There’s something about the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples that instantly makes a house feel like home. This easy slow cooker version of Cracker Barrel’s famous fried apples is the ultimate comfort food—soft, caramelized, and packed with cozy flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, dessert, or topping for pancakes and waffles, trust me, you’re going to love this one. Plus, since it’s made in a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while your kitchen fills with the most irresistible scent.

Why You’ll Love Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Name: Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484262H57M45S
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and sliced; – 1/2 cup granulated sugar; – 1/4 cup brown sugar; – 1 teaspoon cinnamon; – 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; – 1 tablespoon lemon juice; – 1/2 cup apple juice or water; – 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces; – 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Versatile This dish can be a side, dessert, or topping. Serve it with breakfast, dinner, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Budget-Friendly Made with simple, affordable pantry staples, this recipe is as cost-effective as it is delicious.

Quick and Easy Just toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and let it do the magic. No complicated steps required.

Customizable Adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking. Want more cinnamon? Go for it! Prefer a hint of nutmeg? Add a pinch.

Crowd-Pleasing A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:

Apples The heart of the recipe! Granny Smith apples work great for tartness, but you can use Honeycrisp or Gala for a sweeter flavor.

Brown Sugar Adds that rich, deep sweetness and helps create the caramelized texture we all love.

Cinnamon The ultimate warm spice that gives these apples their signature cozy taste.

Butter A little butter adds richness and enhances the overall flavor.

Cornstarch Helps thicken the sauce to coat every slice beautifully.

Lemon Juice Balances out the sweetness and prevents the apples from browning.

Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Prepare Your Apples Core, peel, and slice the apples into even wedges. This ensures they cook evenly and achieve the perfect tender consistency.

Combine Ingredients In a large bowl, mix the apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated.

Layer in Slow Cooker Place the apple mixture into the slow cooker and evenly distribute it. Add small butter pieces throughout to enhance the richness.

Thicken the Sauce In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Pour it over the apples and gently stir to combine.

Cook to Perfection Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the apples are soft and tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Finishing Touches Once done, give everything a final stir and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further.

Serve and Enjoy Dish out these warm, spiced apples and serve them however you like—on their own, over pancakes, or with a scoop of ice cream.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 180

Notes:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Serve as a side dish with pork chops or roasted chicken.
Spoon over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a breakfast treat.
Use it as a warm topping for vanilla ice cream or pound cake.
Stir into oatmeal or yogurt for a delicious fall-inspired breakfast.

Additional Tips

For an extra caramel flavor, try adding a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
Want a little crunch? Toss in some toasted pecans or walnuts before serving.
If you love extra spice, a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can add even more warmth.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! Granny Smith apples are great for tartness, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work well for a sweeter version.

2. Do I need to peel the apples?
It’s up to you! Peeling gives a softer texture, but leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and a more rustic feel.

3. Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely! Just simmer everything in a pan over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

5. How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, mix an extra teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in while the apples are still warm.

6. Can I add other fruits?
Yes! Try adding pears or cranberries for a fun twist.

7. How do I make this less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar or use a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup.

8. What’s the best slow cooker setting to use?
Low heat is best for slow, even cooking, but if you’re in a hurry, you can cook on high for 1.5–2 hours.

9. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but butter gives a richer, more authentic flavor.

10. Do I have to use cornstarch?
No, but it helps thicken the sauce. You can substitute with arrowroot powder or just let the apples cook longer to naturally reduce the liquid.

Conclusion

This Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re using it as a side dish, dessert, or breakfast topping, it’s a simple, fuss-free way to bring warm, cozy flavors to your table. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your home. So go ahead—grab those apples, fire up your slow cooker, and let the magic happen!