I absolutely adore making these Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe whenever I want a warm, comforting treat that fills the house with the most inviting aromas. From the first bite, I’m reminded of cozy Sunday mornings filled with sweet cinnamon, soft tender apples, and that perfect touch of buttery goodness. It’s like having a slice of Cracker Barrel magic right in my own kitchen, made effortlessly in my slow cooker with simple ingredients that come together beautifully every time.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe
What really gets me excited about this recipe is the incredible flavor combination. The apples are tender and juicy but still hold their shape perfectly, wrapped in a luscious coating of brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. The lemon juice adds such a subtle brightness that balances the sweetness, and the vanilla extract brings everything together with a warm, fragrant finish. This is comfort food that never feels heavy—it’s just pure, cozy deliciousness on a spoon.
One of my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe is how easy it is to prepare. I simply toss all the ingredients in my slow cooker, set it on high for a couple of hours, and let it work its magic. No standing over the stove, no constant stirring. It frees me up to do other things while still knowing that I’m about to have something wonderfully homemade to share or enjoy all by myself.
I find this dish perfect for so many occasions—whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast, a sweet side at family dinners, or even as a dessert topping for ice cream or pancakes. It’s got that nostalgic feel that makes any meal feel special, and it stands out because it’s so rich in flavor yet incredibly simple to make. If you love easy recipes that bring big smiles to the table, this is definitely one to keep in your repertoire.
Ingredients You'll Need
The best part about this recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one brings something unique to the table, from sweetness and spice to that creamy butter richness and a hint of acidity that brightens the whole dish.
TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below
- Apples: I like using 3 to 4 pounds of peeled and sliced apples for that soft yet slightly firm texture.
- Cornstarch: This thickens the natural juices, making sure the apples are coated with a silky glaze instead of being watery.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that’s deeply comforting.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the brown sugar with a clean, sweet flavor and enhances caramelization.
- Cinnamon: The signature spice that brings warmth and that classic fried apple taste.
- Melted Butter: Infuses the dish with a velvety, indulgent feel and helps with caramelization.
- Lemon Juice: Just a touch brightens the flavor, cutting through the sweetness perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a fragrant, sweet background note that rounds out the whole dish beautifully.
Directions
Step 1: Start by peeling and slicing your apples into even pieces so they cook uniformly in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Toss the sliced apples with the cornstarch right inside your slow cooker. This helps thicken the apples’ juices as they cook into a luscious sauce.
Step 3: Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon, making sure every slice is coated in the sweet, spicy mixture.
Step 4: Pour in the melted butter, then add the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Give everything one gentle stir to combine all the rich flavors evenly.
Step 5: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 hours. I find that this timing yields apples that are perfectly tender without turning to mush.
Step 6: Before serving, give the apples one last stir to mix in any juices that have settled on top. I love serving them warm—they’re like a cozy hug on a plate.
Servings and Timing
This recipe generously serves about 6 to 8 people, making it perfect for a family breakfast or side dish during a holiday meal. Prep time is very brief—around 10 minutes to peel, slice, and toss everything together. The cook time in the slow cooker is about 2 hours on HIGH, so plan ahead a little. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 2 hours and 10 minutes total, without any additional resting or cooling time since I prefer them warm and fresh out of the cooker.
How to Serve This Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe
I’m always excited to find new ways to serve these fried apples because they are incredibly versatile. They make a fantastic side alongside savory dishes like pork chops, roasted chicken, or even a hearty breakfast of sausage and eggs. The sweet and cinnamon-spiced apples add just the right counterbalance to rich, salty meats.
Presentation-wise, I’ll often scoop the apples into rustic bowls or small ramekins and top with a little extra cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a bit of crunch. If I’m feeling indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream over warm apples turns it into a comforting dessert. For a little freshness, a sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and brightens up the plate beautifully.
For beverages, I personally love pairing this dish with a hot cup of spiced cider or a mild black tea to complement the warm cinnamon notes. If it’s brunch time, a glass of sparkling apple cider or a light Riesling works wonderfully. I always serve these apples warm because that’s when their flavors are at their most intense and comforting.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want a bit more texture, try mixing in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans during the last 15 minutes of cooking to add a delightful crunch. You can also experiment with apple varieties—Granny Smith apples give a tart bite, while Fuji or Gala offer a sweeter, softer finish.
If you’re following a vegan or dairy-free diet, simply swap the melted butter for coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. The coconut oil adds a subtle tropical twist that pairs nicely with the cinnamon and vanilla. To make it gluten-free, no adjustments are needed since all the ingredients are naturally free of gluten.
For a different flavor profile, I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the cinnamon for a more complex spice blend. You can also cook these apples on low for 4 to 5 hours in the slow cooker if you prefer them extra tender and falling apart, which is perfect for using as a compote or spread on toast.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep wonderfully for up to 4 days. Using a glass container helps the apples stay fresher longer, plus it’s easy to reheat them directly in the microwave or on the stove from there.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these fried apples if you want to keep them longer. I recommend portioning them into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. They will stay good for up to 3 months. When thawing, I usually transfer them to the fridge overnight to defrost gently, which helps preserve the texture.
Reheating
For reheating, I prefer warming leftovers on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or apple juice to rejuvenate the juices and prevent drying out. You can also reheat them in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Avoid overheating as that can make the apples mushy. Adding a little fresh butter or cinnamon when reheating really brightens the flavors again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I usually use sweeter apples like Gala or Fuji, tart apples like Granny Smith work well too. Mixing varieties can add depth of flavor and texture to your fried apples.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
I recommend peeling the apples for this recipe to get that classic soft, tender texture and smooth glaze. The peels can sometimes get chewy or separate during cooking, but if you prefer a more rustic feel, feel free to leave them on.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the mixture on the stove over low to medium heat. Just make sure to stir frequently and cook until the apples are tender and the sauce thickens, usually about 15-20 minutes. The slow cooker just makes it effortless and hands-off.
How sweet will these fried apples be? Can I adjust the sugar?
This recipe strikes a nice balance between sweetness and tartness, but you can easily adjust the amounts of brown and granulated sugar to suit your taste. Reduce the sugar if you want it less sweet or add a little more for a dessert-like quality.
What else can I use these fried apples for?
Beyond serving them as a side or topping, these fried apples are fantastic stirred into oatmeal, used as a topping for pancakes or waffles, or even layered into yogurt parfaits. They add cozy flavor wherever you want a touch of warm sweetness.
Conclusion
I hope you’ll fall in love with this Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe as much as I have. It’s one of those dishes that’s simple, comforting, and bursting with nostalgic flavors that make any moment feel special. Whether you’re serving it up for a weekend brunch or a cozy family dinner, it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face and fill your home with warmth and sweetness.
Print
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe delivers tender, sweet, and warmly spiced apples reminiscent of cozy Sunday mornings. Using simple ingredients like fresh apples, cinnamon, sugars, and butter, this slow cooker dish is easy to prepare and fills your home with comforting aromas. Perfect as a side or topping for desserts and breakfasts.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 3–4 lbs apples, peeled & sliced
Thickening Agent
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
Sweeteners & Spices
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Liquids & Flavorings
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Peel and slice 3 to 4 pounds of apples evenly to ensure consistent cooking and tender texture.
- Toss with cornstarch: Place the sliced apples in the slow cooker and toss them with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, which will help thicken the juices as the apples cook.
- Mix in sugars and cinnamon: Add ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the apples, stirring thoroughly to evenly coat the fruit with sweetness and warm spice.
- Add butter, lemon juice, and vanilla: Pour in ¼ cup of melted butter, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, enhancing flavor and moisture.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 hours. This slow cooking method allows the apples to become tender and infuses them with the combined flavors.
- Serve warm: Before serving, stir the fried apples to mix any settled juices, then enjoy them warm as a side dish or topping.
Notes
- Choose sweet-tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor balance.
- Adjust sugar amounts to taste, especially if using naturally sweeter apples.
- This recipe can also be cooked on LOW for about 4 hours if preferred.
- Serve fried apples over pancakes, oatmeal, or as a side with pork dishes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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