If you’ve ever indulged in the comforting delight of Fried Apples at Cracker Barrel, you know they are a must-try! But what if we told you that you could recreate this stunning dish right in your own kitchen using a slow cooker? These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are not only sweet and tender but also infused with the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg. Ideal as a side dish, a scrumptious dessert, or even a delightful topping for your breakfast pancakes, this recipe is sure to bring a touch of homemade comfort to your table. And the best part? With just a handful of simple ingredients, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of spiced apples!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a breeze to prepare! The slow cooker works its magic, transforming simple apples into a melt-in-your-mouth treat. The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter creates a heavenly, buttery sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over everything from savory meals to breakfast delights. Whether you choose to serve this dish alongside roasted meats or spoon it over your morning waffles and oatmeal, you’ll fall in love with its incredible versatility.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and sliced
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup apple juice or apple cider

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the apples: Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. For this recipe, Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples are ideal because they hold their shape beautifully while cooking.
2. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, blend together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter. Stir until well combined to form a sumptuous sauce.
3. Coat the apples: Place the apple slices in your slow cooker. Then, pour the brown sugar mixture over the apples, gently tossing to coat each slice evenly.
4. Add the liquid: In another small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in the apple juice or cider, mixing well. Pour this mixture over the apples in the slow cooker.
5. Cook the apples: Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Let the apples cook for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally. You want them tender but not mushy. As they cook, the sauce will thicken beautifully.
6. Serve: Once done, serve the fried apples warm. They’re delightful as a side dish, a dessert, or a topping! Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even serving them alongside roasted pork chops for a wonderful flavor contrast.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: These fried apples are incredibly versatile! Enjoy them as a side dish with savory meals, as a delectable topping for pancakes or waffles, or even as a warm dessert paired with vanilla ice cream.
• Storage: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Helpful Notes

• To prevent the apples from browning while you prepare them, toss them with a little lemon juice as you slice.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the apples during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• For an extra depth of flavor, feel free to add a pinch of allspice or ground cloves.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can definitely use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious as they may become too mushy.

2. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Just use a large skillet, cooking the apples over medium heat for around 20-25 minutes while stirring often until they’re tender.

3. How can I make these apples more like a dessert?
To transform this dish into a dessert, serve the fried apples with a crumbly topping or drizzle them with caramel sauce.

4. Can I freeze the fried apples?
Yes, these cooked apples can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Just remember to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

5. What can I serve these apples with?
These fried apples are delightful alongside breakfast items like pancakes or French toast. They also make a wonderful side dish with roasted pork or ham, and can even be used as a filling for crepes or pies!