Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are a warm, cinnamon-spiced Southern treat that taste just like the beloved restaurant classic. Made in the slow cooker for maximum ease and flavor, these tender apple slices simmer in a buttery brown sugar glaze that’s perfect over pork chops, pancakes, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The first time I recreated Cracker Barrel Fried Apples at home, it was because my husband couldn’t stop raving about them after a road trip breakfast stop. I wanted that same sweet, tender flavor—but without standing over a stove. I tossed everything in the slow cooker, and a few hours later, our house smelled like fall at grandma’s. My daughter now requests them every time the weather turns chilly—they’ve become our favorite cozy side (or dessert!).

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Ingredients Notes For Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• Fresh Apples: Firm and tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold up best

• Brown Sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the apples beautifully

• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Warm spice essentials

• Butter: Adds richness to the glaze

• Cornstarch or Flour (Optional): To thicken the syrup slightly

• Apple Juice or Water: Helps the apples stay juicy as they cook

• Lemon Juice: Balances the sweetness and prevents browning

Recipe Steps

1. Slice the Apples: Peel (optional) and core apples. Cut into thick slices or wedges.

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2. Mix Ingredients: Add apples to the slow cooker. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle with lemon juice and apple juice. Dot with butter.

3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or until apples are fork-tender but not mushy. Stir gently halfway through.

4. Thicken (Optional): For a thicker glaze, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir in during the last 30 minutes.

5. Serve Warm: Perfect as a side dish or dessert—top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!

Storage Options

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days

• Freezer: Freeze cooled apples in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months

• Reheat: Warm in microwave or stovetop with a splash of water or apple juice

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Variations & Substitutions

• Spiced Version: Add cloves, allspice, or apple pie spice

• Boozy Apples: Add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum

• Add Raisins or Pecans for extra texture and richness

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to peel the apples? Not at all! Leaving the skins on adds texture and color—totally up to your preference.

Can I double the recipe? Absolutely—just make sure your slow cooker is large enough.

Are these fried apples actually fried? Nope! They’re slow-cooked to mimic that buttery, glazed effect—no skillet needed.

These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are sweet, buttery, and taste just like the restaurant favorite—without the frying or fuss. Pure comfort in every warm, cinnamon-kissed bite! 🍎🍂🥄

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

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Course: Dessert, Side Dish

Kitchen: American, Southern American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours hours

Total Time: 3 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ 6 –8 medium apples such as Golden Delicious, Fuji, or Gala, peeled, cored, and thickly sliced
• ▢ ½ cup 0.25 lbs brown sugar, packed
• ▢ ¼ cup 0.12 lbs granulated sugar
• ▢ **1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ▢ **¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ▢ **¼ teaspoon salt
• ▢ **2 teaspoons lemon juice
• ▢ ¼ cup 0.12 lbs unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• ▢ 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for thickening
• ▢ ¼ cup 0.12 lbs apple juice or water

Instructions

• Prepare the Apples:
• Peel, core, and slice the apples into thick wedges. Add them to the slow cooker.
• Add Flavor:
• Sprinkle the apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice.
• Toss lightly to coat.
• Add Liquid & Butter:
• Pour apple juice (or water) over the apples.
• Dot the top with butter cubes.
• Cook:
• Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, or until the apples are fork-tender but not falling apart.
• If you want a thicker sauce, whisk the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Serve:
• Serve warm as a side dish, dessert, or topping for biscuits, ice cream, waffles, or pork!