Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Golden Delicious are ideal due to their texture, you can experiment with other varieties such as Fuji , Honeycrisp , or even Pink Lady for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by swapping out the unsalted butter for a plant-based alternative. Be sure to use a high-quality vegan butter to retain the rich flavor.

Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low?

While cooking on low for 3-4 hours is recommended for the best texture, you can cook on high for 1.5 to 2 hours. Just keep an eye on the apples to prevent them from becoming too soft.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Can I add more spices?

Of course! Feel free to customize the spice blend to your liking. Adding ginger , cloves , or even a dash of cardamom can give the apples an extra kick of warmth and flavor.

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

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
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prep the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples. Granny Smith apples work wonders for their tartness, but if you prefer something sweeter, Golden Delicious is a great choice. Place the sliced apples into your slow cooker.
Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This will be your signature spice blend. Sprinkle it evenly over the apples in the slow cooker. This step ensures every bite is bursting with sweet, spiced goodness.
Make the Sauce: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, cornstarch, lemon juice, and apple juice or apple cider. This mixture will thicken as it cooks, creating that iconic, luscious sauce. Pour it over the apples, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 3-4 hours. The apples should be tender yet firm enough to hold their shape. If you prefer your apples softer, you can extend the cooking time by 30 minutes. Gently stir the apples before serving to make sure they’re well-coated in the delicious sauce.
Serve and Enjoy!: Whether you’re serving these apples as a side dish to your main meal or as a cozy dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, they’re bound to be a hit. The sauce thickens beautifully, adding a rich flavor that complements the tender apples perfectly.

Notes

Apple Selection: Granny Smith apples offer a nice tart balance, but Golden Delicious apples will provide a sweeter flavor if that’s your preference.
Lemon Juice: Don’t skip the lemon juice! It helps brighten the flavors and keeps the apples from browning too quickly during cooking.
Texture Control: For firmer apples, check at the 3-hour mark. For softer apples, let them cook closer to 4 hours.
Make it Your Own: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cloves for extra warmth and depth of flavor.

Author: Elina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours
Category: Dessert
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250kcal
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Slow cooker apples, Cracker Barrel apple recipe, Fried apples slow cooker