Name: Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples: The Best Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3.5 lb apples, peeled, cored & sliced (Golden Delicious or Granny Smith) (about 1/2-inch thick wedges); 2 Tbsp cornstarch; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

Is there anything more comforting than walking into a kitchen that smells like warm cinnamon and sweet apples? For me, that scent instantly brings back memories of family road trips and stopping for a hearty meal at a country store. If you are a fan of Southern comfort food, you likely know that Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are the holy grail of side dishes. They walk that delightful line between a savory dinner accompaniment and a decadent dessert.

Contents

Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Step 2: Season and Protect
Step 3: Make the Spiced Glaze
Step 4: Add the Butter
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Step 6: Stir and Serve

Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1. Do I have to peel the apples?
Q2. Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Q3. Can I use apple pie spice instead of cinnamon?
Q4. Why is my sauce too runny?

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples: The Best Copycat Recipe

Description
Ingredients

Fried Apples

Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

While the restaurant version is iconic, making this dish at home allows you to control the ingredients and fill your home with an aroma better than any scented candle. This recipe for Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples is incredibly hands-off. By using a slow cooker, we let the apples tenderize gently in a rich, buttery cinnamon glaze without turning into mush. Whether you serve them alongside roast pork or scoop them over vanilla ice cream, this copycat recipe is bound to become a fall staple in your home.

Ingredients

To achieve that signature syrup-like consistency and tender bite, you need the right balance of thickeners, sweeteners, and spices. Here is what you will need:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Apples	3-4 lbs	Peeled, cored & sliced. (Golden Delicious or Granny Smith work best).
Cornstarch	2 Tbsp	The secret to a thick, glossy sauce.
Brown Sugar	¼ cup	Packed; adds caramel notes.
Granulated Sugar	¼ cup	Adds pure sweetness.
Cinnamon	1 tsp	Ground; the primary warming spice.
Butter	¼ cup	Melted; use unsalted to control sodium.
Lemon Juice	2 tsp	Fresh is best; prevents browning and balances sweetness.
Vanilla Extract	1 tsp	Adds aromatic depth.

Timing

This is the ultimate “set it and forget it” recipe. Most of the time is hands-off, allowing you to focus on the main course or just relax.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes (peeling and slicing)
Cooking Time: 2 hours (High) or 4-5 hours (Low)
Total Time: ~2 hours 20 minutes
Context: While the total time seems long, the active effort is minimal—about 90% less active work than making an apple pie!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to ensure your apples are perfectly glazed and tender. The slow cooking process allows the spices to permeate every slice.

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your 3-4 lbs of apples. Aim for uniform wedges, roughly 1/2-inch thick. Uniformity is key here; if the slices are too thin, they will turn into applesauce; too thick, and they won’t cook through. Place the prepared slices into the basin of your slow cooker.

Tip: If you love a tart contrast to the sweet syrup, use Granny Smith apples. For a softer, sweeter bite similar to the restaurant version, use Golden Delicious.

Step 2: Season and Protect

Drizzle the 2 tsp of lemon juice and 1 tsp of vanilla extract directly over the fresh apple slices in the slow cooker. Toss them gently with a spatula to coat.

Why this matters: The lemon juice acts as an antioxidant, preventing the apples from turning an unappealing brown color before they cook, while the vanilla adds a bakery-style aroma.

Step 3: Make the Spiced Glaze

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 Tbsp cornstarch, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Once combined, sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples.

Tip: Mixing the cornstarch with the sugar prevents it from clumping up when it hits the moisture of the apples, ensuring a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Add the Butter

Pour the ¼ cup of melted butter over the top of the sugared apples. Toss everything gently one more time until the apple slices are evenly coated in the sugar-spice-butter mixture. This creates the base for that rich, glossy syrup we are looking for.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on High for 2 hours or on Low for 4-5 hours. The low and slow method generally yields a better texture, but the high setting works perfectly if you are in a rush.

Step 6: Stir and Serve

About halfway through the cooking time, give the apples a gentle stir to ensure they glaze evenly. The apples are done when they are fork-tender but still hold their shape. The sauce might look thin initially but will thicken into a glorious, glossy syrup as it cools slightly. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information

This dish is a treat, combining fruit with sugar and fat. Here is an estimated breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings):

Calories: ~210 kcal
Carbohydrates: 42 g (Sugar: 35 g)
Fat: 6 g (Saturated: 3.5 g)
Fiber: 4 g (Thanks to the apples!)
Protein: 1 g
Sodium: 10 mg

Note: Nutrition can vary based on the specific type of apples and brand of butter used.

Healthier Alternatives

If you want to enjoy these Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples with a lighter nutritional profile, try these simple swaps:

Reduce Sugar: Apples are naturally sweet! You can cut the granulated sugar entirely and rely solely on the brown sugar and the fruit’s natural fructose.
Natural Sweeteners: Swap the refined sugars for pure maple syrup or honey. If doing this, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water (slurry) before adding it to the pot to ensure it thickens.
Vegan Option: Substitute the butter for coconut oil or a high-quality vegan butter alternative. Coconut oil adds a very subtle tropical note that pairs surprisingly well with cinnamon.
Lower Fat: Reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still delicious.

Serving Suggestions

The versatility of this dish is what makes it a favorite. Here is how to serve it up:

As a Southern Side: Serve warm alongside pork chops, roast ham, or fried chicken. The sweetness cuts through savory, salty meats perfectly.
As Breakfast: Spoon these apples over oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles for a decadent weekend brunch.
As Dessert: This is the classic move. Serve a generous scoop over vanilla bean ice cream or a slice of pound cake. Drizzle the extra syrup from the bottom of the pot over the top!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your apples come out perfect every time, avoid these common pitfalls:

Using Mealy Apples:
- The Mistake: Using Red Delicious or older apples.
- The Result: The apples disintegrate into mushy sauce.
- Solution: Stick to firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious.
Opening the Lid Too Often:
- The Mistake: Checking on the apples every 20 minutes.
- The Result: Heat escapes, increasing cooking time and potentially preventing the sauce from thickening properly.
- Solution: Stir only once halfway through.
Slicing Unevenly:
- The Mistake: Having some thick wedges and some paper-thin slices.
- The Result: Some bites are crunchy while others are dissolved.
- Solution: Take your time to cut uniform 1/2-inch slices.

Storing Tips

These apples reheat beautifully, making them a great option for meal prep.

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Reheat: Warm them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or gently on the stovetop over low heat.
Freeze: You can freeze these apples for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Note that the texture may be slightly softer after freezing and thawing.

Conclusion

Recreating the magic of the country store at home is easier than you think. This Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe delivers all the warmth, spice, and sweetness of the original with minimal effort. It is the perfect way to use up a bushel of apples in the fall or to add a touch of sweetness to your holiday table.

The transformation of simple ingredients into a glossy, aromatic dish is pure culinary magic. Try it out and let us know in the comments—did you serve them as a side dish or straight out of the pot with a spoon? We’d love to hear your feedback! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe to our blog for more easy, copycat recipes delivered straight to your inbox.

FAQs

Q1. Do I have to peel the apples?

Traditionally, “fried apples” like the ones at Cracker Barrel are peeled. Leaving the skin on changes the texture significantly and can prevent the apples from melding with the glaze. For the most authentic copycat experience, we recommend peeling them.

Q2. Can I make this on the stovetop instead?

Yes! If you are short on time, combine all ingredients in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Q3. Can I use apple pie spice instead of cinnamon?

Absolutely. Apple pie spice usually contains cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Using 1 teaspoon of this blend adds a more complex, spicy flavor profile that works beautifully with this recipe.

Q4. Why is my sauce too runny?

The sauce thickens as it cools. If it is still watery after the cooking time is up, you can remove the lid and cook on High for another 15-20 minutes to let some liquid evaporate. Also, ensure you didn’t skip the cornstarch!