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
- 3–4 lbs (1.36–1.81 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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