Of course! That sweet, buttery, cinnamon-spiced Cracker Barrel fried apple taste is legendary. The great news is that you can achieve that same incredible flavor and tender texture right in your slow cooker with minimal effort.
This method is foolproof and fills your house with an amazing aroma.
The Secret to the “Fried” Flavor
The key to replicating that “fried” taste without actually frying is to sauté the apples in butter and spices before they go into the slow cooker. This step caramelizes the sugars and deepens the flavors. However, I’ve also included a “dump-and-go” method for ultimate convenience.
SLOW COOKER CRACKER BARREL FRIED APPLES
This recipe yields a tender, syrupy, and deeply flavored side dish that’s perfect for breakfast, a side for pork chops, or a topping for ice cream.
Yields: About 6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 2-3 hours on LOW
Ingredients
· 6-7 large, firm apples (See “Best Apples to Use” below)
· ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
· ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
· ¼ cup granulated sugar
· 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
· ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for a thicker syrup)
· 1 tablespoon water (optional, if using cornstarch)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Wash, peel, and core the apples. Slice them into ½-inch thick wedges. Tip: To prevent browning, you can toss them with a tablespoon of lemon juice, but it’s not necessary for the flavor.
Step 2: (Recommended) Sauté for Depth of Flavor
· In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
· Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until it forms a bubbly sauce.
· Add the apple slices and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples are just starting to soften and are coated in the sugary, buttery sauce.
Step 3: Slow Cook
· Transfer the entire contents of the skillet (apples and sauce) into your slow cooker.
· Stir in the vanilla extract.
· Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours. The apples are done when they are tender but still hold their shape. Avoid overcooking, or they will turn into mush.
Step 4: Thicken the Syrup (Optional)
· If you prefer a thicker syrup like the restaurant’s, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
· About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Replace the lid and let it finish cooking. The sauce will thicken as it cooks and cools.
Alternative “Dump-and-Go” Method
For the absolute easiest method, skip the stovetop step.
- Place the raw, sliced apples in the slow cooker.
- Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss to coat.
- Cut the butter into pats and place them on top of the apples.
- Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in the vanilla extract at the end.
Result: The flavor is still delicious, but the apples will be slightly more soft and the sauce a bit less caramelized. It’s a fantastic hands-off option!
Best Apples to Use
You need a firm apple that won’t turn to complete mush during the long cooking. Here are the best choices:
· Granny Smith: The #1 choice for a perfect balance of sweet and tart, and they hold their shape beautifully.
· Braeburn: Another excellent firm apple with a sweet-tart flavor.
· Honeycrisp: Sweet, crisp, and they hold up reasonably well.
· Fuji or Gala: These are sweeter and will become quite soft, but they are still delicious. A mix of Granny Smith and Fuji is a great compromise!
Serving Suggestions
· As a Side Dish: The classic way! Serve alongside pork chops, roast chicken, or ham.
· For Breakfast: Over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or stirred into oatmeal.
· As a Dessert: A la mode! Serve warm over vanilla ice cream, or with a slice of pound cake.
· With Cheese: A slice of sharp cheddar cheese on the side is a classic Cracker Barrel pairing.
Storage & Reheating
· Storage: Let the apples cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
· Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat.
Enjoy your homemade taste of Cracker Barrel