If you’ve ever found yourself craving that comforting, sweet, and tender treat that feels like a warm hug from the south, then you’re about to fall in love with this Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe. This dish transforms everyday apples into a luscious, cinnamon-kissed delight that melts in your mouth with every bite. Perfect for breakfast toppings, desserts, or even a snack on their own, these fried apples bring a sprinkle of cozy southern charm right to your kitchen, offering a simple yet spectacular way to elevate classic flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of preparing this dish! Each one is straightforward but essential, playing a crucial role in building that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and buttery richness that makes the Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe so irresistible.
- 3-4 lbs apples: Peeled and sliced into wedges to ensure tender, evenly cooked bites.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: This thickens the juices, giving a luscious, syrupy finish.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness and rich color.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar with lighter sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses the dish with that warming, spicy note.
- ¼ cup butter: Melted butter creates that classic fried apple richness and texture.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice: Provides a gentle brightness to keep the flavors fresh.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings out the natural sweetness and adds aromatic depth.
How to Make Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples and Cornstarch
Start by peeling and slicing your apples into nice wedges for that ideal bite-sized softness. Toss them into your slow cooker with the cornstarch, making sure each wedge is lightly coated. This step is crucial as the cornstarch will help thicken the juices and give your apples that velvety texture we all love.
Step 2: Add Sugars and Cinnamon
Next, sprinkle in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir everything carefully to combine all the sweet spices with the apples, ensuring each piece gets kissed with that classic Cracker Barrel warmth and sweetness.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter, Lemon, and Vanilla
Pour in the melted butter along with the fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients infuses the fried apples with richness, a hint of brightness, and fragrant undertones that truly elevate the dish beyond simple baked fruit.
Step 4: Cook on High
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 2 hours. This allows the apples to soften perfectly while the sugars meld into a syrupy, decadent sauce. The slow cooking is what makes this recipe shine with authentic Cracker Barrel flair.
Step 5: Stir and Serve
Once the cooking time is up, give the apples a gentle stir to mix all the flavors beautifully. Now, they’re ready to be enjoyed just as they are or paired with your favorite sides!
How to Serve Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or a small dollop of whipped cream on top for that extra charm. Chopped pecans or walnuts also add a delightful crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the softness of the fried apples.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs effortlessly with breakfast classics like pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal, adding a juicy, flavorful dimension. For a southern twist, serve alongside warm biscuits or even as a topping on vanilla ice cream for dessert!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe in a pretty glass jar as a parfait layered with granola and yogurt, or spoon them over roasted pork chops for a sweet-savory twist. The possibilities are deliciously endless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftover fried apples in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy that comforting southern sweetness anytime.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving a bit of room for expansion. They can last up to 3 months frozen without losing their delightful texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally to keep the syrupy sauce smooth and enjoy that just-made feeling all over again.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast, a mix of sweet and tart apples can create a more balanced flavor in the Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe.
Is it possible to make this without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can gently cook the apples in a heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. It may take a bit less time, so watch for softness and syrupy consistency.
Can I adjust the sweetness to my liking?
Definitely! Feel free to reduce or increase the sugars according to your preference. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, arrowroot or tapioca starch work well too and will give you that perfect thickened sauce.
Are these fried apples suitable for desserts?
Without a doubt! They’re wonderful on ice cream, cakes, or simply enjoyed alone as a sweet treat after any meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring a bit of southern comfort and wholesome goodness into your kitchen, the Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe is your new best friend. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile, promising to make any meal a little sweeter and a whole lot cozier. Give it a try, and watch how it becomes a fast favorite for your family and friends!
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Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples is a comforting, sweet, and warmly spiced apple dish that replicates the classic Southern restaurant favorite. Cooked gently in a slow cooker, this recipe combines tender apple wedges with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla to create a luscious and flavorful dessert or side dish. The slow cooking method ensures the apples are perfectly soft and caramelized, making it an easy and delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Apples
- 3–4 lbs apples, peeled and sliced into wedges
Dry Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel and slice 3-4 pounds of apples into wedges, removing any cores. Place the apple wedges into the slow cooker and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over them, then stir gently to evenly coat the apples. This helps thicken the juices as they cook.
- Add Sugars and Cinnamon: Pour ¼ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon over the apples. Stir the mixture carefully to combine the sugar and cinnamon evenly with the apples.
- Add Butter, Lemon, and Vanilla: Melt ¼ cup of butter and add it to the slow cooker. Then add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir everything together to blend all the flavors.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high heat. Let the apples cook for approximately 2 hours. During this time, the apples will soften and the sugars will caramelize, creating a rich, flavorful syrup.
- Finish and Serve: After 2 hours, uncover the slow cooker and give the fried apples a final stir to mix in any juices that may have separated. Serve warm as a dessert, side dish, or topping for pancakes and ice cream.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust sugar amounts based on your sweetness preference or the tartness of your apples.
- For a thicker syrup, you can cook the apples uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to reduce liquids.
- This dish can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra spice variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern American
