Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples. There, I said it. Right at the start because let’s be honest, sometimes you’re just craving those warm, gooey apples like the ones you get at the restaurant. But who wants to stand at a stove, babysitting a skillet? That’s exhausting. Plus, I’ve totally burnt my apples before. If you, like me, want that five-star restaurant flavor without all that hassle, settle in. We’ll chat about apple choices, easy steps, fun ways to serve them, and what to do with leftovers. And if you have a wild side, check out these tips for making unique fried chicken ice cream or even try mixing fruit with your dessert for a party twist. You won’t believe how your kitchen’s gonna smell.
Type of Apples to Use for Fried Apples
Alright, here’s where people start to overthink it and, buddy, I’ve been there. I used to stand in the store, holding up apples like I’m judging a beauty contest. Don’t! For Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples you want apples that stand up to cooking. Let me get real with you—soft apples just get mushy and sad. Go for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They’ve got the right zing and hold their shape. If you like things sweeter (my youngest is obsessed with sugar, so I get it) maybe Pink Lady or Fuji—but these can get a bit too soft if you leave them in too long.
If you grab what’s on sale, that’s fine too. Just maybe avoid Red Delicious. Trust me. Tried that once, and the result looked like sad applesauce.
You can even mix two types for more flavor—Granny Smith for bite, Honeycrisp for sweetness. Just peel and slice. Easy as pie.
One last thing: don’t cut them too thin. Quarter-inch slices seem to work best for that tender-but-not-mushy texture.
I once literally dropped a whole bag in the slow cooker because I was late for school pickup. Best accident ever.
“These apples tasted just like the ones from the restaurant! My picky eater had seconds. Game changer.”
How to Make Fried Apples
Here comes the best part: dump and go. If you can use a knife and press buttons, you’re already halfway there. Slice up 6-8 apples (see above for the best kind). Toss those into your slow cooker.
Next, in a bowl, stir together 1/2 cup brown sugar, a tablespoon of cornstarch, and a sprinkle of cinnamon—maybe a little nutmeg if you wanna get wild. Sprinkle that over the apples. Stick 4 tablespoons of butter in there, chopped up so it melts evenly. Pour in 1/4 cup apple juice.
Give it all a lazy stir. Then, slap the lid on and set it to low for 3 hours. High if you’re impatient (about 1.5-2 hours). You do you.
Come back to the smell… oh my goodness, it’s unreal. I opened the lid once and honestly, thought my house smelled better than the actual Cracker Barrel. No joke.
If it looks a bit thin at the end, just cook it with the lid off for ten minutes. It thickens up just right.
How to Serve Them
Alright, you’ve got a slow cooker full of happiness. What now? There are more ways to serve these fried apples than you think—let me throw out some of my favorites:
- Breakfast magic: Spoon over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. Kids go nuts for it.
- Dessert delight: Top with vanilla ice cream (try the fried chicken ice cream for a wild combo) or pair with pound cake.
- Dinner upgrade: Serve as a side with pork, or hey, fried chicken for the classic twist. It’s sweet, it’s tangy—it works.
My neighbor once put these apples into a grilled cheese sandwich. Is that normal? Who knows. But she said it was the best thing she ever ate. So, get creative.
Storage & Reheating
Don’t worry if you cooked a mountain of apples—leftovers are gold. Let them cool a bit, then pop into a sealed container. Fridge gives you about four days. Sometimes I stash them in the freezer if I made way too much (mom brain, it happens).
To reheat, just zap in the microwave or warm gently on the stove. Add a tiny splash of apple juice if they look dry. It wakes them right back up. You can even use leftovers in other recipes, like layering into French toast or topping yogurt. I did that last Sunday and suddenly my plain yogurt was, well, not so plain.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I get it. There are roughly a bazillion apple recipes on the internet. But these Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples? Top tier. No slaving over a skillet. No worrying about burning sugar. Just dump, go live your life, and come back to a pot of pure joy.
It’s super forgiving. Not enough sugar? Toss more in. Want them extra soft? Add an hour. More cinnamon? Go wild.
Plus, if your kids are anything like mine, this is one of the very few ways I get fruit in them without bribes. I call that a parenting win. The fact my house smells like a country bakery all day? That’s just icing on the cake. Or apples on the ice cream.
So, end of the day: This recipe is easy, comforting, family-pleasing, and just a little bit magic.
Common Questions
Can I peel the apples ahead of time?
Sure! Just toss slices with a splash of lemon juice so they don’t brown while you do other things.
Do they taste exactly like restaurant apples?
Honestly, these are so close that when my uncle tried them, he asked if I’d smuggled them home. Maybe even better if you ask me.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown?
You can, but I really don’t recommend it—the brown sugar gives more depth. But hey, if you’re out of brown sugar, white works in a pinch.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough and stir halfway through if you can.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Besides breakfast and dessert, I’ve reheated them and served on toast with a little cheddar. Surprisingly awesome.
Ready to Try These Apples?
Okay, friendly advice—stop overthinking Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples and just make them. Apple picking in the fall? Great excuse to try this. Short on time? The slow cooker won’t care. Even picky eaters and stubborn aunts at the family cookout will beg for more. For the real deal, this Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe in the Slow Cooker is solid gold, or if you’re in the mood for inventive treats, check out these fried chicken ice cream ideas for dessert. Seriously, get your apples, dust off the slow cooker, and welcome to comfort food heaven.
Fried Apples
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6-8 pieces apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji) Choose apples that hold shape when cooked. Avoid Red Delicious.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar Adds depth of flavor; white sugar can be used but not recommended.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch Helps thicken the apple mixture.
- 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon Adjust to taste; nutmeg can also be added.
- 1/4 cup apple juice For moisture and enhancement of flavor.
- 4 tablespoons butter Chopped for even melting.
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice apples into quarter-inch slices and place them in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg.
- Sprinkle mixture over the apples and add chopped butter and apple juice.
- Stir gently to combine, ensuring apples are coated.
Cooking
- Cover and set the slow cooker to low for 3 hours or high for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- For thickening, remove the lid and cook for an additional 10 minutes if necessary.
Serving
- Serve warm over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for breakfast.
- Top with vanilla ice cream or serve as a side with pork or fried chicken.
- Get creative by adding to grilled cheese sandwiches or layering into French toast.