Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel-Style Fried Apples (Tender, Buttery & Cinnamon-Spiced)

If you’ve ever dined at Cracker Barrel, you know their famous Fried Apples are more than just a side dish — they’re warm, tender, buttery, and coated in a rich cinnamon sauce that tastes like pure comfort. The good news? You can recreate that nostalgic flavor right at home with this Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel-Style Fried Apples recipe.

This easy crockpot version delivers the same sweet, spiced, syrupy apples without standing over the stove. It’s perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want a cozy dessert-style side dish with minimal effort.

This full guide includes step-by-step instructions, pro tips, variations, storage guidance, and SEO-friendly details to help you make the very best slow cooker fried apples.

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Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Fried Apples

• ✔ Just 10 minutes of prep
• ✔ Hands-off slow cooker method
• ✔ Soft, tender apples in cinnamon butter sauce
• ✔ Perfect side dish or dessert topping
• ✔ Great for holidays like Thanksgiving & Christmas

If you enjoy comfort classics like apple cobbler, apple pie filling, or warm cinnamon desserts, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

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What Are Cracker Barrel Fried Apples?

Despite the name, these apples aren’t actually fried. They’re gently cooked in butter, sugar, and warm spices until soft and coated in a glossy cinnamon syrup. The slow cooking process enhances their natural sweetness and creates that signature tender texture.

They’re typically served as a side dish at Cracker Barrel alongside breakfast plates, pork chops, or chicken dinners — but they’re versatile enough to double as dessert.

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Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel-Style Fried Apples

You only need a few simple ingredients:

• 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious work best)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Ingredient Notes

Best Apples to Use:
Granny Smith apples hold their shape and provide a slight tart contrast. Golden Delicious gives a softer, sweeter result.

Brown Sugar:
Adds depth and a slight caramel flavor similar to the restaurant version.

Cornstarch:
Thickens the sauce into that classic syrupy glaze.

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How to Make Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel-Style Fried Apples

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice apples into even ½-inch wedges. Try to keep slices uniform for consistent cooking.

Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cornstarch

Pour melted butter and vanilla over the apples, then sprinkle the sugar mixture on top. Stir gently to coat evenly.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook:

• Low: 3–4 hours
• High: 1½–2 hours

Stir once halfway through if possible.

The apples should be tender but not mushy.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 20–30 minutes to allow slight reduction.

Serve warm.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Apples

1. Use firm apples – Soft apples can turn mushy.
2. Don’t overcook – Check at the minimum cook time.
3. Slice evenly – Ensures uniform texture.
4. Add cornstarch early – Helps sauce thicken properly.

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Serving Ideas

These slow cooker fried apples are incredibly versatile:

As a Side Dish

• With pork chops
• Alongside roast chicken
• With breakfast sausage
• With pancakes or waffles

As a Dessert

• Spoon over vanilla ice cream
• Use as apple pie filling
• Add to oatmeal
• Top cheesecake or pound cake

They’re especially popular during fall gatherings and holiday meals.

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Healthier Variation (Maple Sweetened Option)

Since you often enjoy recipes using maple syrup instead of refined sugar, here’s an alternative:

• Replace brown sugar and granulated sugar with ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• Reduce butter to 3 tablespoons
• Add 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch

This version is slightly lighter but still rich and flavorful.

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Add-In Variations

Caramel Fried Apples

Stir in 2 tablespoons caramel sauce at the end.

Spiced Apple Version

Add:

• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• ¼ teaspoon allspice

Apple Pie Style

Add 1 teaspoon apple pie spice and 1 tablespoon extra butter.

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How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerator

Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze up to 2 months.

Reheat

Warm gently on stovetop or microwave in 30-second intervals.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using soft apples like McIntosh
❌ Skipping cornstarch (results in thin sauce)
❌ Overcooking on high heat
❌ Not stirring at least once

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cracker Barrel Fried Apples actually fried?

No — they’re slow-simmered in butter and sugar.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes! They reheat beautifully.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just ensure your slow cooker isn’t overfilled (no more than ¾ full).

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Nutritional Overview (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 180–220
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 8g
• Sugar: 24g

Values vary depending on apple type and sweetener choice.

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Why Make Them in a Slow Cooker?

Using a crockpot:

• Prevents burning
• Allows flavors to deepen
• Frees up stovetop space
• Makes entertaining easier

It’s especially convenient during holidays when oven space is limited.

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Final Thoughts

These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel-Style Fried Apples capture everything you love about the restaurant favorite — soft, buttery apples coated in cinnamon syrup — but with the ease of a set-it-and-forget-it method.

Whether you serve them as a comforting side dish, a cozy breakfast topping, or a warm dessert spooned over ice cream, this recipe delivers reliable, nostalgic flavor every time.

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