Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

These slow cooker Cracker Barrel style fried apples are pure comfort food for cozy mornings and festive gatherings. Sweetly spiced apples simmer slowly until tender and perfectly glazed, filling the kitchen with cinnamon warmth. With just a few ingredients and hands-off prep, you can bring a classic diner side right to your table.

I first made these apples for a brunch potluck and guests raved all morning. Now they are my must-have autumn treat whenever apples fill the market bins.

Ingredients

• Firm apples: such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious deliver the best texture in slow cooking look for apples that are heavy for their size with smooth unblemished skin
• Cornstarch: ensures the sauce thickens to that signature glaze check the box for a fresh date
• Brown sugar: brings deep caramel notes opt for dark if you want a richer flavor
• Granulated sugar: balances tart apples and intensifies the syrup
• Ground cinnamon: is essential for that homey spice be sure yours is fresh and fragrant
• Melted butter: adds a silky finish and richness use real butter for best taste
• Lemon juice: brightens the flavors and keeps apples from browning squeeze it fresh if you can
• Vanilla extract: rounds everything out look for pure extract not imitation

Instructions

Prepare the Apples:

Peel core and slice your apples evenly about half an inch thick to ensure they cook at the same rate. Take your time here uneven slices can fall apart or turn mushy.

Coat with Cornstarch:

Add the apple slices directly into your slow cooker. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the apples and toss gently with your hands or a spatula until every piece is well-coated. This way your glaze will be smooth and lump-free.

Add Sugars and Cinnamon:

Sprinkle both brown sugar and granulated sugar evenly over the apples then dust on the ground cinnamon. With a gentle hand mix everything together so each apple slice is covered in sweet spice.

Finish with Butter Lemon and Vanilla:

Pour the melted butter over the spiced apples. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and the vanilla extract. Stir well making sure everything is glossy and there are no dry spots.

Slow Cook:

Cover the slow cooker and set to high. Let the apples cook for two hours. About halfway through pause to peek and gently stir so all slices soften evenly and nothing sticks.

Check and Serve:

Once the apples turn fork-tender and glossy in a thick glaze they are ready. Spoon them warm into bowls or alongside your favorite breakfast. The syrupy sauce is perfect for drizzling.

My favorite ingredient in this dish has to be the hint of vanilla swirled into the warm syrup. Every time I smell these apples simmering I remember autumn breakfasts with my family all competing for the sauciest scoop.

Storage Tips

Let apples cool to room temperature then transfer to an airtight container. They keep fresh in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage tuck cooled apples in a freezer bag and they stay good for two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat gently before serving for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Granny Smith or Golden Delicious work with any firm tart apple such as Braeburn or Fuji. No cornstarch in the pantry Try arrowroot powder for a similar thickening effect. Maple syrup can replace the brown sugar for a slightly earthier sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Fried apples make an amazing topping for pancakes or waffles. Spoon them over oatmeal or Greek yogurt for breakfast or partner them with vanilla ice cream for a crowd-pleasing dessert. I even love them with savory pork or sausage for a sweet and salty balance.

Cultural and Historical Context

Fried apples are a staple at Southern diners like Cracker Barrel where they are served with breakfast platters or as a country style side. This recipe honors the traditional skillet method but makes it hands off and easy for home cooks. Slow cookers keep the apples juicy and spoonable every time.

Seasonal Adaptations

Choose local apples at their peak September through November
Swap cinnamon for nutmeg or allspice if you want a holiday vibe
Add a handful of dried cranberries for a festive pop of color and tartness

Success Stories

When I surprised my mom with a batch of these fried apples for breakfast she said they tasted just like eating at Cracker Barrel on a long road trip. Friends always ask for this recipe as a bring along to brunches and holiday dinners.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Prepare the apples as directed but stop before cooking. Freeze the coated apple mixture flat in a zip bag for up to two months. When you are ready to cook just pop the frozen apples straight into the slow cooker and add an extra thirty minutes to the cook time.

Savor the cozy cinnamon aroma and silky glaze of these fried apples with every bite. They are even better the next morning—if any are left over!

Recipe FAQs

→ Which apples work best for slow cooking?

Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious hold their shape and deliver the ideal texture when slow-cooked.

→ How do I prevent apples from becoming mushy?

Uniformly slice apples and avoid overcooking. Stir gently and keep the cooking time to about two hours on high.

→ What adds the signature glaze to the apples?

A mix of brown and white sugar, cornstarch, and melted butter creates a rich, glossy coating over the apples.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, store cooked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving for best results.

→ What can I serve these apples with?

They pair well with breakfast foods like pancakes or waffles, or can be enjoyed over ice cream or as a side for pork.