Irresistible Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Crisp autumn days call for comfort food that warms the soul, and this delectable slow cooker Cracker Barrel fried apples recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Tender apples dance with cinnamon and brown sugar, creating a mouthwatering dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Sweet aromas will fill your kitchen as these apples simmer slowly to perfection.

Cinnamon-kissed and buttery, the dish brings memories of cozy family gatherings and nostalgic Southern cooking.

Each spoonful promises a delightful blend of soft, caramelized fruit and warm spices.

This simple recipe transforms ordinary apples into an extraordinary treat that everyone will adore.

Prepare to experience a dessert so irresistible, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Why Slow Cooker Fried Apples Taste Like Comfort

• Craft Comfort Classics: These oatmeal cookies deliver a warm, nostalgic taste that transports you straight to grandma's kitchen with their rich, homemade goodness.
• Master Simple Baking Skills: Perfect for beginners, this recipe teaches fundamental baking techniques like toasting oats, creaming butter, and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Customize Your Treats: Flexible recipe allows switching between raisins and chocolate chips, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly Baking Adventure: Engaging recipe provides a delightful opportunity for kids and adults to bond while creating delicious cookies together, sparking joy and creating memories.

Everything Needed for Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Apples: Firm, sweet-tart apples that hold their shape during slow cooking.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, silky sauce.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a caramel-like sauce.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Classic warm spices that enhance the apple's natural flavor and add depth to the dish.

• Slow Cooker: The primary cooking method that allows gentle, even cooking of the apples.

Steps for Making Fried Apples in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Slice Apples

Grab a cutting board and a sharp knife. Wash the apples thoroughly and remove the cores.

Cut the apples into even, medium-thick slices to ensure consistent cooking and a perfect texture.

Step 2: Create Flavor Blend

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Freshly grated nutmeg

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re well incorporated and create a fragrant, sweet mixture.

Step 3: Layer and Coat Apples

Transfer the apple slices into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the apples.

Use a spatula or your hands to gently toss and coat each apple slice, ensuring even distribution of the sweet seasoning.

Step 4: Add Richness

Cut cold butter into small chunks.

Scatter these butter pieces evenly across the top of the seasoned apples. The butter will melt and create a rich, luxurious sauce during cooking.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Allow the apples to cook for approximately 4 hours.

The slow, gentle cooking will transform the apples into a tender, caramelized dessert with a silky sauce.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Gently stir the cooked apples to redistribute the sauce.

The apples should be soft but not mushy, with a glossy, spiced coating. Serve warm as a delightful side dish or dessert.

Notes for Tender and Sweet Fried Apple Fans

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and balanced sweetness.
• Toss sliced apples with a splash of lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and prevent oxidation.
• Adjust sugar quantities based on apple tartness – less sugar for sweet apples, more for very tart varieties.
• Add a pinch of ground ginger or vanilla extract to complement the cinnamon and nutmeg for a more complex taste profile.
• Enjoy warm over vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or as a side dish with roasted pork for a versatile dessert or accompaniment.

Tasty Twists for Slow Cooker Fried Apples

• Caramel Apple Slow Cooker Version: Replace sugar mixture with caramel sauce and add a sprinkle of sea salt for a rich, decadent flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Apple Dessert: Swap granulated and brown sugars with erythritol, use grass-fed butter, and add chopped pecans for extra crunch and low-carb nutrition.
• Spiced Maple Apple Variation: Substitute sugar mixture with pure maple syrup, increase cinnamon, and add a dash of vanilla extract for a warm, comforting autumn-inspired recipe.
• Vegan Apple Casserole: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace sugars with coconut sugar, and add a splash of almond milk for creamy texture and plant-based goodness.

Pairings That Go Well With Fried Apples

• Complement Comfort with Bourbon Vanilla: Pair the sweet, spiced apples with a smooth bourbon vanilla cocktail that enhances the warm cinnamon notes and adds a luxurious adult twist.
• Elevate Breakfast Pairing: Serve alongside fluffy buttermilk pancakes or crispy French toast, where the caramelized apple sauce creates a rich, decadent morning experience.
• Match with Creamy Counterpoints: Serve over vanilla bean ice cream or alongside a dollop of whipped mascarpone to balance the apples' intense sweetness and create a harmonious dessert texture.
• Enhance with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty depth that complements the soft, spiced apple consistency.

Storing Fried Apples for Breakfast or Dessert

• Store leftover fried apples in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep them chilled in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Transfer cooled apples to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent texture loss.
• Gently reheat apples in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated evenly and sauce becomes glossy.

FAQs

• What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness during slow cooking.

• Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check individual ingredient labels to confirm, especially if you have specific dietary restrictions.

• How can I prevent the apples from turning mushy?

Use firmer apple varieties, cut them into consistent thick slices, and avoid overcooking by checking them periodically during the slow cooking process.

Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples bring southern comfort straight to your kitchen, delivering sweet cinnamon magic in minutes. Warm spices and tender apple slices create a perfect side dish you’ll crave at every meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 large tart apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (approximately 900 grams / 2 pounds)

Sugars:

• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar

Spices and Butter:

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (113 grams / 4 ounces) butter, cut into small pieces

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice apples into uniform, thin wedges, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking.
2. Scatter apple slices evenly across the slow cooker’s interior, creating a single layer to maximize caramelization.
3. Blend granulated and brown sugars with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg in a separate mixing bowl to create a fragrant seasoning blend.
4. Generously sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture over apple slices, gently tossing to guarantee complete and uniform coating.
5. Strategically place small butter chunks across the apple surface, allowing them to melt and infuse rich, creamy flavor during cooking.
6. Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow apples to simmer for approximately 4 hours, developing tender texture and creating a luscious, bubbling sauce.
7. Once cooking is complete, gently fold the apples to redistribute the caramelized sauce, ensuring each slice is gloriously coated with the sweet, spiced liquid.
8. Serve warm as a delectable side dish or dessert, showcasing the tender, cinnamon-kissed apple medley.

Notes

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in your slow cooker fried apples.
• Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Adjust sugar quantities for dietary needs by using alternatives like coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for lower-glycemic options.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cardamom for deeper flavor complexity without changing the recipe’s core essence.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 256
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 34 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg