Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe
Introduction
These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples capture the comforting flavors of a classic Southern dessert with minimal effort. Tender apples simmered in a cinnamon-spiced sauce make a perfect topping for breakfast or a cozy dessert anytime.
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
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the peeled, cored, and sliced apples into the slow cooker.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples in the slow cooker.
- Step 3: Drizzle the melted butter and water over the apple and sugar mixture. Stir gently to coat the apple slices evenly.
- Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and lemon juice until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well.
- Step 6: Increase the slow cooker heat to high and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Step 7: Serve the fried apples warm. They are excellent on their own or topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a warmer spice profile.
- For a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch mixed with water if needed during the thickening step.
- Try serving over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a delicious breakfast upgrade.
Storage
Store leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The sauce may thicken further upon cooling; stir in a splash of water or apple juice when reheating if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, you can substitute with other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji, but Granny Smith apples provide the best tangy contrast to the sweet sauce.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on for added fiber and a rustic appearance if you prefer.
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Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe offers tender, cinnamon-spiced apples cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Inspired by the classic Cracker Barrel dish, it features a sweet and aromatic mix of sugars and warm spices, finished with a luscious, thickened sauce. Perfect as a comforting dessert or a flavorful side, these apples require minimal hands-on time and deliver consistently delicious results.
Ingredients
Apples
- 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
Spices and Sugars
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Liquids and Thickeners
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples, then place them evenly into the slow cooker.
- Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Sprinkle this aromatic mixture evenly over the sliced apples in the slow cooker.
- Add Liquids: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter and water over the apples. Gently stir the mixture to coat the apple slices without breaking them.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let the apples cook for about 3 hours until they become tender but still hold their shape, avoiding mushiness.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and lemon juice until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker, stir well to combine, then increase the heat to high. Cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the warm fried apples as is or with a topping of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for the best balance of tartness and texture.
- Ensure apples are sliced evenly for uniform cooking.
- Do not overcook to prevent the apples from becoming mushy.
- Add a pinch of salt if you want to enhance the sweetness.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be warmed before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Keywords: slow cooker fried apples, Cracker Barrel fried apples, slow cooked apples, cinnamon apples, southern dessert apples, apple side dish
