Introduction
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples bring the classic taste of the beloved restaurant’s side dish right into your home. These tender, cinnamon-spiced apples are slow-cooked to perfection, creating a rich and buttery caramelized sauce that pairs perfectly with breakfast, desserts, or as a comforting snack. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking process, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Easy to Make: Requires minimal ingredients and effort.
- Warm & Comforting: Perfect for fall and winter months.
- Versatile: Can be served as a side dish, topping, or dessert.
- Slow Cooker Convenience: No need to stand over the stove.
Origin of the Dish
Fried apples have been a staple in Southern cooking for generations, often served as a side dish or dessert. Cracker Barrel, a popular American restaurant chain known for its homestyle Southern cooking, made this dish famous by offering it as a signature side. This slow cooker version allows you to recreate the same cozy flavors with a simple, foolproof method.
Ingredients
- 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup apple juice or cider
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
Method of Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Wash, core, and slice the apples into wedges.
- Place the sliced apples in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter.
- Pour the mixture over the apples and toss to coat.
- Add vanilla extract and apple juice (or cider) to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the apples are tender.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the apples during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm as a side dish, over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or oatmeal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Cooking Tips
- Use Firm Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best as they hold their shape.
- Don’t Overcook: Cooking too long can make the apples too soft and mushy.
- Adjust Sweetness: Reduce sugar for a more natural fruit flavor.
- Add a Touch of Spice: Try adding cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Soft Apples: Softer varieties (e.g., Red Delicious) can turn mushy.
- Skipping the Butter: The butter helps create the signature rich, caramelized sauce.
- Adding Too Much Liquid: Too much juice can make the dish watery.
Serving Tips
- Serve as a side with pork chops or roasted turkey.
- Use as a topping for French toast, pancakes, or yogurt.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
- Apples: High in fiber and antioxidants, supporting heart health.
- Cinnamon: May help regulate blood sugar and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Nutmeg: Contains essential minerals like manganese for bone health.
- Apple Juice: Provides vitamin C and natural sweetness.
Interesting Facts
- Cracker Barrel serves over 13 million servings of fried apples each year!
- Apples are one of the most widely consumed fruits worldwide and have over 7,500 varieties.
- Cinnamon has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and cuisine.
Summarized Recipe
Ingredients: Apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, butter, apple juice, cornstarch (optional).
Steps:
- Slice apples and place in a slow cooker.
- Mix sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, butter, and pour over apples.
- Add vanilla and apple juice, then cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Thicken sauce with cornstarch if needed.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are a cozy, nostalgic dish that brings comfort to any meal. Whether you enjoy them as a side or dessert, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home!
