Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Who doesn’t love a warm, comforting dessert that’s both sweet and tangy with a touch of cinnamon? If you’ve ever had the famous Cracker Barrel Fried Apples, you know exactly what I’m talking about. These apples are the perfect balance of soft, sweet, and a little bit of spice, and the best part? You can make them with minimal effort in your slow cooker! That’s right – just toss everything in, set it, and let your slow cooker work its magic while your kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma. Trust me, this one’s a keeper! It’s cozy, easy, and absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Super Easy: The slow cooker does all the work for you. Just prep the apples and ingredients, pop them in, and let it cook while you go about your day.
• Comforting: These apples are the ultimate comfort food. They’re tender, sweet, and slightly spiced, making them the perfect dessert or side dish to any meal.
• Versatile: You can enjoy them as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, as a topping for pancakes, or even as a side with roasted meats. The possibilities are endless.
• Made with Simple Ingredients: You won’t need anything fancy to make this dish—just a few pantry staples and fresh apples that turn into something magical.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious fried apples:

Apples

The star of the show! Use a mix of tart apples (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples (like Fuji or Gala) for the best balance of flavor and texture. You want apples that will hold up well to slow cooking without turning to mush.

Butter

Rich, creamy butter adds to the depth of flavor and helps create that irresistible glaze that coats each apple slice.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar brings that deep, molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples and cinnamon. It caramelizes as it cooks, creating a syrupy sauce.

Cinnamon

A touch of ground cinnamon is a must for that warm, comforting spice that makes these apples feel like home.

Nutmeg

A pinch of nutmeg adds a little extra warmth and complexity to the dish, balancing the sweetness of the apples and sugar.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice adds a bright contrast to the sweetness of the apples and helps to keep them from turning too brown.

Vanilla Extract

A dash of vanilla extract deepens the flavor, rounding out the sweetness of the apples with that comforting vanilla aroma.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples is as simple as it gets. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and slice the apples into even wedges. Aim for about ¼-inch thick slices. You want them to hold their shape while they cook but still get tender and juicy.

2. Combine the Ingredients

In your slow cooker, toss in the apple slices along with the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together gently to coat the apples evenly with the sweet, spiced mixture.

3. Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook the apples on low for about 4-5 hours, or on high for about 2-3 hours. The apples should be tender but still hold their shape, and the sauce should have thickened slightly.

4. Stir Occasionally

If you’re around, stir the apples halfway through cooking to ensure that the sugar and butter melt evenly and coat the apples well. But no worries if you’re busy; the slow cooker will do its thing without needing much attention.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

Once the apples are tender and the sauce is rich and syrupy, they’re ready to serve! Spoon them out into bowls, and don’t forget to drizzle some of that delicious sauce over the top. You can serve them on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or alongside a savory meal.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: 160
• Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 10mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 22g
• Protein: 0g
• Vitamin A: 8%
• Vitamin C: 10%
• Calcium: 2%
• Iron: 2%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-5 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

These Fried Apples are perfect for serving in a variety of ways:

• Dessert: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an easy and delicious dessert.
• Pancake Topping: Spoon these apples over your morning pancakes or waffles for a decadent breakfast treat.
• Side Dish: They make a great side dish for roasted meats like pork or chicken, adding a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
• On Oatmeal: Stir them into your morning oatmeal for a comforting start to your day.

Additional Tips

• Use Different Apples: Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties to find your perfect mix of tart and sweet.
• Add More Spice: If you like a little more warmth, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or allspice along with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Make It Ahead: These apples can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Extra Rich: For a richer version, you can replace half of the butter with heavy cream for a creamier sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen apples?
A1: Fresh apples are best for this recipe, but if you’re using frozen apples, be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid too much excess moisture in the slow cooker.

Q2: Can I make this in the stovetop instead of the slow cooker?
A2: Yes, you can. Simply cook the apples on medium heat in a large skillet or saucepan, stirring occasionally, for about 20-30 minutes until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Q3: Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?
A3: Yes, you can, but brown sugar adds a richer, deeper flavor. White sugar will give you a sweeter, less complex flavor, but it will still work.

Q4: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A4: You can reduce the sugar and use less butter for a lighter version. Consider using a sugar substitute if you’re looking to cut back on sweetness.

Q5: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A5: Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would make a great addition, either mixed into the apples before cooking or sprinkled on top when serving.

Q6: How long do these fried apples last?
A6: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Q7: Can I freeze these fried apples?
A7: Yes! These apples freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

Q8: Can I make this recipe without butter?
A8: Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or even coconut oil if you prefer. It will slightly change the flavor, but it will still be delicious.

Q9: What’s the best way to reheat these apples?
A9: Reheat the apples in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or apple juice if needed to loosen the sauce.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can double the recipe. Just be sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra apples and adjust the cooking time if needed.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are the perfect combination of sweet, spiced, and just downright delicious. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert, a side dish, or topping them over pancakes, they’re sure to be a hit at any meal. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work for you—so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the mouthwatering aromas filling your kitchen. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!

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