Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples bring the cozy sweetness of a classic restaurant side dish straight into your kitchen with very little effort. Because this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and lets the slow cooker do the work, it delivers tender, cinnamon-glazed apples that taste nostalgic, warm, and comforting. This Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe suits any season, yet it shines especially on cool evenings, holiday spreads, and weekend breakfasts.
The first time I recreated these Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples was after a road trip where the iconic dish became the highlight of several meals. The texture of those tender apples stayed in my memory, and I wanted a homemade version that didn’t require pan-frying or constant monitoring. After testing slow cooker methods, I found this version produced the same luscious glaze and silky apple texture with less than fifteen minutes of preparation. Since then, I’ve used it as a dependable side for pork dinners, pancake mornings, and comforting fall gatherings.
What Makes Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples So Special?
Familiar Flavor With Minimal Effort
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples succeed because the slow cooker gently warms the fruit until it becomes soft but not mushy. The blend of brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and butter melts into a rich syrup that coats every slice. Lemon juice brightens the sweetness, while vanilla adds warmth. Because the apples cook slowly, the flavors deepen naturally without burning or sticking.
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
This Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe fits breakfast, brunch, dinner, and dessert. Serve it beside biscuits, waffles, pork chops, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The dish keeps well in the refrigerator, reheats beautifully, and can even be used as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes. With its blend of sugary glaze and soft fruit, it feels at home on casual weeknights and holiday tables alike.
Choosing and Preparing the Apples
Best Apples for the Dish
Firm apples such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious work best in this Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe. They hold their shape while absorbing the glaze. Granny Smith apples add tartness that balances the sweetness. Golden Delicious apples bring mild flavor and a naturally tender texture. Mixing both varieties creates excellent depth.
Proper Slicing for Even Cooking
Cutting apples into uniform slices ensures that they cook at the same rate. Too-thin slices may soften too quickly, while thick wedges may stay firm. Targeting even slices helps the slow cooker produce consistent results. Peeling the apples keeps the texture smooth, though leaving the skin on offers added fiber and color.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Cutting board and knife
- Peeler
- Measuring cups and spoons
- mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 6–8 firm apples, peeled, cored, sliced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice apples into uniform wedges.
- Place apple slices in the slow cooker and sprinkle with cornstarch. Stir to coat.
- Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon; stir gently.
- Pour in melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through.
- Serve warm once apples are tender and glazed.
Notes
Nutrition
Building the Perfect Cinnamon Glaze
Coating the Apples for Thickening
Lightly coating the apples with cornstarch at the beginning helps create the signature syrupy glaze. As the apples release their juices, the cornstarch activates and thickens the mixture. This prevents a watery sauce and results in a glossy coating that clings to each slice.
Sweetness and Spice
Brown sugar gives warmth and molasses notes, while granulated sugar enhances caramelization. Cinnamon provides the classic Cracker Barrel flavor profile. Adding melted butter enriches the sauce, making it silky and flavorful. Lemon juice adds brightness, cutting through the sweetness. Vanilla ties everything together with gentle aroma.
Slow Cooking for Tender, Even Results
Cooking on High Heat
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples require only two hours on high, making them relatively fast for a slow cooker dish. The covered environment traps steam, softening the apple slices without breaking them apart. A gentle stir at the halfway point ensures even cooking and helps the sugars melt properly into the glaze.
Serving and Storing
Once the apples are tender and glossy, the dish is ready to serve warm. If you prefer a thicker glaze, let the apples sit uncovered for a few minutes after cooking. They thicken naturally as the sauce cools. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQ
Can I cook these apples on low instead of high?
Yes, cook for 4 hours on low, stirring once halfway through.
Will any apple variety work?
Firm apples work best. Softer varieties may turn mushy.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a large slow cooker and add 30–45 minutes of cook time if needed.
Can I make this dish without cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps create a thick glaze, but you can omit it for a lighter sauce.
Are these apples good for dessert?
Absolutely. Serve over ice cream, pound cake, or shortbread.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples offer comforting sweetness, tender texture, and classic Southern flavor in a simple, reliable recipe. Because the slow cooker handles most of the work, this dish fits into busy schedules while still feeling homemade. Whether you pair the apples with breakfast favorites, savory dinners, or dessert toppings, the warm cinnamon glaze delivers a cozy experience every time. With dependable ingredients and straightforward steps, these Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples belong in every comfort-food collection.
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