Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

If you’ve ever been to Cracker Barrel, you know their fried apples are one of the most comforting and nostalgic dishes on the menu. Sweet, buttery, and spiced with cinnamon, these tender apples are the perfect side dish or dessert. The best part? You can easily make them at home in your slow cooker, allowing the flavors to develop slowly while filling your kitchen with the aroma of baked apples.

This copycat Cracker Barrel fried apples recipe is incredibly simple, requires just a handful of ingredients, and is budget-friendly. Whether you’re looking for a holiday side, a weeknight treat, or a warm topping for pancakes and waffles, this recipe will become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly meal plan:

• Easy and hands-off – The slow cooker does all the work for you.
• Family-friendly – A dish both kids and adults will love.
• Budget-friendly – Uses affordable pantry staples.
• Versatile – Works as a dessert, side dish, or even a topping for breakfast foods.
• Perfect for gatherings – Scales easily for potlucks, holidays, and parties.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the star ingredients:

• Apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious): Firm, tart apples balance the sweetness and hold their shape while cooking.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, giving the apples a glossy, syrupy coating.
• Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: The perfect sweetener combo—brown sugar adds richness while granulated sugar balances the flavors.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that enhances the natural apple flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and a velvety finish.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish and prevents apples from browning.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with a subtle, comforting sweetness.

Tips and Tricks

• Choose firm apples – Softer apples will turn mushy. Granny Smith and Golden Delicious are best.
• Don’t overcook – Two hours on high is usually enough; longer cooking can break down the apples too much.
• Adjust sweetness – If you prefer less sweet apples, reduce the sugar slightly.
• For extra flavor – Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cloves.
• Double the batch – This recipe stores and reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Variations and Customizations

• Healthier option: Replace some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
• Bourbon apples: Add a splash of bourbon for a boozy twist.
• Caramel fried apples: Stir in a drizzle of caramel sauce at the end for extra decadence.
• Nutty crunch: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before serving.
• Holiday twist: Add cranberries for a festive touch.

Pairing Suggestions

These slow cooker fried apples pair beautifully with a variety of dishes:

• As a side dish with pork chops, roasted chicken, or turkey.
• Served warm over vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert.
• As a breakfast topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
• Mixed into yogurt or oatmeal for a cozy morning meal.
• Layered inside a pie crust for a quick shortcut apple pie.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Place cooled apples in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until heated through.

Popular Questions

1. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes! Cook the apples in a large skillet over medium heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.

2. Can I use different apples?
Yes, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Jonagold can work, but they may soften more quickly.

3. Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on for added fiber.

4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely—this dish reheats well, making it ideal for holiday prep.