Heavenly Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Sweet Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe for All

Warm, cinnamon-kissed slow cooker cracker barrel fried apples dance with sweet nostalgia, bringing comfort straight to your kitchen.

Southern memories flood back with each tender, caramelized bite.

Soft apple slices mingle with rich brown sugar and fragrant spices, creating a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Weekend gatherings become magical with this simple yet incredible dish.

Grandma’s traditional recipe gets an effortless modern twist using your trusty slow cooker.

Each spoonful promises pure, heartwarming deliciousness that connects generations through one remarkable recipe.

Grab your apples and let’s make some magic happen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 17 minutes

Calories: 155 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Fried Apples

For Apples and Coating:
  • Granny Smith Apples, Golden Delicious Apples: Crisp varieties that hold shape and provide tangy-sweet balance, select firm fruits without bruises.
  • Cornstarch: Magical thickening agent that transforms liquid into silky sauce, ensures glossy and smooth texture.
For Sweeteners and Spices:
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel undertones and rich moisture, choose darker varieties for intense flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides bright sweetness and helps create glossy coating, opt for pure cane sugar.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that brings comforting aroma and depth, use freshly ground for maximum fragrance.
For Moisture and Enhancement:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates luxurious richness and helps blend flavors, select high-quality European-style butter.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds bright acidity that balances sweetness and prevents apple browning, fresh juice works best.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces complex warmth and rounds out flavor profile, pure extract recommended over artificial.

Crockpot Tools for This Cozy Apple Dessert

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for creating tender, flavorful fried apples with minimal effort.
  • Apple Slicer and Corer: Speeds up the process of preparing apples, making slicing quick and uniform.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure sugars, cornstarch, and other ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring apples and ensuring even coating of ingredients.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for prepping and slicing apples.
  • Sharp Knife: Useful for peeling and any additional apple preparation needed.

Instructions to Simmer Apples to Sweet

  • Apple Selection

Choose ripe, firm apples that hold their shape during cooking. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work perfectly for this sweet Southern-style treat.

  • Slice and Prepare

Remove cores and slice apples into uniform wedges. A sharp knife and steady hand will make this process quick and enjoyable.

  • Flavor Blend

Combine warm spices like cinnamon with golden brown sugar. This magical mixture will transform ordinary apples into a mouthwatering delicacy.

  • Slow Cooking Magic

Transfer seasoned apples to the slow cooker. Let gentle heat work its charm, softening the fruit and creating a rich, caramelized sauce.

  • Finishing Touch

After cooking, gently stir the apples to create a glossy, irresistible coating. Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Tips for Sweetness, Texture, and Apple Types

  • Use an apple corer and mandoline slicer to quickly prepare uniform apple wedges without hassle.
  • Toss apple slices with a splash of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration during preparation.
  • Experiment with different apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji to adjust the natural sweetness and texture of the dish.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg, ground ginger, or cardamom to enhance the cinnamon's warmth and create a more complex flavor profile.
  • Top the cooked apples with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert experience.

Serving Cracker Barrel-Style Apples at Home

  • Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a generous helping of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm, cinnamon-spiced apples for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
  • Top with Crunchy Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apples to add a satisfying crunch and nutty depth to the sweet, tender fruit.
  • Serve as Breakfast Companion: Spoon the warm apples over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal to transform an ordinary morning meal into a decadent breakfast treat.
  • Create a Rustic Dessert: Layer the apples in a parfait glass with graham cracker crumbs and whipped cream for an elegant yet simple dessert that showcases the rich, comforting flavors.

Keeping Apples Tender and Flavorful After Cooking

  • Smart Storing Strategies: Transfer cooled fried apples into airtight glass containers for maximum freshness, keeping them refrigerated up to 5 days.
  • Freeze for Future Feasts: Package portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, storing comfortably for 2-3 months without losing rich flavor or texture.
  • Reheating Recommendations: Warm gently in microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly and maintain original delicious consistency.
  • Meal Pairing Magic: Serve as breakfast topping over pancakes, alongside roasted pork, or dolloped atop vanilla ice cream for versatile culinary enjoyment.
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Heavenly Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Heavenly Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe


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4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Slow cooker cracker barrel fried apples deliver comforting Southern sweetness with minimal effort. Cinnamon-spiced apple slices melt into a luscious dessert that welcomes generous scoops of vanilla ice cream.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 lbs (1.361.81 kg) apples, peeled and sliced into wedges
  • ¼ cup (57 g) butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsps cornstarch
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsps lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Carefully select ripe, firm apples and transform them into uniform 1/2-inch wedges using a sharp kitchen knife, ensuring precise and even cuts.
  2. Seasoning: Layer apple slices in the slow cooker, generously coating with cornstarch, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon to create a rich, sweet foundation.
  3. Moisture Enhancement: Drizzle melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract over the seasoned apples, gently folding to distribute flavors evenly and create a luxurious caramelization base.
  4. Slow Cooking: Cover and set slow cooker to high, allowing apples to simmer and transform for 2 to 2.5 hours, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching and promote uniform caramelization.
  5. Finishing: Remove from heat when apples reach a tender, glossy consistency with a deep amber sauce, letting them rest briefly to allow the sauce to slightly thicken and intensify in flavor.
  6. Serving: Present the warm, decadent apples as a sophisticated dessert or accompaniment, optionally garnishing with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Select Perfect Apples: Choose firm, ripe Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties for best texture and balanced sweetness during slow cooking.
  • Prevent Apple Browning: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice to maintain fresh color and prevent oxidation during preparation.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Cornstarch helps thicken sauce, ensuring a glossy, rich caramel-like coating without making apples too watery.
  • Prevent Burning Tip: Stir apples occasionally during cooking to distribute heat evenly and avoid scorching bottom layer in slow cooker.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 155
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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