If you’ve ever visited Cracker Barrel, chances are you’ve fallen in love with their signature fried apples—a warm, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced side dish that tastes like comfort in a bowl. Imagine tender apple slices, slowly simmered in a buttery brown sugar glaze, filling your kitchen with the nostalgic aroma of fall. The best part? You don’t need to drive to the restaurant—you can make these irresistible Cracker Barrel Fried Apples in your slow cooker with minimal effort.
This recipe is a game-changer: it transforms simple apples into a restaurant-worthy side dish or dessert that pairs beautifully with everything from pork chops to vanilla ice cream.
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Ingredients (and Why They Work)
8 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – Firm, tart apples hold their shape during slow cooking and balance the sweetness of the glaze.
½ cup brown sugar – Adds rich caramel-like sweetness and depth of flavor.
¼ cup granulated sugar – Enhances the glaze and balances tart apples.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – Infuses the apples with warm, cozy spice.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds subtle nutty warmth for a deeper flavor.
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional) – Thickens the sauce if you prefer a stickier glaze.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced – Melts into the apples, creating a rich, buttery coating.
2 teaspoons lemon juice – Brightens the flavor and prevents apples from browning.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Elevates the flavor and adds a hint of sweetness.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the apples – Peel, core, and slice apples into even wedges to ensure they cook uniformly.
2. Mix the dry ingredients – In a bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch (if using).
3. Layer the slow cooker – Add apples to the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the apples.
4. Add flavor – Dot with butter slices, drizzle with lemon juice, and stir lightly to coat the apples.
5. Slow cook to perfection – Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or until the apples are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
6. Finish with vanilla – Stir in vanilla extract just before serving to enhance the flavor.
7. Optional thickening – If the glaze is too thin, remove the apples, pour the liquid into a saucepan, and simmer for a few minutes until thickened. Return glaze over apples.
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Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
Hands-off cooking – The slow cooker does all the work.
Restaurant-style flavor – A spot-on copycat of Cracker Barrel’s famous fried apples.
Versatile – Perfect as a side dish, dessert, or topping.
Family-friendly – Both kids and adults adore the sweet, spiced apples.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Apples
Use two apple varieties (like Granny Smith + Honeycrisp) for a balance of tart and sweet.
Don’t overcook—the apples should be tender, not mushy.
For extra indulgence, sprinkle with chopped pecans before serving.
Make it ahead—the apples reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.
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Serving Suggestions
As a side dish with pork tenderloin, ham, or roasted chicken.
As a dessert topping over vanilla ice cream, pound cake, or pancakes.
As a holiday side—the warm spice makes it a cozy addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
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Conclusion
These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples prove that the best comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh apples, you can recreate a beloved restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen. Sweet, but
tery, and spiced to perfection, this dish is guaranteed to win over your family and guests every time.
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