thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery result.

Can this dish be made on HIGH in the slow cooker?

Cooking on HIGH may cause the apples to become too soft or mushy. It’s best to cook on LOW for even tenderness while maintaining shape.

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 97 reviews

Enjoy these Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples, a deliciously tender and sweet treat made with tart apples slowly cooked to perfection. This easy recipe combines cinnamon, nutmeg, and buttery sweetness, ideal as a side dish or dessert with a comforting, homestyle taste.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apples

• 6 large tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced into ½-inch thick slices

Coating Mixture

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• ¼ cup apple cider or water
• Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for extra depth

Instructions

1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into ½-inch thick slices. Add them to your slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spread.
2. Mix the coating: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined to ensure an even coating on the apples.
3. Combine everything: Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the apples in the slow cooker. Dot the butter pieces on top. Drizzle with lemon juice and apple cider or water, distributing evenly to add moisture and flavor.
4. Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2 hours. Stir the apples gently halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. The apples should be tender but maintain some texture without becoming mushy.
5. Thicken the sauce: For a thicker glaze, remove the slow cooker lid for the last 15–20 minutes of cooking. Stir gently so the sauce reduces slightly and coats the apples well.
6. Optional finish: Stir in the vanilla extract at the end of cooking to add a rich, warm, bakery-style flavor to your fried apples. Serve warm for best taste.

Notes

• You can use either Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples based on your preference for tartness or sweetness.
• Adjust the amount of sugar to taste, especially if using naturally sweeter apples.
• For a thicker sauce, don’t skip the step of cooking with the lid off at the end.
• Serve as a side dish with pork or chicken, or as a warm dessert topped with ice cream or whipped cream.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: Slow Cooker Fried Apples, Cracker Barrel Fried Apples, Easy Slow Cooker Dessert, Autumn Side Dish, Cinnamon Apples