Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Effortless comfort — just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work.

Authentic restaurant‑style flavor you can enjoy at home.

Versatile — serve warm over pancakes, waffles, biscuits, or vanilla ice cream.

Great for gatherings or cozy family meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

apples, peeled and sliced
cornstarch
brown sugar
granulated sugar
cinnamon
melted butter
lemon juice
vanilla extract

Recipe Card (Ingredients & Measurements):

3–4 lbs apples, peeled & sliced
2 Tbsp cornstarch
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ cup melted butter
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Place the peeled and sliced apples into the slow cooker and sprinkle with cornstarch; toss to coat.

Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon and stir until the apples are well coated.

Pour the melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract over the apples and stir gently to combine.

Cover and cook on HIGH for about 2 hours, until the apples are tender and glossy.

Stir before serving warm; the sauce thickens slightly as it cools.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~2 hours
Total time: ~2 hours 10 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Once completely cooled, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in freezer‑safe bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts until heated through, stirring to restore the sauce texture.

FAQs

What apples work best for this recipe?

Tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great for balance in flavor and texture.

Can I make this on low instead of high?

Yes, you can cook on low for a longer time (around 4 hours), but cooking on high gives tender apples without turning mushy.

Can I skip the lemon juice?

The lemon juice enhances brightness and prevents browning, but you can omit it if needed.

Is this recipe gluten‑free?

Yes — if all your ingredients are gluten‑free (especially cornstarch), this dish is gluten‑free.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes — just be sure your slow cooker is large enough so the apples aren’t overpacked.

How do I serve these apples?

Serve warm over pancakes, waffles, biscuits, ice cream, or enjoy on their own.

Can I use frozen apples?

Fresh apples are best. Frozen apples may release too much liquid and become mushy.

How sweet is this dish?

It’s sweet but balanced; you can reduce the sugar to taste.

Can I add spices like nutmeg?

Yes — a pinch of nutmeg or cloves adds extra warmth.

Can leftovers be reheated in the slow cooker?

Yes, warm on LOW in the slow cooker until heated through.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are a simple, comforting recipe that brings nostalgic, buttery cinnamon‑spiced apples to your table with minimal effort. Whether you serve them for breakfast or dessert, they’re sure to become a favorite warm treat in your recipe collection.


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Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples


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  • Author: Mia
  • Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are a delicious and easy copycat version of the famous restaurant side dish. Made with tender apple slices, warm spices, and a buttery brown sugar glaze, they’re perfect as a side, dessert, or breakfast topping.


Ingredients

  • 8 medium apples (Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup apple juice or apple cider
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp cold water
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, sliced

Instructions

  1. Peel and slice the apples and add them to the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Sprinkle the mixture over the apples and stir to coat.
  3. Pour the apple juice or cider over the apples.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or until apples are tender but not mushy.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour into the slow cooker and stir gently to combine.
  6. Add sliced butter on top and cover. Continue cooking for another 30 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
  7. Stir gently before serving. Serve warm as a side dish, dessert, or topping.

Notes

  • Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Fuji to avoid mushiness.
  • Adjust sugar to taste depending on the sweetness of your apples.
  • Great as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or pork dishes.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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