Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe: Sweet Magic

Southern comfort meets kitchen convenience with this delightful cracker barrel fried apples slow cooker magic that promises to warm your heart.

Soft apple slices bathe in a cinnamon-kissed sauce, developing deep, rich flavors without constant stirring.

Minimal ingredients and zero fuss make this recipe a weeknight dream for busy cooks.

Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the most incredible aroma of caramelized fruit and warm spices.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients transform into a decadent side dish that pairs perfectly with pork or stands alone as a sweet treat.

Dessert lovers will appreciate the nostalgic taste that brings memories of grandmother’s classic recipes right to your dining table.

Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Minimize Kitchen Effort: Slow cooker does all the hard work, letting you enjoy delicious fried apples without constant monitoring or complicated techniques.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these sweet apples as a comforting side dish, a decadent dessert topping, or a special breakfast companion that transforms ordinary meals into something extraordinary.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: Combines warm cinnamon, rich brown sugar, and tender apples into a universally loved recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings or potluck events.
• Minimal Ingredient Requirement: Uses basic pantry staples and simple ingredients, allowing anyone with limited cooking skills to create a delicious homemade treat without expensive or hard-to-find components.

Ingredients Used in Slow Cooker Fried Apples

• Apples: Crisp and sweet fruit that creates the base of this classic dessert.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Combine to create a rich, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the natural flavor of the apples.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and traditional autumn flavor to the dish.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the tender apples.

How to Prepare Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Step 1: Slice Crisp Apples

Wash and slice firm apples into thin, uniform wedges. Choose varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best flavor and texture.

Remove cores and stems before slicing.

Step 2: Create Sweet Spice Blend

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Whisk the spices and sugars together until they are thoroughly mixed and create a fragrant blend.

Step 3: Coat Apples with Spice Mixture

Sprinkle the sugar-spice blend over the apple slices in the slow cooker. Gently toss the apples to ensure each slice is evenly coated with the sweet mixture.

Step 4: Add Creamy Butter

Cut cold butter into small cubes. Scatter the butter pieces across the top of the seasoned apple slices.

The butter will melt and create a rich, silky sauce during cooking.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat.

Cook for 3-4 hours until the apples become tender and develop a soft, caramelized texture. The sauce will become thick and bubbly.

Step 6: Stir and Serve

Gently stir the cooked apples to distribute the caramel-like sauce. Serve warm as a delightful side dish, dessert topping, or accompaniment to vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or waffles.

Tips That Perfect Slow Cooker Fried Apples

• Choose crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during slow cooking and provide a nice texture contrast.
• Toss apple slices with a bit of lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and prevent oxidation while preparing the dish.
• Adjust sugar quantities based on apple variety – tart apples need more sugar, while sweeter apples require less to maintain balanced flavor.
• Sprinkle a pinch of salt with the spices to intensify the caramel-like notes and bring out the natural sweetness of the apples.
• Transform leftovers into a delightful topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or blend into a quick apple sauce for added versatility.

Flavor Variations to Try on Fried Apples

• Caramel Apple Infusion: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooked apples and sprinkle chopped pecans for a rich, decadent flavor profile.
• Maple Spice Blend: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup and add a pinch of ground ginger for a warm, autumnal taste.
• Bourbon Apple Comfort: Splash a tablespoon of bourbon into the sugar mixture for a sophisticated, grown-up version of the classic recipe.
• Berry Fusion: Mix in fresh or frozen mixed berries during the last hour of cooking to create a fruity, tangy combination.

Foods That Pair Well With Fried Apples

• Pair with Warm Vanilla Custard: Create a luscious contrast by serving the fried apples alongside a creamy, smooth vanilla custard that complements the spiced apple flavors.
• Match with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Top the warm fried apples with a dollop of freshly whipped cream infused with a hint of ground cinnamon for an extra layer of decadent sweetness.
• Serve with Bourbon Caramel Drizzle: Elevate the dessert by adding a rich bourbon caramel sauce that enhances the deep, warm notes of the slow-cooked apples and spices.
• Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop high-quality vanilla bean ice cream over the warm fried apples to create a classic, crowd-pleasing dessert combination with hot and cold textures.

Best Storage Methods for Slow Cooker Fried Apples

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the apples cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Transfer cooled apples to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.

Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm and steamy. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent drying.

Warm apples in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking. Add a tablespoon of water or butter to restore moisture and prevent scorching.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Firmer apples work best as they hold their shape during slow cooking.

• Do I need to peel the apples before cooking?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients, but you can peel them if you prefer a smoother consistency.

• Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

While a slow cooker is recommended, you can adapt this recipe for the oven. Bake in a covered dish at 350°F for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples bring Southern comfort straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Cinnamon-kissed apple slices simmer gently, promising warmth and nostalgia that you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Fruits:

• 6 large tart apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)

Sugars and Spices:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Fats:

• 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons / 4 ounces) butter, cut into small pieces

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice apples into uniform wedges, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking in the slow cooker.
2. Combine granulated and brown sugars with ground cinnamon and nutmeg in a separate mixing container, creating a fragrant spice blend.
3. Generously sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture over apple slices, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating.
4. Strategically place small butter cubes across the apple surface, allowing them to melt and infuse rich flavor during cooking.
5. Set slow cooker to low temperature and cover, allowing apples to simmer and caramelize for approximately 4 hours until tender and sauce becomes glossy.
6. Gently stir the cooked apples to distribute the caramelized sauce evenly, creating a luscious and cohesive dessert.
7. Serve immediately while warm, either as a delectable side dish or as a decadent topping for vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or waffles.

Notes

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in the dish.
• Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the slow cooker.
• Adjust sugar quantity based on apple’s natural sweetness to prevent an overly sugary result.
• Experiment with spice variations like adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 273
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 37 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg