Introduction of Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Recreating the famous Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples at home is not only easy but incredibly rewarding. This slow cooker recipe allows you to enjoy the rich, caramelized flavor of the fried apples without having to step into the restaurant. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert or as a savory side dish, this recipe will soon become a family favorite.
If you love classic Southern flavors, you’ll want to add these slow cooker apples to your rotation. You can even serve them as a topping for pancakes or waffles! Learn more about using apples in other delicious desserts like this apple fritter cake, which pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Fried Apples?
Using a slow cooker for fried apples allows the flavors to fully develop, resulting in tender, spiced apples with a rich, syrupy sauce. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient—you can just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do all the work!
Interested in other slow cooker dishes? Check out this vegetable beef barley soup that offers hearty, comforting flavors perfect for pairing with your apples.
Ingredients Breakdown
To make the perfect Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples, each ingredient plays a key role in achieving the right balance of flavor, texture, and richness. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the essential ingredients:
- Granny Smith Apples (12 cups, sliced with peels on): These apples are ideal for this recipe due to their firm texture and tart flavor. Their tartness provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the sauce, while their firmness ensures they hold up during slow cooking without turning into mush. Leaving the peels on helps the apples maintain their structure and adds a slight texture to the dish.
- Cinnamon (3 tablespoons): Cinnamon is the primary spice in this recipe, lending warmth and a sweet-spicy aroma that complements the apples perfectly. The amount might seem large, but it ensures the apples are well-flavored throughout the long cooking process.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice (1 teaspoon): This blend of spices (typically cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves) adds complexity to the flavor profile. While optional, it enhances the autumnal flavor and gives the dish a festive touch.
- Brown Sugar (1 ½ cups): Brown sugar is used to sweeten the apples and create the rich, caramel-like sauce. Its molasses content adds depth of flavor and a slightly chewy texture to the sauce.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Mixed with apple juice, cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce, ensuring it’s not too runny but has a nice, syrupy consistency that clings to the apples.
- Salted Butter (¾ cup, melted): Butter adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, making it luscious and indulgent. The salt in the butter balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Apple Juice (½ cup): Apple juice provides moisture for the cooking process and intensifies the apple flavor, ensuring every bite is filled with delicious apple goodness.
This recipe is all about balance—the tartness from the Granny Smith apples contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the brown sugar and the warmth of the spices. Leaving the peels on the apples ensures they maintain their shape and texture during the slow cooking process.
Choosing the Best Apples
Granny Smith apples are typically the best choice for this recipe due to their firm texture and tart flavor. However, you can experiment with other varieties such as:
- Honeycrisp
- Braeburn
- Jonagold
The key is to choose apples that won’t turn to mush during cooking. For a deeper dive into selecting the best apples for baking, take a look at this gluten-free apple cake recipe that also relies on firm apples to maintain its structure.
Step-by-Step Instructions of Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Making Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples is a straightforward process that only requires a few steps. Once the ingredients are prepped, the slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by washing and slicing Granny Smith apples. You’ll need around 12 cups of sliced apples. Make sure to leave the peels on—this is key to achieving the signature texture of Cracker Barrel’s fried apples. The peels help the apples maintain their structure and prevent them from turning into applesauce. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel the apples, but they may become softer during cooking.
Step 2: Create the Spice Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, 1 ½ cups of brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir the ingredients until well mixed. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce, while the cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice give the apples their warm, cozy flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Next, place the sliced apples evenly into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the apples, making sure all slices are well coated. This step ensures that every apple slice absorbs the flavors of the cinnamon, sugar, and spices.
Step 4: Add Butter and Apple Juice
In a separate bowl, melt ¾ cup of salted butter and pour it over the apples. The butter adds richness and helps form the luscious caramel sauce as the apples cook. Then, pour ½ cup of apple juice over the mixture. The apple juice not only adds extra apple flavor but also helps prevent the apples from drying out while cooking.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Apples
Set your slow cooker to high and cook the apples for 3 to 4 hours. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, but you’ll know the apples are done when they are tender but still hold their shape, and the sauce has thickened into a syrupy consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the apples are done, serve them hot. These fried apples are perfect as a side dish or dessert. You can pair them with vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or even savory dishes like pork chops. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them when needed.
Variations and Additions Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Looking to change things up? Here are a few variations to try:
- Instant Pot Fried Apples: If you’re short on time, cook the apples in an Instant Pot on high pressure for 5-8 minutes.
- Stovetop Method: Fry the apples in a skillet for a more caramelized flavor and texture.
- Adding Flavors: For a more decadent dish, add a splash of vanilla extract or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Want to try something else sweet and delightful? This strawberry jam recipe offers another way to elevate your breakfast or dessert game.
Serving Suggestions of Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
These Cracker Barrel fried apples are incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways:
- As a Dessert: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
- As a Side Dish: Pair with pork chops, grilled chicken, or even breakfast dishes like bacon and eggs.
- As a Topping: Use the fried apples as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
The sweet and spiced flavor profile of these apples makes them an ideal complement to both savory and sweet dishes.
Nutrition and Health Considerations
This dish is undeniably delicious but comes with a higher calorie count due to the brown sugar and butter. If you’re looking to make it healthier, here are some tips:
- Reduce the sugar: Substitute some of the brown sugar with a lower-calorie sweetener like Stevia.
- Cut down the butter: Use less butter or replace some of it with applesauce for a lighter version.
- Increase fiber: Keep the apple peels on for added fiber.
Per serving, these fried apples contain approximately 286 calories, with 48g of carbohydrates and 11g of fat. Enjoy this dish in moderation or modify the ingredients for a lighter version.
FAQs about Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Can I make these fried apples in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the fried apples a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Simply reheat them in the microwave or slow cooker before serving.
How long do fried apples last?
Stored in an airtight container, fried apples will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Do I have to leave the peels on?
Leaving the peels on helps the apples retain their shape during cooking, but if you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel them.
Can I use other fruits for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute apples with pears, peaches, or plums, though the cooking time may vary slightly.