If you’ve ever been to Cracker Barrel, chances are you’ve fallen in love with their iconic fried apples—a sweet, spiced side dish that doubles as dessert. This homemade Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe brings all that cozy, old-fashioned flavor straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Tender apple slices simmer in a buttery brown sugar sauce infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, creating the ultimate comfort food.

Whether you serve these fried apples as a side dish at dinner, a topping for pancakes chops, or a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, they’re guaranteed to steal the show. With the convenience of the slow cooker, this recipe is almost hands-off, making it perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday suppers, or holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Prep: Just slice the apples, mix the sauce, and let the slow cooker do the rest.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the warm, cinnamon-sugar flavor.
Versatile Dish: Works as a side, topping, or dessert.
Perfect for Entertaining: Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or potlucks.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays delicious when reheated, ideal for meal planning.

Ingredient Breakdown

Apples – The star of the recipe. Use firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji so they hold their shape while cooking.
Butter – Adds richness and creates a velvety base for the sauce.
Brown Sugar – Brings caramel-like sweetness and depth of flavor.
Cinnamon – The warm spice that makes fried apples irresistible.
Nutmeg – Adds subtle warmth and enhances the overall spice profile.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
Vanilla Extract – Lends a rich, aromatic sweetness.
Lemon Juice – Prevents apples from browning and brightens the flavor.

Pro Tips

Choose Firm Apples: Softer varieties like Red Delicious may become mushy. Stick to Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Don’t Overcook: Check apples at the 4-hour mark; you want them tender but not falling apart.
Stir Occasionally: Gently stir once or twice during cooking to ensure even coating.
Add a Thickener if Needed: For a thicker sauce, stir in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste and add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter dish.

Ingredient Swaps or Variations

Apple Varieties: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for more depth.
Spice it Up: Add cloves, allspice, or cardamom for a bolder flavor.
Nutty Topping: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Boozy Twist: Add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum for an adult version.
Sugar-Free: Swap brown sugar with a brown sugar substitute for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Side Dish: Serve alongside chops, roasted turkey, or ham.
Breakfast Upgrade: Spoon over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
Dessert Style: Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Baked Treats: Use as a filling for hand pies, turnovers, or cobblers.
Holiday Spread: Add to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table as a sweet side.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

Make Ahead: Prepare the butter-sugar mixture up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Just pour it over apples in the slow cooker when ready.
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat. For a fresher taste, reheat in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

Cultural or Historical Notes

Fried apples have deep Southern roots and are a staple in many classic American diners, with Cracker Barrel popularizing them nationwide. Traditionally cooked in cast iron with butter and sugar, fried apples were a way to preserve fall fruit for longer. Today, they’re cherished as both a nostalgic comfort food and a versatile dish that fits into breakfast, dinner, or dessert menus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji hold up best without turning mushy.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough and increase cooking time slightly if needed.

How do I make the sauce thicker?
Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I cook on high instead of low?
Yes, but reduce the time to about 2–3 hours and stir more frequently to prevent overcooking.

Are these apples served hot or cold?
They’re best enjoyed warm, but they can also be served chilled as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.

Emily