Are you craving a warm, sweet dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion? Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples might be just what you need. This beloved recipe takes the classic Southern fried apples and makes them even easier by preparing them in a slow cooker. Whether you’re enjoying them as a side dish or a dessert, they bring the perfect combination of cinnamon, butter, and apples right to your table.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of using a slow cooker for various dishes, you can check out this detailed guide on slow cooking benefits. Slow cooking allows for flavors to develop and enhances the natural taste of ingredients, making it the perfect method for dishes like Cracker Barrel Fried Apples.
What Are Fried Apples?
Fried apples are a traditional Southern dish often served as a side or dessert. The dish involves cooking apples until they are tender, caramelized, and infused with a sweet, cinnamon flavor. Typically, these apples are fried in a pan with butter and sugar, creating a delightful sauce that coats each slice. They are commonly paired with comfort food meals like pork chops or served as a warm topping for pancakes and waffles.
Incorporating a slow cooker to make these fried apples enhances the flavors and makes the cooking process far more convenient. A slow cooker allows the apples to simmer slowly, which helps them absorb the sweet, spicy flavors while maintaining a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you’re interested in learning more about how Cracker Barrel became a staple in American dining culture, take a look at this Cracker Barrel history page. It explains how the restaurant chain revolutionized comfort food and popularized dishes like fried apples.
Why Choose Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples?
The appeal of Cracker Barrel’s fried apples lies in their perfect balance of sweetness, cinnamon warmth, and buttery goodness. This recipe draws inspiration from Cracker Barrel’s famous fried apples, which are beloved for their comfort-food quality. With a slow cooker, the recipe becomes even easier, allowing you to set it and forget it while it cooks to perfection.
The Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker for Fried Apples
The slow cooker is a game-changer when it comes to preparing dishes like Cracker Barrel Fried Apples. Here are some reasons why:
- Set and Forget: With a slow cooker, you don’t have to constantly watch over the dish. Simply set it, and let the cooker work its magic.
- Enhanced Flavor: Slow cooking allows the apples to absorb all the rich spices and sugar, giving them a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Tender Texture: The slow cooker ensures that the apples become tender without losing their shape, making each bite perfect.
- Energy Efficient: Slow cookers use less electricity than an oven, which is great for saving energy, especially in the summer months.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Now, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you will need to make Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples.
- Apples: You’ll need 4-6 medium to large apples. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, and Fuji are all great options.
- Butter: About 1/2 cup of unsalted butter adds richness to the apples.
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup of brown sugar gives the dish its sweet, caramelized flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup of granulated sugar adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples.
- Cinnamon: A key ingredient for that signature flavor.
- Nutmeg: Adds a slightly spicy and warm flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the overall sweetness and flavor profile.
- Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon of lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning and adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
Selecting the Best Apples for Slow Cooker Fried Apples
The choice of apples is crucial to the outcome of this dish. You want apples that will soften nicely but not disintegrate completely during cooking. Here are some of the best varieties:
- Granny Smith Apples: These tart apples maintain their shape well when cooked and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the sugars.
- Honeycrisp Apples: Known for their balance of sweetness and tartness, Honeycrisp apples are excellent for fried apples.
- Golden Delicious Apples: They have a mild sweetness and soften quickly, making them great for a super-tender texture.
- Fuji Apples: These are sweet and crisp, ideal for those who prefer a sweeter flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Making Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples is easy and doesn’t take much hands-on time. Follow this simple recipe to enjoy this Southern treat:
Instructions:
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Prep the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into 1/4-inch slices. This ensures the apples cook evenly in the slow cooker.
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Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon juice. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, and everything is well combined.
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Combine in Slow Cooker: Pour the sauce mixture over the apples in your slow cooker. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly in the syrup.
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Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
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Serve: Once cooked, serve the fried apples warm. They are perfect on their own or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Fried Apples
- Don’t Overcrowd: If you have a smaller slow cooker, it’s better to cook the apples in batches to allow enough space for even cooking.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before cooking and add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter dish.
- For a Crispier Texture: If you want your apples to retain a bit of their firmness, cook them for less time or briefly sauté them after slow cooking.
Variations and Customizations
While the base recipe for Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples is delicious as is, there are numerous ways to make it your own.
- Add Nuts: Consider adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to give the dish an extra layer of texture.
- Use Maple Syrup: For a different flavor profile, substitute some of the sugar with maple syrup or honey.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a spicier kick, try adding a dash of ground ginger or clove to complement the cinnamon.
- Vegan Option: Swap the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or margarine.
Serving Suggestions for Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are incredibly versatile. Here are some great ideas for serving them:
- For Breakfast: Top your pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal with warm fried apples for a comforting morning meal.
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside pork chops, fried chicken, or ham for a classic Southern-style meal.
- As a Dessert: Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard for an indulgent treat.
- In Pies or Cobblers: Use them as a filling for pies or cobblers for a quick dessert option.
Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Fried Apples
Here’s a general nutritional breakdown for one serving of Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples (based on the recipe above):
- Calories: 150
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 30g
If you’d like to make the dish lighter, you can reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute. Additionally, using a plant-based butter will make the dish vegan-friendly.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
How long do Slow Cooker Fried Apples last in the fridge?
Slow Cooker Fried Apples will last for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Fried Apples?
Yes, you can freeze the apples for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool them down completely before freezing, and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or stevia for a lower-sugar version.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are the perfect Southern-inspired dessert or side dish that everyone will love. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, these apples bring comfort and warmth to any meal. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a side dish, or as a dessert, they are a versatile and delicious addition to your kitchen.
Print
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A warm, sweet, and buttery Southern-style fried apple recipe made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Perfect as a dessert, side dish, or topping!
Ingredients
- 4–6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, or Fuji)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4-inch slices.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Stir in brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Place sliced apples in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over them.
- Gently toss to coat apples evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender.
- Serve warm as a side dish, dessert, or topping.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: fried apples, slow cooker, Cracker Barrel, Southern dessert