Name: Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Prep time: 15 min
Ingredients: 3–4 lbs apples, peeled and sliced into wedges; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Craving a warm, comforting dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious? These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are the perfect blend of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples cooked to perfection in your slow cooker!

Imagine soft, caramelized apples, infused with cinnamon and sugar, all slow-cooked to create the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The slow cooking process ensures every bite is warm, tender, and full of flavor.

These fried apples are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for topping pancakes, waffles, or enjoying on their own as a sweet treat. The best part? They’re made effortlessly in the slow cooker, making them perfect for busy days or cozy evenings.

Ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible smell of cinnamon apples? Let’s make these Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples and enjoy a comforting, easy dessert today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in a Crockpot: These apples come out soft, buttery, and rich in cinnamon flavor with barely any effort.
Easy and Hands-Off: Set it and forget it—just prep your apples, toss them in the slow cooker, and walk away.
Tastes Like the Real Deal: With the right combo of sugar, spice, and buttery syrup, it’s just like Cracker Barrel’s.
Crowd-Pleaser: This makes the perfect holiday side dish or a sweet topping for breakfast and dessert.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 3 hours, hands-off

Servings:
Serves 6–8 people as a dessert or side. You can scale up if you’re cooking for a crowd or downsize for a small batch.

Difficulty:
Super easy. You don’t need to stir often, and the slow cooker keeps it nearly foolproof.

Required Kitchen Tools

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Here’s what you’ll need to create that classic sweet-spiced flavor:

3–4 lbs apples, peeled and sliced into wedges – Use tart-sweet apples like Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith for balance.
2 tablespoons cornstarch – This thickens the sauce slightly so it clings to the apples.
¼ cup brown sugar – Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor.
¼ cup granulated sugar – Keeps the sweetness balanced and clean.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Gives that warm spice you expect in a fall apple dish.
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and helps coat the apples in flavor.
2 teaspoons lemon juice – Brightens the apples and prevents browning.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor with a soft, sweet note.

Variations for Slow Cooker Fried Apples

Add Nutmeg or Allspice: Sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
Make It Maple: Swap the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper, richer sweetness.
Use Apple Pie Spice: Instead of just cinnamon, use 1½ teaspoons of apple pie spice for a bakery-style twist.
Add a Splash of Apple Cider: A few tablespoons of cider can boost that fresh apple flavor.
Serve with Toppings: Spoon over vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or even pork chops for a sweet-savory combo.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and slice the apples into thick wedges. About ¾-inch thick works best so they stay intact while cooking.

2. Make the Sugar-Spice Mix

In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon until evenly combined.

3. Toss Apples with Lemon and Vanilla

Add the lemon juice and vanilla to the sliced apples. Stir to coat—this keeps the flavor bright and prevents early browning.

4. Add Butter and Coating

Pour the melted butter over the apples, then sprinkle in the sugar mixture. Toss until the apples are evenly coated in buttery cinnamon goodness.

5. Slow Cook

Transfer the coated apples into the slow cooker. Set it to LOW and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring gently once halfway through. The apples should be soft but not mushy, and the sauce slightly thickened.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Fried Apples

These tender apples are incredibly versatile. Here’s how I love to enjoy them:

Classic Side Dish: Just like Cracker Barrel, serve warm in a bowl as a cozy side at dinner or brunch.
Over Pancakes or Waffles: A generous spoonful on top of warm pancakes is pure comfort.
With Ice Cream: Serve over vanilla ice cream for a simple, satisfying dessert.
On Oatmeal or Yogurt: A warm, cinnamon-sweet topping for your morning bowl.
With Pork or Ham: The sweetness pairs surprisingly well with savory roasted meats.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warm.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Make Ahead Tip: Prep all ingredients the night before and refrigerate. Just dump everything into the slow cooker in the morning.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Don’t Slice Too Thin: Keep your apple slices thick enough to hold their shape—thin slices will turn mushy.
Use a Mix of Apples: Combine sweet and tart varieties (like Fuji and Granny Smith) for the best flavor.
Don’t Overcook: Check after 2.5 hours—some slow cookers run hotter than others.
Stir Gently: If you stir, do it just once and carefully to avoid breaking up the apples.
Balance the Sweetness: If your apples are already very sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~210
Carbohydrates	38g
Sugars	28g
Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Fiber	3g
Protein	0.5g
Sodium	15mg

Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on the apples and butter used.

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Recipe by Jordi RocaCourse: Breakfast u0026amp; Brunch

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Calories

210

kcal

Cook Time

2.5–3

hour

Ingredients

3–4 lbs apples, peeled and sliced into wedges
2 tablespoons cornstarch
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Prepare Apples: Peel and slice apples into thick wedges.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine cornstarch, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
Coat Apples: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice and vanilla, then pour in melted butter and dry sugar mix. Stir to coat well.
Slow Cook: Transfer apples to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring gently once halfway.
Serve Warm: Serve as a side dish or topping for breakfast or dessert.

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples – FAQs

Q: What kind of apples work best?
A mix of Granny Smith (tart) and Fuji or Gala (sweet) works well for balance and texture.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
Yes—just make sure your slow cooker is large enough. You may need to add 30–45 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: How do I thicken the sauce more?
Let the apples rest uncovered in the warm slow cooker for 10–15 minutes. The cornstarch will continue to thicken the juices.

Q: Can I use canned apples?
Fresh apples are best for flavor and texture. Canned apples may break down too much.

Conclusion

This slow cooker version of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples is simple, comforting, and always hits the right note—whether you’re serving breakfast, dessert, or a holiday side. The gentle sweetness, cinnamon warmth, and buttery glaze make it a dish that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.