Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe: Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Perfection at Home

There’s something undeniably comforting about the taste of Cracker Barrel’s famous fried apples—warm, sweet, and spiced with cinnamon. This Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe brings that signature dish right to your kitchen, capturing the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich flavors without the hassle. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to complement a savory meal, or a sweet, cozy dessert, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. And the best part? It’s made effortlessly in a slow cooker, so you can focus on other things while the magic happens!

Photo byRecipes By Lisa

I first stumbled upon this recipe while exploring Lisa’s amazing creations on her Facebook page, Recipes by Lisa. I knew immediately that I had to try it at home. I’m thrilled to be sharing this delicious recipe with you all, and trust me—you’ll want to bookmark this one!

A Brief History of Fried Apples

Fried apples have deep roots in Southern cooking, often appearing as a side dish in traditional Southern breakfasts or as a complement to hearty meals. The sweetness of the apples pairs beautifully with savory dishes like ham or biscuits, making it a versatile comfort food. Cracker Barrel has perfected this dish, but now you can enjoy the same delightful flavors in your own kitchen with minimal effort, thanks to the slow cooker!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 cup butter, sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup apple juice or water

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the Granny Smith apples into wedges. These apples have the perfect tartness that balances the sweetness of the sugars. Place the sliced apples directly into your slow cooker.
2. Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This fragrant spice blend adds warmth and depth to the apples. Once mixed, sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the apples.
3. Add Butter and Liquids: Layer the apple slices with pats of butter on top. Then, pour in the apple juice (or water if you prefer a lighter taste) and lemon juice. This helps create a luscious sauce as the apples cook.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Set your slow cooker on low heat and let the apples cook for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure that all the apples are evenly coated with the delicious spiced butter mixture. The apples should be tender but not too soft, retaining a slight bite.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your slow cooker fried apples warm. They’re perfect as a side dish for pork chops, on top of pancakes, or as a dessert with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top just before serving!

Tips for the Perfect Fried Apples:

• Apple Varieties: While Granny Smith apples work wonderfully due to their tartness, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
• Indulgent Pairings: Serve your fried apples with biscuits, alongside roasted meats, or spoon them over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Variations: For a lower-sugar option, reduce the sugar by half or try using a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.

If you enjoyed this easy slow cooker fried apples recipe, don’t forget to follow me for more mouthwatering dishes! I’d love to hear how your fried apples turned out, so leave a comment or share this recipe with your friends.