These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are tender, caramelized, and full of sweet cinnamon flavor. Perfect as a dessert, breakfast topping, or side dish, this recipe brings the comforting flavors of the iconic restaurant right to your home.

Why Fried Apples Are a Classic Southern Treat

Fried apples are a staple of Southern cuisine, known for their warm, comforting flavors. Using a mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples creates the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Honeycrisp apples bring natural juiciness, while Granny Smith adds firm texture and tanginess.

The slow-cooking process gently softens the apples without turning them to mush, allowing them to maintain a satisfying bite. Brown sugar and cinnamon enhance the natural fruit flavors, creating a rich, caramel-like syrup. This dish evokes the nostalgia of traditional Southern breakfasts and holiday meals, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights.

How Ingredients Work Together for Perfect Flavor

The combination of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla transforms simple apples into a luscious dessert. Butter provides richness and a glossy finish, while the sugar mixture caramelizes slightly during cooking. Cinnamon adds warmth, enhancing the natural apple sweetness, and lemon juice balances the flavors, preventing the apples from becoming overly sweet.

Cornstarch helps thicken the syrup slightly, giving it a glossy, restaurant-style finish. Vanilla rounds out the flavors, giving the dish depth and aroma. Together, these ingredients create a classic Cracker Barrel-style fried apple taste that’s simple yet indulgent.

Tips for Cooking Slow Cooker Fried Apples

Cooking in a slow cooker ensures even heating and tender apples without constant monitoring. Avoid overcooking; the apples should remain slightly firm and not turn to mush. Using a silicone spatula to gently toss them halfway through cooking ensures even coating in the buttery cinnamon syrup.

This recipe is versatile: serve it warm with pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or as a side to pork chops and roasted chicken. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days and reheated gently. Following these tips guarantees soft, flavorful fried apples with a glossy, caramelized syrup every time.

Ingredients

• 5 lbs total apples (Honeycrisp and Granny Smith recommended), cored and cut into wedges
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Juice of 1 lemon (2–3 tbsp)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Lightly coat the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or line it with a disposable liner for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Add Apples

Place the apple wedges into the slow cooker, spreading them evenly to ensure uniform cooking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon until thoroughly combined.

Step 4: Coat the Apples

Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture over the apples. Gently toss with a silicone spatula or spoon until the apples are evenly coated.

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients and Cook

Combine melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a measuring cup. Pour evenly over apples. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours. Stir gently before serving to distribute the syrup.

Recipe Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 servings

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 15 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

1. Can I use only one type of apple?

Yes, but using a mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith gives the ideal balance of sweetness and tartness. Single-type apples may be sweeter or more tart depending on choice.

2. Can I cook this on LOW instead of HIGH?

Absolutely. Cooking on LOW for 4–5 hours works well, resulting in slightly softer apples with deeper caramelization.

3. Can I peel the apples?

Yes. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients, but peeling is fine for smoother bites.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.