Step into a world of sweet comfort with these Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples — a dish that’s as effortless as it is heart-warming. Tender Granny Smith apples are slow-cooked with butter, sugar, and warm spices, then finished with a silky sauce that clings to every bite. Whether served as a nostalgic dessert or a side dish alongside pork chops or a big Southern breakfast, these apples bring the down-home charm of Cracker Barrel right into your kitchen.
🕒 Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Equipment Needed: Slow cooker
This recipe is all about minimal effort with maximum reward — the slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you sit back and enjoy the comforting aroma filling your home.
🥘 Ingredients
- 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples. Place the slices directly into the slow cooker.
2. Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples.
3. Add Liquids
Drizzle melted butter and water over the spiced apples. Stir gently to coat without breaking the slices.
4. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, until the apples are soft and tender but not falling apart.
5. Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and lemon juice until smooth. Stir into the apples. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm as a comforting side dish, or elevate it into dessert with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Apple Choices: Granny Smith apples work best for tartness and texture, but Honeycrisp or Fuji add a sweeter profile.
- Make It Boozy: Stir in a splash of bourbon or apple brandy for a grown-up twist.
- Holiday Flair: Add cloves or allspice for a festive, warming aroma.
- Texture Preference: Cook less for firmer apples, longer for softer, melt-in-your-mouth slices.
🍽 Why This Recipe Works
This dish captures everything people love about Southern comfort food — simple, rustic ingredients transformed into something irresistible. The balance of tart apples, caramel-like sauce, and warm spices makes these fried apples versatile enough for breakfast, dinner sides, or dessert.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples prove that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of pantry staples and a slow cooker, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering in grandma’s kitchen all day.
✨ Serve them at your next family meal or holiday gathering, and watch them disappear spoonful by spoonful.
