Bring the Comfort of Home with Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples - A Georgia Twist

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In the heart of Georgia, where peaches often steal the spotlight, there’s another fruit that makes a comforting appearance on tables across the state – apples. And when it comes to turning apples into a heartwarming, soul-soothing dish, there’s no better recipe than the Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples. Inspired by the iconic southern restaurant, this dish captures the essence of traditional southern cooking with a balance of sweetness, spice, and buttery goodness.

Georgia is known for its homegrown apples, particularly from the north, where cooler climates allow for crisp, juicy varieties like Rome and Granny Smith. When slow-cooked to perfection, these apples become tender and rich, making them the perfect comfort food to enjoy during the cool months or whenever you need a little taste of nostalgia.

The Magic of Fried Apples Imagine biting into tender apple slices, coated in a syrupy blend of cinnamon, sugar, and butter, with just a hint of lemon to balance the sweetness. The fragrance of apples cooking in butter and spices fills the air, creating a sense of warmth and comfort that reminds you of home. This dish is perfect for pairing with a southern breakfast, topping off your favorite pork chop recipe, or simply enjoying as a sweet snack.

Recipe: Georgia-Inspired Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup butter (melted)
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3-4 lbs apples (peeled and sliced into wedges)

Instructions:

1. Start by peeling and slicing your apples into wedges. Try using local Georgia apple varieties like Rome or Granny Smith for an authentic touch.
2. In a slow cooker, add the apple slices and cornstarch, stirring until the apples are evenly coated. This will help thicken the sauce as the apples cook.
3. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon, mixing everything together until well combined.
4. Pour in the melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, making sure all the apples are covered in the mixture.
5. Secure the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours. The apples should become tender, and the sauce will thicken to a delicious, caramel-like consistency.
6. Once cooked, give the mixture a final stir to make sure the apples are coated in the sauce. Serve warm as a side dish, dessert, or on top of pancakes or biscuits.

The Final Touch
What makes this Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe truly special is its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re serving it alongside breakfast, adding it to a holiday dinner, or enjoying it straight out of the slow cooker, this dish brings all the warmth and sweetness of a southern kitchen to your home. The combination of tart apples, buttery syrup, and fragrant cinnamon makes it the perfect comfort food for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Georgia-grown apples give this recipe a fresh, local flavor that’s hard to beat. As you take each bite, you’ll be reminded of cool autumn days, visits to apple orchards, and the love that goes into every home-cooked meal in the South. This dish may be simple, but it’s a true celebration of Georgia’s love for fresh, local produce and comforting southern flavors.

The Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a southern classic at home. Using simple ingredients like apples, cornstarch, cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter, you can recreate this comforting dish with ease. The apples are slow-cooked to become tender, with a warm cinnamon-sugar glaze that’s perfect for pairing with breakfast or as a sweet side dish for dinner.

This recipe works best with tart apples like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious, which maintain their texture during cooking. The process is straightforward: coat the apple wedges with cornstarch, mix in the sugars and cinnamon, then add melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract before slow-cooking for a couple of hours. The result is a soft, syrupy, and fragrant apple dish that pairs wonderfully with pancakes, waffles, pork chops, or even as a dessert topped with ice cream.

For more information on making this recipe, check out some sources like​(Crayons & Cravings), ​(CopyKat Recipes), and (Bake It With Love).