There are some tastes that transport you straight back to simpler times, to bustling family dinners and the warmth of genuine hospitality. For many, that taste is synonymous with the iconic Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. While their menu boasts an array of comforting delights, few items capture the heart quite like their signature fried apples. Now, imagine bringing that classic flavor, the sweet, tender apples bathed in a rich, cinnamon-spiced syrup, right into your own kitchen with minimal fuss. That’s precisely what we’re doing today with this incredible recipe for Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples.

The beauty of recreating this beloved dish using a slow cooker method cannot be overstated. For the home cook, it means less active time hovering over a hot stovetop, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or especially grand holiday feasts like Thanksgiving. The low-and-slow cooking process allows the apples to gently soften, absorbing all the glorious flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of butter, resulting in an exceptionally tender texture and a deep, complex syrupy glaze that’s simply irresistible. This is more than just a side dish; it’s a taste of nostalgia, perfected for your convenience. Get ready to enjoy a deeply satisfying, incredibly flavorful treat that perfectly captures the essence of those famous Cracker Barrel copycat recipes, all thanks to your trusty crockpot.

Ingredients for Authentic Fried Apples

Choosing the Best Apples

The foundation of any great apple dish starts with the right fruit. For our southern fried apples side dish, you want apples that hold their shape well during extended cooking but still break down into a tender, yielding bite. The classic choice often falls between Granny Smith and Golden Delicious.

Granny Smith: These are tart and firm, providing a wonderful counterbalance to the sweetness of the glaze. They retain their structure beautifully, preventing mushiness, and offer a pleasant tang that brightens the overall flavor profile.
Golden Delicious: These apples are sweeter and slightly softer than Granny Smiths. They cook down to a more tender consistency and contribute a lovely natural sweetness.

For the absolute best result, we recommend a combination of both! The Granny Smiths provide structure and tartness, while the Golden Delicious apples bring sweetness and a softer texture, creating a perfectly balanced bite that truly mimics the Cracker Barrel experience. As for peeling, the Cracker Barrel way typically involves peeling the apples. This ensures a uniform, smooth texture in the final product, free from any chewy skins.

The Spiced Glaze

The magic of these crockpot cinnamon spiced apples truly comes alive in their luscious, syrupy glaze. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that signature flavor and consistency.

The Role of Brown Sugar and White Sugar: We use a combination of both for a reason. Brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and a hint of caramel notes that are essential for that warm, comforting profile. White granulated sugar contributes pure sweetness and helps the syrup achieve a beautiful, glossy finish. This blend ensures a complex sweetness that isn’t one-dimensional.
Essential Spices: Cinnamon and Apple Pie Spice: Ground cinnamon is non-negotiable; it’s the dominant flavor that defines fried apples. But for an extra layer of complexity and warmth, we also incorporate apple pie spice. This blend often includes cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sometimes ginger or cardamom, elevating the overall aromatic profile and giving your slow cooker apple dessert a truly professional touch.
Why Cornstarch is the Secret to the Thick Syrup: This is where the brilliance of the Cracker Barrel copycat recipe truly shines. A small amount of cornstarch, whisked into a slurry, is added towards the end of the cooking process. It acts as a thickening agent, transforming what would otherwise be a watery liquid into that rich, glossy, spoon-coating syrup that clings beautifully to every apple slice. Without it, you wouldn’t get that iconic texture.

Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Instructions

Achieving perfectly tender, gloriously coated slow cooker Cracker Barrel fried apples is incredibly simple with these straightforward steps. Follow along to create your ultimate vegetarian southern comfort food.

Prepare the Apples: Wash, peel, core, and slice your apples. Aim for slices about ½ inch thick. Consistency is key here; uniformly sized slices ensure even cooking. If some are too thin, they might turn mushy, while thicker ones might remain firm. Place all sliced apples directly into your slow cooker insert.
Create the Flavor Rub: In a medium bowl, whisk together both the brown sugar and white granulated sugar. Add the ground cinnamon, apple pie spice, and a pinch of salt. The salt helps to balance the sweetness and brings out the other flavors. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined. This is your dry rub, packed with all the delicious warmth and sweetness.
Coat the Apples: Sprinkle the dry rub mixture evenly over the sliced apples in the slow cooker. Add the cubed unsalted butter directly on top of the apple mixture. Gently toss the apples with the dry rub and butter using a spatula or your hands until all the apple slices are well coated. This ensures that every piece of fruit is infused with flavor from the start, and the butter will melt down to create a rich base for the syrup.
Cooking Times: High vs. Low Heat Settings:
- Low Heat Setting: For the most tender, deeply flavored results, cook on low for 3-4 hours. This gentle heat allows the apples to slowly soften and absorb the spices, developing a richer, more complex taste. It’s ideal if you have the time to let them simmer.
- High Heat Setting: If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for 1.5-2 hours. Keep a closer eye on them, as cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker model and apple variety. The goal is tender apples that aren’t mushy.
Regardless of the setting, stir occasionally (every hour or so) to ensure even cooking and prevent apples at the bottom from overcooking.
The Final Stir: Creating the Glossy Finish: Once the apples are tender but still hold their shape, it’s time to thicken the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Pour this cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker with the apples and stir gently but thoroughly. Replace the lid and continue to cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has visibly thickened to a beautiful, glossy, syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice if desired.

Serving Suggestions

These baked apples in slow cooker are incredibly versatile, making them a perfect addition to any meal, from breakfast to dinner, or even as a delightful slow cooker apple dessert. They truly are an easy holiday side dish.

As a Savory Side: These apples are a phenomenal partner for hearty main courses. Their sweet and tangy profile beautifully complements rich meats, making them an excellent Thanksgiving fruit side dish. Pair them with a succulent roast beef, tender slices of turkey, or even pan-seared chicken for a balanced and flavorful meal.
As a Dessert: Elevate these humble apples into an extraordinary slow cooker apple dessert. Serve them warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a sprinkle of toasted pecans. The warm, spiced apples against the cold, creamy ice cream is a match made in heaven.
Breakfast Options: Don’t limit these to lunch or dinner! Spoon them over a warm bowl of oatmeal, fluffy pancakes, or crispy waffles for an elevated breakfast experience. They also make a fantastic filling for crepes or a sweet addition to Greek yogurt.

Expert Tips for Success

Making the perfect batch of slow cooker Cracker Barrel fried apples is straightforward, but a few expert tips can ensure your dish is consistently outstanding every time.

“The secret to perfectly tender yet firm fried apples lies in understanding your specific slow cooker and the apples you choose. Never underestimate the power of uniform slicing!” – Chef’s Note

Preventing Mushy Apples: The primary key here is apple choice and monitoring. Use a mix of firm apples like Granny Smiths. Slice them uniformly, about ½ inch thick. Overcooking is the main culprit for mushy apples, so check for tenderness periodically, especially towards the end of the cooking time. You want them tender but still with some slight resistance. If they look ready, turn off the slow cooker even if the full time hasn’t elapsed.
Adjusting Sweetness Levels: The provided recipe aims for the classic Cracker Barrel sweetness, but you can certainly tailor it to your preference. For less sweet apples, reduce the total sugar by ¼ cup. If you prefer them sweeter, add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar at the beginning. Always taste after the initial cooking phase and before adding the cornstarch to make final adjustments.
How to Thicken the Sauce if it’s Too Runny: If, after adding the cornstarch slurry and cooking for the additional time, your sauce is still not thick enough, don’t panic. Simply create another small slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water, stir it into the slow cooker, and cook for another 10-15 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Avoid adding dry cornstarch directly, as it can clump.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Having a batch of these delicious slow cooker Cracker Barrel fried apples on hand is a treat, and knowing how to store and reheat them properly ensures they remain just as delightful as the first serving.

Fridge Shelf-Life: Cooled and stored in an airtight container, your southern fried apples side dish will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen over time, often making leftovers even more enjoyable.
Reheating Methods to Maintain Texture:

Stovetop: This is the preferred method for maintaining texture. Gently reheat the apples in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of water or apple juice if the sauce seems too thick.
Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-60 second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can lead to mushy apples.

Freezing Instructions: Yes, you can freeze these! Allow the cooked apples to cool completely. Transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat using the stovetop method, adding a little liquid if needed to loosen the sauce. This makes them an excellent make-ahead option for easy holiday side dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of thickener?

Yes, while cornstarch is highly recommended for its clear, glossy finish and effectiveness, you can use other thickeners. Arrowroot powder can be substituted for cornstarch at a 1:1 ratio. It provides a similar clear finish but is more sensitive to high heat, so it’s best to stir it in at the very end and avoid vigorous boiling. Flour can also be used, but it will result in a cloudier, less glossy sauce and you’ll typically need to use twice as much as cornstarch to achieve the same thickening power. For a gluten free apple recipe, ensure you stick with cornstarch or arrowroot powder.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe for Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples is naturally gluten-free as long as all your ingredients (like spices) do not contain any hidden gluten. Apples, sugars, butter, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and cornstarch are all gluten-free, making this a fantastic option for those following a gluten-free diet or looking for vegetarian southern comfort food that everyone can enjoy.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

While this recipe is optimized for a slow cooker for that long, gentle simmer that develops deep flavor and perfect texture, you can adapt it for an Instant Pot (pressure cooker). However, the cooking method will be different. For Instant Pot, you would typically use less liquid, cook on high pressure for a very short time (around 1-2 minutes) followed by a quick release, and then stir in the cornstarch slurry on the sauté setting to thicken. This method is much faster but requires careful timing to prevent overcooking the apples into applesauce. For the authentic texture and less hands-on time, the slow cooker remains the superior choice for this particular dish.

We hope you love this incredible Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe as much as we do! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more delicious recipes and cooking tips: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568538666337

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe (Copycat)

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Copycat

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 15

Servings 8

Ingredients

Golden Delicious or Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced into wedges (peel on) Firm apples hold their shape best during slow cooking. Cracker Barrel typically leaves the peel on for color and texture, but you may peel them if pre...
Brown sugar, packed Provides the deep molasses flavor essential for the dark, rich syrup.
Granulated white sugar Adds sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze.
Cornstarch Critical for thickening the juices into a syrup rather than watery applesauce.
Ground cinnamon The primary spice flavor.
Apple pie spice Adds complexity with nutmeg and allspice notes.
Lemon juice Prevents browning and adds a slight tartness to balance the sugar.
Unsalted butter, cubed Adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel to the finished dish.

Instructions

Place the cored and sliced apples into a 6-quart slow cooker. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss gently to coat.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, white sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and apple pie spice until no lumps remain.
Pour the dry sugar and spice mixture over the apples. Toss the apples with your hands or a large spoon until every slice is evenly coated with the powder.
Scatter the cubed butter over the top of the apples.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on High for 2 hours or Low for 3.5 to 4 hours. The apples should be tender but not mushy.
Once cooked, uncover and stir the apples gently. The sauce will thicken rapidly as you stir the cornstarch mixture into the released juices. Serve warm.

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