Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

If there’s one dish that’s guaranteed to transport you straight to comfort food heaven, it’s these Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples. Seriously, I’m talking about soft, cinnamon-spiced apples that melt in your mouth. Picture this: a warm, gooey sweet sauce with just the right amount of spice, all draped over tender, perfectly cooked apples. Whether you’re craving a cozy dessert or looking for a side dish to pair with dinner, this recipe has you covered. It’s effortless, super flavorful, and will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, you’ll be obsessed.

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

This recipe isn’t just about apples—it’s about creating a little moment of happiness in your day. Imagine the smell of cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen as they cook slowly to perfection. Here’s why you’ll love this dish:

Versatile:

It’s perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re serving it as a sweet side dish for dinner or indulging in it as a dessert after a cozy meal, these fried apples will always fit the bill. Plus, it’s great for the holidays or a casual weeknight when you need something comforting.

Budget-Friendly:

You don’t need fancy ingredients for this recipe. With a few pantry staples, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s simple, affordable, and totally satisfying.

Quick and Easy:

Pop the apples and spices into your slow cooker, and you’re done. No need for any complicated prep or constant stirring—just let the slow cooker do all the work. It’s a dish that practically makes itself!

Customizable:

Feel free to tweak it! If you’re in the mood for a little extra sweetness, add some brown sugar. Want a little kick? A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can take it to the next level. You can even adjust the sweetness depending on how tart or sweet your apples are.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Fried apples are a crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving them to family, friends, or even a party, they’re sure to be a hit. You’ll find yourself making these time and time again because they always disappear fast.

Ingredients in Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

This dish is all about simplicity, but the flavors are anything but basic. Here’s what you’ll need to bring these fried apples to life:

Apples

The star of the dish! You’ll need a few tart apples to balance out the sweetness and give the dish that perfect tender texture after slow cooking.

Butter

Because everything’s better with butter! It helps create that rich, luscious sauce that will coat the apples.

Brown Sugar

This brings that deep, caramel-like sweetness that makes these fried apples irresistible.

Cinnamon

The warm, cozy spice that really ties the dish together.

Vanilla Extract

Just a dash of this adds a subtle depth of flavor that makes these apples feel extra special.

Lemon Juice

A little lemon juice helps to balance the sweetness of the apples and prevents them from getting too mushy.

Water

A bit of water helps to get the apples nice and tender as they cook low and slow in the slow cooker.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this simple and irresistible dish:

Prepare the Apples:

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples. Don’t stress about making them perfect—just aim for uniform slices so they cook evenly.

Toss with Ingredients:

Place the sliced apples into your slow cooker. Then, add the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and water. Give it a gentle toss so everything is evenly coated.

Slow Cook:

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for about 4-5 hours. Give it a stir halfway through if you want, but honestly, this dish is pretty hands-off.

Check for Tenderness:

After the cooking time is up, check to see if the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened up. If it needs a little more time, let it go for another 30 minutes to an hour.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once everything is perfectly tender and the sauce is sweet and fragrant, scoop out a generous portion and serve it warm. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s the perfect way to end any meal.

How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

These fried apples can be served in so many delicious ways, so feel free to get creative with how you present them!

As a Side Dish:

Serve these as a sweet side to roasted pork or grilled chicken. The apples’ sweetness complements savory meats beautifully.

Over Ice Cream:

For a cozy dessert, spoon these apples over a bowl of creamy vanilla ice cream. Trust me, the warm apples and cold ice cream combo is a total winner.

With Pancakes or Waffles:

Top your morning pancakes or waffles with these fried apples and a drizzle of syrup for a breakfast that feels like a treat.

As a Topping:

You can even use them as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or even toast for a little something special.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead:

If you know you’ll be busy, prep the apples the night before. You can have them ready to pop into the slow cooker the next morning for an easy, no-fuss meal.

Spice It Up:

Feel free to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of cloves for a spiced-up version.

Make It Sweeter:

If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a little more brown sugar or even maple syrup. You can also swap the butter for coconut oil for a different flavor profile.

Store Leftovers:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or stovetop, and they’ll still be delicious!

Double the Recipe:

If you’re feeding a crowd, just double the recipe. These fried apples keep well, so they make a great make-ahead dish for parties or gatherings.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of apple?

A1: Absolutely! You can use Gala, Fuji, or even Honeycrisp apples. Just make sure they’re not too soft, so they hold up during the slow cooking.

Q2: Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

A2: Yes, you can! You can cook the apples on the stove over low heat, just make sure to stir occasionally so they don’t burn.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q4: Can I freeze these fried apples?

A4: Yes, you can freeze them! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw and reheat.

Q5: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A5: Absolutely! You can prep the apples the night before and cook them in the slow cooker the next day for an easy, make-ahead treat.

Q6: Can I add nuts to the fried apples?

A6: Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a great addition for some crunch and extra flavor. Add them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q7: How can I make this dish healthier?

A7: To make this recipe healthier, you could reduce the amount of sugar or swap in a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You could also use less butter or opt for a healthier fat like coconut oil.

Q8: Can I serve this as a breakfast dish?

A8: Absolutely! These fried apples make a fantastic topping for oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles—perfect for a cozy, comforting breakfast.

Q9: What side dishes go well with these fried apples?

A9: They pair beautifully with roasted meats like pork chops or grilled chicken. You could also serve them with mashed sweet potatoes or a simple green salad.

Q10: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

A10: Reheat in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Conclusion

These Easy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are comfort food at its finest. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a dish that’s both cozy and indulgent, and will make everyone at your table smile. So, go ahead—give them a try, and let the sweet, cinnamon aroma fill your kitchen. You won’t regret it!

Print