Whenever I visit Tennessee, the first thing that comes to my mind is Cracker Barrel, their popular chain of restaurants known for its homestyle Southern cuisine.
Given that it is a restaurant, of course, I would regularly stop by and satisfy my taste buds, and at the same time, try something new in their rich range of delicious dishes.
It was the same this time when I was most delighted with one of their desserts known as Cracker Barrel Fried Apples.
When I learned how simple the recipe for this amazing dish really is, I couldn’t help but make it myself when I got home. Now, I want to share it with you too.
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
This slow cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe delivers that well-known sweet and spiced goodness, perfect for a side dish or dessert treat.
Ingredients
- 12 cups of sliced apples peel on ( sour apples like Granny Smith)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 3 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 3/4 cup of salted butter melted
- 1/2 cup of apple juice
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 264Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 100mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 4gSugar: 35gProtein: 1g
Ingredients That Make Magic
Before we dive into the instructions, let’s talk about what goes into these delicious slow-cooked apples. Here’s the list of ingredients you’ll need to gather before getting started:
• Sliced apples: These tart, green apples give the dish the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Their firm texture also holds up well in the slow cooker, ensuring that your apples remain tender but not mushy.
• Pumpkin pie spice: A delightful blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. It’s what brings that cozy, autumnal flavor to the dish. Even though it’s most commonly used in pumpkin pie, it’s perfect for apples, too.
• Cinnamon: The backbone of the flavor profile. Cinnamon adds a deep, sweet warmth that perfectly complements the apples and gives that classic “fall” taste.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar brings both sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor that makes everything taste richer and more complex.
• Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce, giving it that perfect, syrupy consistency that coats each apple slice just right.
• Salted butter: You can’t go wrong with butter, especially when you’re making a dish this comforting. The melted butter adds richness and a smooth, velvety texture to the sauce.
• Apple juice: Apple juice helps create a bit of extra liquid and adds a fruity note to the sauce without overpowering the apple flavor.
Instructions
1. Prep Your Crock Pot: First, set your slow cooker to high and give it a quick spritz of cooking spray. This helps the apples cook evenly and makes cleanup easier later.
Then, add your sliced apples right into the crock pot.
2. Mix the Good Stuff: In a medium bowl, stir together cinnamon, pie spice, brown sugar, and cornstarch until everything’s perfectly blended.
This sweet, spiced mix is what makes the magic happen.
3. Layer It Up: Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the apples, making sure they’re all coated.
4. Pour Melted Butter and Apple Juice: Next, pour melted butter and apple juice over everything—this creates that irresistible sauce you’re craving. Give it a good stir to ensure every slice is covered.
5. Cook to Perfection: Let your slow cooker do its thing on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your cooker.
You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are tender, and the sauce has thickened into pure deliciousness.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these fried apples piping hot for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect as a side dish or dessert—either way, they’re sure to delight your taste buds!
And there you have it — a signature part of the Cracker Barrel dining experience in your very own dining room.
You can enjoy them as a comforting accompaniment to your pancakes or biscuits, or even serve them alongside savory meals such as fried chicken or pork.
Why These Fried Apples Are the Ultimate Comfort Food
There’s something truly magical about fried apples. They’re simple yet packed with flavor, comforting yet indulgent, and perfect for any time of year.
The best part? This recipe is so easy to make and requires minimal effort—yet it tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours.
The slow cooker does most of the work for you, and the result is a bowl of warm, spiced apples bathed in a rich, buttery sauce that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Whether you’re craving a sweet side dish for a holiday meal, looking to impress your friends with a homemade dessert, or just wanting something to warm you up on a chilly day, these Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are always a hit.