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Slow Cooker Fried Apples

Featured in: Sweet Treats for Every Occasion

Sliced apples are gently cooked in a slow cooker with melted butter, packed brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of vanilla. Lemon juice brightens the flavor, while a pinch of salt balances the sweetness. The apples become tender yet hold their shape, infused with a warmly spiced, buttery sauce. Enjoy them warm as a classic comfort food side, a sweet finish to a meal, or spooned over breakfast favorites and desserts. Customize with extra spices or reduce the sauce for a thicker texture as desired.

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sana kitchen chef
By Sana Sana
Updated on Tue, 09 Sep 2025 13:57:53 GMT
A plate of slow cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples. Pin it
A plate of slow cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples. | recipebyme.com

Slow cooker Cracker Barrel fried apples are that comforting southern side you crave on a cozy weekend morning or as a warm topping for pancakes. The scent of apples and cinnamon slowly filling the house while these cook in the crock pot is unbeatable. My family first asked for them after a road trip stop at Cracker Barrel and now I whip these up any time apples find their way into my cart.

When a holiday rolls around or the weekend needs a touch of nostalgia I love how these apples make the house smell like memories baking in the kitchen

Ingredients

  • Fresh apples: Large firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape best. Slice thick and avoid softer types
  • Unsalted butter: Adds richness and gloss to the apples. Choose a good quality butter for clean flavor
  • Brown sugar: Brings that caramel note and gives the sauce beautiful depth. Go for dark brown sugar if you love molasses flavor
  • Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Warming spices that give the apples their signature aroma. Buy fresh spices and store tightly sealed
  • Salt: Brightens all the sweet flavors just a pinch for balance
  • Vanilla extract: Adds mellow complexity. Use pure extract if you can
  • Lemon juice: Adds a nice tang to cut sweetness and helps preserve apple color. Use fresh pressed for brighter flavor

Instructions

Prepare the Apples:
Peel core and slice six large apples into even thick wedges. This is important for even cooking and best texture
Make the Spiced Butter:
In a small saucepan over low heat melt your butter gently. Stir in brown sugar cinnamon nutmeg and salt. Mix until smooth and glossy. This step ensures the flavors bloom in the butter
Combine in Slow Cooker:
Add apples to your slow cooker. Pour the warm spiced butter mixture over them. Use a spatula to gently toss until all apple pieces are coated evenly
Add Flavorings:
Pour the vanilla extract and fresh lemon juice over the apples. Mix again briefly. This keeps the apples bright and tasting fresh
Slow Cook:
Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker to low. Cook for four to six hours. Every now and then stir to make sure every slice gets that buttery goodness. The apples should be soft but not mushy and the sauce bubbly and syrupy
Serve the Apples:
Ladle the apples into bowls while hot or spoon over pancakes or vanilla ice cream. If you want a thicker sauce remove the apples and reduce the sauce in a saucepan until sticky before reuniting
A plate of caramelized apples with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
A plate of caramelized apples with a drizzle of caramel sauce. | recipebyme.com

You cannot beat the magic when butter and brown sugar hug tart apple slices I remember watching my kids race in from outside just because they caught the cinnamon scent drifting through the house

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove for best flavor. For longer storage the apples freeze well. Lay them flat in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If your sauce turns thick after chilling just add a splash of water and slowly warm stirring occasionally

Ingredient Substitutions

Out of Granny Smiths Try Fuji Braeburn or Honeycrisp instead. No butter Use a dairy free substitute for a plant based version. Like spice Add a touch of ground ginger allspice or even a pinch of ground cloves for extra warmth

Serving Suggestions

Think beyond dessert These apples pair beautifully with savory dishes like roast pork or chicken. Use them to top oatmeal French toast or waffles for brunch. My favorite is a scoop of apples and sauce over vanilla ice cream sprinkled with toasted pecans

A plate of apples covered in a caramel sauce.
A plate of apples covered in a caramel sauce. | recipebyme.com

Serve these apples warm from the crock pot for pure comfort. They make every morning or gathering feel extra special

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of apples work best?

Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape better during slow cooking.

→ Can I adjust the level of spice?

Absolutely. Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a deeper, warmer flavor profile.

→ How do I make the sauce thicker?

Remove apples at the end and reduce the sauce on the stovetop before mixing them back in.

→ How should I serve these apples?

Serve warm as a side with meats, or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.

→ Can I store leftovers?

Yes, refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

Slow Cooker Fried Apples

Tender apples simmered with cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter for a warm, cozy dish or topping.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
270 min
Total Time
285 min
By Sana: Sana

Category: Desserts & Sweets

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (Serves 8 as a side or dessert)

Dietary Categories: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 6 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
02 1/2 cup unsalted butter
03 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
04 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps

Step 01

Place the peeled, cored, and sliced apples evenly into the slow cooker insert.

Step 02

In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over low heat. Add brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.

Step 03

Evenly pour the spiced butter mixture over the apples in the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat all apple slices.

Step 04

Incorporate vanilla extract and lemon juice into the apple mixture and stir gently again to distribute.

Step 05

Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on the low setting for 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.

Step 06

Serve the warm apples as a dessert or side dish as desired.

Notes

  1. Select firm apple varieties, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, to maintain texture during slow cooking.
  2. Enhance depth of flavor with a pinch of ground cloves or allspice if desired.
  3. For a thicker sauce, remove the apples at the end of cooking and simmer the remaining liquid on the stovetop until reduced, then pour back over the apples.
  4. Pairs excellently as a side with pork or poultry, or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for a maximum of 2 months.

Required Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Small saucepan
  • Cutting board
  • Paring knife or apple corer
  • Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains dairy (butter).

Nutritional Info (per serving)

This data is provided as a guide and doesn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 1 g