Tasty Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe Like Grandma’s

Whipping up these delectable slow cooker cracker barrel fried apples brings pure comfort right to your kitchen.

Sweet memories of grandma’s cooking dance through each tender bite.

Cinnamon and sugar create a magical transformation in your trusty appliance.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor with this simple recipe.

Warm spices mingle beautifully, promising a dessert that feels like a cozy hug.

Crisp autumn apples turn soft and caramelized, melting into a luscious treat.

Why Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Apples Are So Comforting

• Simplify Cooking: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it transform apples into a mouthwatering dish without constant monitoring.
• Versatile Delight: Enjoy these spiced apples as a side dish, dessert topping, or standalone treat that complements multiple meals and occasions.
• Comfort Food Magic: Create a warm, nostalgic experience with classic cinnamon and nutmeg flavors that remind you of home-cooked goodness.
• Minimal Prep Required: Slice apples, mix sugars and spices, and add butter – no complicated techniques needed for a delicious result.

What You Need for Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Apples: Sweet and crisp fruit that softens and caramelizes during slow cooking.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create a rich, sweet syrup that complements the apples' natural flavor.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and traditional dessert-like aroma to the dish.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy sauce when melted with the sugars and spices.

How to Make Fried Apples in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Slice and Arrange Apples

Carefully wash and slice apples into uniform thin wedges. Transfer the apple slices directly into the slow cooker, spreading them evenly across the bottom to ensure consistent cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

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

Sprinkle the spice blend generously over the apple slices, gently tossing to guarantee each slice gets perfectly coated with the sweet and warm seasonings.

Step 3: Infuse with Buttery Goodness

Break cold butter into small chunks and strategically distribute them across the top of the seasoned apples.

Ensure the butter pieces are spread evenly to create a rich, luxurious sauce during cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat.

Allow the apples to simmer and transform for approximately 4 hours. The apples will become wonderfully tender, and a luscious sauce will develop around them.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serving

Gently fold the apples to ensure they are completely coated in the caramelized sauce. Serve these decadent apples warm as a side dish, dessert, or delightful topping for pancakes, waffles, or vanilla ice cream.

Tips to Get That Signature Cracker Barrel Flavor

• Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and balanced sweetness.
• Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dish.
• Use salted butter for extra depth of flavor, enhancing the natural sweetness of the apples.
• Adjust sugar quantities based on apple variety; tart apples might need slightly more sweetener.
• Stir apples gently during cooking to prevent breaking and maintain beautiful apple slice integrity.

Sweet and Spiced Variations on Fried Apples

• Gluten-Free Apple Crisp Variation: Replace flour with gluten-free oats and almond flour, maintaining the same sweet and spicy profile while catering to gluten-sensitive diets.
• Caramel Apple Slow Cooker Version: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooked apples and sprinkle with sea salt for a rich, decadent enhancement that elevates the classic recipe.
• Maple Pecan Apple Remix: Substitute some brown sugar with pure maple syrup and add chopped pecans for a nutty, woodland-inspired flavor that brings depth to the original dish.
• Vegan Apple Delight: Use coconut oil instead of butter and swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar, creating a plant-based alternative that maintains the warm, comforting essence of the original recipe.

What to Serve with Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Pair Perfectly with Warm Vanilla Custard: Drizzle smooth, creamy vanilla custard over the tender cinnamon-spiced apples for a classic comfort dessert combination that highlights the sweet, soft fruit.
• Complement with Bourbon Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with a splash of bourbon and a touch of powdered sugar to create a sophisticated topping that adds depth and warmth to the apple dish.
• Match with Crispy Pecan Crumble: Sprinkle a homemade pecan crumble made with butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans on top to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts the soft, syrupy apples.

How to Store Slow Cooker Fried Apples

• Store leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Make sure to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled apples to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, 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. Add a splash of water if the apples seem dry.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Each type will give a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish.

• Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can prepare these fried apples in a large skillet on the stovetop. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the sauce is thick.

• Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Certainly! You can lower the sugar amount or use a sugar substitute like stevia. Keep in mind that this might slightly change the overall sweetness and caramelization of the apples.

Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Savor southern comfort with this Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe, a delightful slow cooker dessert that brings warm, cinnamon-kissed apples to your table. Homemade goodness awaits you with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 large Granny Smith apples
• 1/2 cup butter

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Spices:

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Select crisp, firm apples and slice them uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and texture throughout the dish.
2. Whisk granulated and brown sugars with ground cinnamon and nutmeg in a separate mixing bowl to create a fragrant, well-blended spice mixture.
3. Transfer apple slices into the slow cooker, then evenly sprinkle the sugar-spice blend over the fruit, gently tossing to guarantee complete coverage.
4. Cut cold butter into small cubes and scatter them across the seasoned apple layers, focusing on distributing pieces strategically for optimal melting.
5. Set slow cooker to low temperature and cover, allowing the apples to simmer and caramelize for approximately 4 hours until they become tender and develop a rich, glossy sauce.
6. Once cooking is complete, carefully fold the apples to ensure every slice is coated in the luxurious, spiced syrup that has developed during cooking.
7. Serve the warm apple mixture immediately as a decadent side dish, dessert accompaniment, or delightful topping for vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or waffles.

Notes

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balance of sweetness.
• Adjust sugar levels based on the natural sweetness of your chosen apple variety, reducing sugar for sweeter apples.
• Prevent browning by tossing sliced apples with a splash of lemon juice before adding sugar and spices.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and serve with appropriate accompaniments.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 357
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 27 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg