Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Copycat

So you’re craving something warm, sweet, and cinnamon-y but you’re also way too lazy to hover over a stovetop? Same. Enter: Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples. It’s basically dessert that pretends to be a side dish, so you can totally justify eating it with breakfast, dinner, or, let’s be honest, straight out of the slow cooker with a spoon. No judgment.

Why This Recipe is Awesome?

First of all, it’s idiot-proof. Toss everything into the slow cooker, walk away, and boom—you’ve got tender, buttery apples swimming in a cinnamon-sugar hug. It tastes like Cracker Barrel’s famous fried apples, but you don’t have to leave your house or put on pants.

Second, it makes your house smell like fall exploded in the best way possible. Forget expensive candles. Just make this recipe, and your whole kitchen will scream “cozy autumn vibes” (even if it’s July).

Third—and this is key—you can use it for everything. Ice cream topping? Yup. Pancake buddy? Oh yes. Random midnight snack? Absolutely. Honestly, if you find a wrong time to eat these apples, you deserve a medal.

Ingredients

Here’s the lineup for your apple squad:

• 6–8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or basically any apple that won’t turn into applesauce at first glance)
• ½ cup brown sugar (because caramelized goodness is the goal here)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (balance is everything)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (aka apple’s best friend)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but it adds that “ooh, fancy” vibe)
• ¼ cup butter, sliced (real butter, please—this isn’t the time for margarine betrayal)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening at the end, unless you like apple soup)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Slice the apples. Peel them if you’re anti-skin, leave the peel if you’re lazy or want extra fiber. Nobody’s judging.
2. Layer those beauties. Toss the apple slices straight into your slow cooker like the culinary champion you are.
3. Mix the sugar & spice. Stir together brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Sprinkle it evenly over the apples. Don’t just dump it all in one sad pile—your apples deserve better.
4. Add butter. Slice the butter into pats and drop them across the apples like little buttery fairy gifts.
5. Cover & cook. Set the slow cooker on low for 3–4 hours. Go live your life. Watch Netflix. Scroll TikTok. The apples will practically cook themselves.
6. Thicken the sauce. When apples are tender, whisk cornstarch and water in a small cup. Stir it into the apples and cook for 10–15 more minutes until the sauce is silky and not runny.
7. Serve & devour. Scoop them up warm over ice cream, pancakes, pork chops, or just straight from the pot. Zero shame.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using mushy apples. If you grab Red Delicious, don’t come crying when you end up with baby food. Pick firm apples that hold up.
• Forgetting the cornstarch. Unless your dream is cinnamon apple soup, don’t skip this step.
• Overcooking. Yes, it’s a slow cooker, but even apples have their limits. Four hours on low is plenty—any longer and you’ll have apple pudding.
• Being stingy with cinnamon. This isn’t the time to be shy. More cinnamon = more happiness.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• Apples: No Granny Smith? Honeycrisp or Fuji will work. Just avoid mushy ones unless applesauce is your jam.
• Butter: You can sub coconut oil if you’re going dairy-free. But let’s be honest: butter makes it taste like Cracker Barrel.
• Sweeteners: Want to cut back? Swap some sugar with maple syrup or honey. Just adjust for sweetness.
• Spices: Throw in a pinch of cloves or allspice if you want a more “holiday spice” vibe.
• Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder works if you’re fancy and/or Paleo.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this on high heat instead of low?

A: Technically, yes. About 2 hours on high should do it. But IMO, low and slow gives the apples that melt-in-your-mouth vibe.

Q: Do I have to peel the apples?

A: Nope. Peel if you’re picky about texture. Leave them on if you’re lazy or want a rustic vibe.

Q: Can I store leftovers?

A: If you actually have leftovers (impressive), store them in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or just eat cold straight from the container. I won’t judge.

Q: Can I freeze this?

A: Yup. Just cool completely, stash in freezer bags, and you’re good for up to 3 months. Defrost and reheat when the apple craving hits.

Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

A: Technically, yes. But why hurt your soul like that? Life’s too short.

Q: Is this really like Cracker Barrel’s fried apples?

A: Pretty darn close. And bonus: no road trip required.

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: Absolutely. Just make sure your slow cooker can handle the apple mountain you’re about to create.

Related Recipe:

• Spicy Meaty Texas Trash Dip Recipe
• Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef Recipe
• Cheeseburger Meatloaf Recipe – Family Favorite

Final Thoughts

And there you have it: Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples without the road trip, the wait time, or the awkward encounter with someone from high school in the restaurant lobby. They’re warm, buttery, cinnamon-y perfection with basically zero effort.