The Coziest Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Sinking your fork into a warm, cinnamon-infused slow cooker Cracker Barrel fried apples that melt like sweet autumn memories.

Comfort food rarely gets more nostalgic than this delightful dessert.

Soft apple slices capture the essence of grandmother’s kitchen with their rich, caramelized edges.

Southern charm meets home cooking in this simple yet irresistible treat.

Every bite promises a comforting blend of softness and spice that feels like a warm hug.

Crisp apples transform into a silky, golden delicacy that will make you the star of any gathering.

Let’s uncover the magic that turns ordinary fruit into an extraordinary dessert everyone will adore.

Why Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Are So Cozy

• Transform Simple Apples: These slow cooker fried apples turn ordinary fruit into a mouthwatering dessert that feels like a restaurant-quality treat without complicated cooking skills.
• Effortless Cooking Method: The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to set ingredients and walk away while developing deep, caramelized flavors with minimal active preparation time.
• Comfort Food Magic: Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples create a nostalgic side dish that reminds you of homemade goodness, perfect for pairing with breakfast, dessert, or as a cozy afternoon snack that everyone in the family will love.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Requires just basic slicing and tossing techniques, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced kitchen enthusiasts.

What You Need For Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Apples: Sweet and crisp base for the dish, choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and slight tartness.

• White Sugar, Brown Sugar: Natural sweeteners that caramelize and create a rich, deep flavor profile for the apples.

• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple's natural sweetness and add depth to the dessert.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a subtle bright note to balance the sweetness.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, glossy coating for the apples.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic background flavor that enhances the overall sweetness.

How To Make Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Step 1: Prepare Crisp Apple Wedges

Wash and dry your apples thoroughly. Using a sharp peeler, carefully remove the skin from each apple. Slice the apples in half and use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core. Cut the apple halves into uniform wedges, aiming for a thickness similar to a standard french fry. Transfer the sliced apples to a spacious mixing bowl and drizzle fresh lemon juice over them, gently tossing to ensure each slice gets a light coating. The citrus will keep the apples looking bright and prevent unsightly browning.

Step 2: Create Decadent Sweet Coating

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Whisk these ingredients until they’re completely blended and create a fragrant, sweet mixture. Sprinkle this magical blend over the apple wedges, using your hands to gently coat each slice, ensuring an even distribution of the warm, spicy seasoning.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Grease the interior of your slow cooker with butter or cooking spray. Carefully transfer the coated apple wedges into the slow cooker, spreading them in an even layer. Cover and set the slow cooker to low heat. Allow the apples to simmer and caramelize for several hours, occasionally giving them a gentle stir to prevent sticking. The apples will transform into a tender, syrupy dessert that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the apples are soft and deeply golden, turn off the slow cooker. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the apples to a serving dish. These can be enjoyed warm as a delightful side dish, a topping for vanilla ice cream, or a standalone dessert. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle some of the remaining syrup from the slow cooker over the top.

Tips That Help With Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Prevent Apple Browning: Quickly toss sliced apples with lemon juice to maintain their fresh, crisp appearance and stop oxidation during cooking.
• Slice Uniformly: Cut apple wedges to consistent 1/2-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and a perfect texture throughout the dish.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji to add complexity and subtle sweetness to the recipe.
• Dietary Adaptation: Make the dish gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour and checking that all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Storage Pro Tip: Store leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain their delicious texture.

Storing Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftover fried apples in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Microwave Reheat: Warm individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop heating when the apples reach your desired temperature.
• Stovetop Refresh: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or apple juice to prevent sticking and maintain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Serving Tip: Top reheated fried apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of vanilla ice cream for extra flavor and freshness.

Best Matches For Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Boost Flavor with Cinnamon Whiskey: Drizzle a splash of cinnamon whiskey over the warm apples to add a bold, spicy kick that complements the sweet fruit's natural richness.
• Pair with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve the fried apples alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between warm, caramelized apples and cool, smooth ice cream.
• Match with Buttery Shortbread: Crumble crisp, buttery shortbread cookies over the top of the fried apples, adding a delicate crunch and rich, complementary texture to the soft, tender fruit.
• Serve with Caramel Pecan Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans and drizzle warm caramel sauce over the fried apples, enhancing their natural sweetness with a nutty, indulgent finish.

Ways To Change Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Autumn Spice Edition: Enhance the classic recipe by adding ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to create a warm, cozy flavor profile that captures the essence of fall harvest.
• Caramel Crunch Transformation: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the apples and sprinkle crushed graham crackers or toasted pecans on top for a delightful textural contrast and rich sweetness.
• Berry Blended Remix: Incorporate a handful of fresh or frozen mixed berries like raspberries or blackberries alongside the apples to add a tangy burst of color and complementary fruity notes.
• Maple Bourbon Infusion: Introduce a splash of bourbon and pure maple syrup to the cooking liquid, creating a sophisticated and deeply flavorful version that elevates the traditional slow cooker fried apples.

FAQs About Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious apples are perfect because they hold their shape well during slow cooking and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

• Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake the apples in a covered dish at 350°F for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

• Is this a healthy dessert option?

While delicious, this recipe contains sugar and butter, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. The apples do provide some nutritional benefits like fiber and vitamin C, making it a slightly healthier dessert choice compared to many other sweet treats.

• How do I prevent the apples from turning mushy?

Cut apples into consistent 1/2-inch wedges, avoid overcooking, and gently stir during the cooking process to maintain their texture and prevent them from breaking down completely.

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 2-4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel fried apples bring southern comfort straight to kitchen tables with sweet cinnamon magic. Home cooks can easily recreate this classic side dish that warms hearts and delights taste buds in one simple, comforting recipe.

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Ingredients

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Fruits:

• 6 Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

Sugars:

• ⅓ cup (65 grams) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (65 grams) brown sugar, packed

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Butter and Liquid:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) apple cider or water

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Instructions

1. Carefully prepare crisp apples by removing skin, extracting core, and slicing into uniform half-inch wedges with precision, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking.
2. Shield freshly cut apple slices from oxidation by gently coating them with tangy lemon juice, creating a protective barrier that maintains their pristine appearance and prevents unsightly browning.
3. Transfer seasoned apple wedges into slow cooker basin, arranging them in an organized, overlapping pattern to maximize heat distribution and flavor infusion.
4. Sprinkle a harmonious blend of ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg across apple layers, allowing spices to cascade and intermingle, creating a rich aromatic foundation.
5. Dot the spiced apple landscape with delicate butter fragments, strategically placing small clusters to ensure comprehensive moisture and deep caramelization during slow cooking.
6. Set slow cooker to low temperature setting, allowing apples to gently transform over 3-4 hours, developing a luxurious, tender texture while concentrating their natural sweetness.
7. Periodically peek beneath the lid, carefully stirring contents once midway through cooking to guarantee uniform softening and prevent potential sticking or uneven caramelization.
8. Once apples reach a sublime, fork-tender consistency with edges slightly translucent and syrupy, remove from slow cooker and let rest momentarily to stabilize intensified flavors.
9. Serve warm as a decadent side dish or dessert, optionally garnishing with a whisper of additional cinnamon or a delicate scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the lemon juice mixture for an extra layer of warm, aromatic flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the apples.
• For a lighter version, swap butter with coconut oil and reduce sugar to create a healthier alternative that still maintains the classic comfort food appeal.
• Opt for tart baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to provide a perfect balance of sweetness and slight acidity in the final dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-4 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg