Cracker Barrel Fried Apples {Slow Cooker}

If you're a fan of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples, try making them homemade from scratch! With the help of your slow cooker, this dish is made with simple ingredients and tastes just like the famous recipe, if not better. Serve as a sweet addition to any savory meal or as part of a satisfying brunch!

Close up of Cracker Barrel fried apples on a white plate with whipped cream on top.

Cracker Barrel is a popular Southern-style restaurant chain known for its comfort food and country charm. One of their most iconic dishes is the Fried Apples, which are sweet and slightly spiced apples that are fried until they're soft and caramelized.

No frying is needed to make the slow cooker version right at home! This keeps them light and easy to make while still delivering all the flavors you love. The key to making these apples taste just like Cracker Barrel's is in the spices and seasonings. A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar gives them that signature flavor.

Simply add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and let them get fork-tender and infused with all the wonderful spices. These slow-cooker fried apples are perfectly served as a side dish or even for breakfast alongside some pancakes or waffles. And they freeze beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them all winter long!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This countryside dish is usually fried, but this crockpot version is slow cooked instead, making it a much healthier option.
They are simply seasoned to bring out the natural sweetness of the apples.
Serve them alongside savory dishes for lunch or dinner, or enjoy them with breakfast.
This easy slow cooker side dish is enjoyed by both kids and adults, making it a great option for even the pickiest of eaters.

Ingredients You'll Need

Fresh Apples - Our favorite type of apple to use for this dish is Fuji apples, but you can use other varieties if preferred as long as they are peeled and cored.
Cornstarch - Helps the sweet juice and spices thicken up to a light sauce.
Apple Cider - Adds more apple flavor to the sauce while giving it texture.
Brown Sugar - Gives these apples a down-home sweetness with a touch of molasses flavor.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg - Adds warming spice throughout the dish that compliments the apples.
Butter - Adds a rich buttery flavor along with texture.
Vanilla Extract - Gives the apples a fragrant note of vanilla flavor throughout.

How To Make Cracker Barrel Fried Apples In The Slow Cooker

Prepare the apples: Wash the apples thoroughly. Peel them with a vegetable peeler and remove the core. Slice them into ½-inch thick pieces before adding them to the bottom of the slow cooker.

Assemble the cooking liquid: To the top of the apples, add the melted butter, vanilla extract, seasonings, apple cider, and brown sugar. Stir until the apples are fully coated in the mixture.

Cover and cook: Add the lid to the top and set the crock pot on HIGH for 2 hours. Halfway through, stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Stir and serve: Once the apples are fork-tender, give it a stir and serve hot with your favorite dishes. Enjoy!

Close up of Cracker Barrel fried apples on a wooden spoon over a slow cooker.

Recipe Tips

The best types of apples to use in this recipe are ones that are on the firmer side, so they don't turn to mush. We like to use Fuji apples because they hold up well and are nice and sweet. Other types of apples you could use are Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.
If you'd like to keep the sweet mixture from sticking to the crock pot, try spraying it with cooking spray before adding the ingredients.
The total cooking time will depend on the ripeness of the apple. Check them after an hour and a half of cooking to see if they're tender enough for your liking.

Variations

If you want a little extra sweetness, feel free to add in an extra tablespoon or two of brown sugar. You could also drizzle some honey over the top once they're done cooking.
For a bit of tartness, sprinkle some freshly squeezed lemon juice over the apples before serving.
If you want a little crunch, try adding in some chopped pecans or walnuts.
Use pumpkin pie spice in place of the cinnamon and nutmeg for a Fall-inspired twist.
If you don't have apple cider, feel free to use white grape juice or water instead.
Add in some dried fruit, such as raisins, cranberries, or currants, for a pop of color and flavor.
These cracker barrel fried apples copycat are delicious and served on their own as a side dish. They would also be great served over some ice cream for dessert or with breakfast alongside pancakes or waffles.

Close up of Cracker Barrel fried apples on a white plate with whipped cream on top and a slow cooker in the background.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Once cooled, transfer the apples to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to one week.

Freezing: Place cooled apples in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to six months. Be aware that they may be a bit more soft and mushy after thawing.

Reheating: Apples can be reheated on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through or in the microwave.

FAQ

Do I have to peel the apples?

No, you don't have to peel the apples if you don't want to. We prefer to peel them so that the skin doesn't get in the way when eating, but it's totally up to you.

Are fried apples sold in the Cracker Barrel store?

They cannot be found in the store, only ordered at the restaurant. You can easily make them at home using this easy slow cooker recipe!

Are fried apples a breakfast food or dessert?

They can be both! We love them as a sweet addition to any savory meal or as part of a satisfying brunch. They would also be great served over some ice cream for dessert.

Close up of Cracker Barrel fried apples on a white plate and in a slow cooker..

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