Craving the warm, cinnamon-spiced comfort of Cracker Barrel’s famous fried apples? This slow cooker version brings all that cozy goodness right to your kitchen, with barely any effort required. The apples cook down to the perfect tender consistency while soaking up a buttery, brown sugar sauce that’ll make your whole house smell like autumn.
This copycat recipe captures that restaurant-quality taste while letting your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, or anytime you want to treat your family to something special.
Why You’ll Love This
- Set-it-and-forget-it convenience with just 10 minutes of prep time
- Makes your house smell amazing while it cooks
- Perfect make-ahead side dish or dessert topping
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have
- Versatile recipe that works with multiple apple varieties
Ingredients
- 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Peel and slice apples into 1/2-inch thick wedges
- Place apple slices in the slow cooker
- Mix brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl
- Pour mixture over apples and stir to coat
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry
- Stir slurry into apples during the last 30 minutes of cooking
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving to thicken
Tips & Variations
- For firmer apples, reduce cooking time by 30 minutes
- Honeycrisp or Gala apples can be substituted for a sweeter result
- Add a splash of vanilla extract at the end for extra flavor
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings – cooking time remains the same
- For a caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tender, spiced apples warm as a side dish alongside pork chops or ham. They’re also delicious spooned over vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or waffles for a decadent breakfast or dessert. Try them tucked into crepes or paired with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a classic combination.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on stovetop with a splash of water
- Apples should be tender but still hold their shape when done
- Sauce will continue to thicken as it cools
FAQs
- Can I make this without a slow cooker? Yes, simmer on stovetop over low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Can I freeze these fried apples? While possible, the texture may become mushy when thawed. Best enjoyed fresh.
- Why are my apples too firm? Different apple varieties cook at different rates. Add more cooking time as needed.
- Can I skip the cornstarch? The sauce will be thinner but still delicious if omitted.
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Recipe by Full Recipe
Craving the warm, cinnamon-spiced comfort of Cracker Barrel’s famous fried apples? This slow cooker version brings all that cozy goodness right to your kitchen,
Ingredients
- 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Steps
- Peel and slice apples into 1/2-inch thick wedges
- Place apple slices in the slow cooker
- Mix brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl
- Pour mixture over apples and stir to coat
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry
- Stir slurry into apples during the last 30 minutes of cooking
- Let stand 10 minutes before serving to thicken
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on stovetop with a splash of water
- Apples should be tender but still hold their shape when done
- Sauce will continue to thicken as it cools
