These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are the ultimate comfort food, slow-simmered to perfection and infused with warm cinnamon, rich brown sugar, and a hint of butter. Each bite melts in your mouth with sweet apple flavor, soft tender texture, and just the right touch of spice. Whether you’re recreating a southern-style breakfast or looking for an easy dessert, this dish is a cozy crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or any chilly evening, this slow cooker version captures all the nostalgic flavors of Cracker Barrel’s famous side dish—with half the effort. The aroma alone, as it fills your kitchen, will transport you straight to a rustic diner booth with a mug of coffee and a hearty plate of southern fare.

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

Set-it-and-forget-it convenience thanks to the slow cooker
Classic southern flavor with authentic Cracker Barrel-style results
Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a side dish
Made with simple ingredients and pantry staples
Kid-friendly and comforting—even picky eaters go for seconds
A versatile dish that pairs well with everything from pancakes to pork chops

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Before diving into this southern classic, it’s helpful to get everything prepped and ready to ensure the apples cook evenly and develop that signature sweet, syrupy glaze. This recipe is low-effort, but the right tools make a big difference in both texture and flavor.

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Slow Cooker (Crockpot): The heart of this recipe. It allows the apples to slowly soften and absorb all the cinnamon-sugar goodness without breaking down into mush.
Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer: Speeds up prep time and ensures uniform slices for even cooking.
Mixing Bowl: Needed for tossing apples with lemon juice and seasonings before adding to the cooker.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Useful for gently stirring without damaging the apples.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: To keep the balance of sugar, cinnamon, and butter just right.

Each of these tools plays a role in making sure your fried apples have the perfect consistency—soft but not mushy, coated in syrup but not soupy.

Preparation Tips

Use Firm Apples: Choose apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They hold their shape better during slow cooking and give you that tender bite without turning to applesauce.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: It brightens the flavor and keeps the apples from browning before cooking.
Slice Evenly: Uniform slices cook evenly—aim for 1/2-inch thick wedges.
Low and Slow is Key: Resist the urge to turn the heat to high. Slow cooking allows the apples to soften and caramelize perfectly.
Don’t Stir Too Much: Let the apples cook in layers. Over-stirring can cause them to break apart.

Ingredients for This Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

To recreate the warm, cinnamon-glazed apples just like the ones at Cracker Barrel, you’ll need simple pantry staples and fresh apples. Here’s everything required:

8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp – peeled, cored, and sliced)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on preference)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for added warmth)
¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
¼ cup apple juice or water (apple juice enhances flavor)
Pinch of salt

These ingredients come together to create that luscious syrupy coating and the unmistakable southern comfort taste. Adjust the sweetness and spice to your liking—but the base recipe is spot-on for a nostalgic flavor trip.

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice your apples into even ½-inch thick wedges. Toss them in a large mixing bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a touch of brightness to the flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir well to create a balanced seasoning blend that will coat the apples perfectly.

Step 3: Layer Everything in the Slow Cooker

Place half of the apple slices into the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with half of the sugar-spice mixture. Repeat with the remaining apples and the rest of the sugar blend. Scatter the butter pieces evenly across the top.

Step 4: Make a Simple Slurry

In a small cup, whisk together the cornstarch and apple juice (or water) until smooth. Pour the slurry evenly over the apples in the slow cooker. This will help create that rich, glossy glaze as everything cooks.

Step 5: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or until the apples are fork-tender but not mushy. Stir gently once or twice halfway through to ensure even coating, but avoid overmixing to preserve the apple slices.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Once done, give it a final gentle stir. Serve the fried apples warm straight from the slow cooker, or let them cool slightly if you’re pairing them with ice cream, waffles, or pork chops. The syrup thickens a bit more as it cools.

Notes

Apple Choice Matters: Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best during slow cooking, giving that classic Cracker Barrel texture.
Want Extra Sauce? Double the apple juice and cornstarch mixture if you prefer a more generous glaze.
For a Boozy Twist: Add a splash of bourbon or spiced rum during the last hour of cooking—perfect for holiday tables!
Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Style: These apples shine solo, but also make a fantastic topping for pancakes, French toast, or vanilla ice cream.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using Soft Apples: Apples like Red Delicious or McIntosh tend to fall apart during long cooking. Stick to firm, crisp varieties.
Cooking on High: Don’t rush it—high heat can turn your apples into mush. Always cook on low for best results.
Skipping the Slurry: Without the cornstarch mixture, you’ll end up with thin liquid instead of that luscious, glossy sauce.
Over-stirring: Stirring too frequently or roughly can break up the apple slices and lead to a chunky sauce.
Crowding the Cooker: Don’t overfill your slow cooker. The apples need space to release juices and cook evenly.
Not Peeling the Apples: While some might like the texture, the peel can become tough or chewy in this dish.
Under-seasoning: Taste your cinnamon-sugar mix before adding—it should be fragrant and flavorful.
Serving Too Soon: Let the dish sit for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken naturally.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples?

These sweet, buttery apples are incredibly versatile and can swing from breakfast to dinner or even dessert. Whether you’re creating a southern-style feast or a cozy brunch plate, here’s how to pair them like a pro.

🍴 8 Recommendations

Buttermilk Pancakes – Let the syrupy apples drip over a stack of fluffy pancakes for a decadent breakfast.
Southern Biscuits – Serve warm fried apples on the side of flaky, buttery biscuits—sweet meets savory.
Pork Chops – The sweetness balances beautifully with savory, pan-seared pork.
Roast Chicken or Turkey – A great holiday side that brings a sweet contrast to poultry.
Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic dessert pairing. Think warm meets cold, soft meets creamy.
French Toast – Use the apples as a topping for a cinnamon-kissed twist on breakfast.
Oatmeal or Overnight Oats – Add a spoonful on top for a naturally sweet, fruity boost.
Yogurt Parfaits – Layer with granola and Greek yogurt for a wholesome snack or light breakfast.

These apples are like the cozy sweater of side dishes—they go with almost anything and always make you feel good.

Storage Instructions

These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers.

Refrigerator: Transfer cooled apples to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, place in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, or microwave in short bursts (30 seconds at a time), stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of apple juice if the sauce thickens too much.

Estimated Nutrition (per ½ cup serving)

Please note these are approximate values and can vary based on the apple variety and specific ingredients used.

Calories: 180
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugar: 25g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 0.5g
Sodium: 50mg

This dish is indulgent, comforting, and surprisingly low in sodium, making it a delightful side or sweet treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes! You can use a large skillet or saucepan. Cook the apples over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until tender and coated in syrup—about 20–25 minutes.

2. What are the best apples to use?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn work best because they stay firm during cooking and balance sweetness with a bit of tartness.

3. Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can slice and toss the apples with lemon juice a day ahead, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to cook.

4. Is it possible to make this recipe sugar-free?

Yes. Substitute the brown and white sugars with a sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may slightly differ.

5. How do I thicken the sauce more?

You can mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking if you want a thicker glaze.

6. Can I add other fruits to the mix?

Yes! Pears pair beautifully with apples. Just make sure to use firmer varieties like Bosc so they don’t fall apart.

7. What if my apples are too soft?

You may have overcooked them or used a softer apple variety. To prevent this, stick to firmer apples and avoid stirring too often.

8. Can this dish be served cold?

Definitely! It tastes great chilled—perfect for topping yogurt or enjoying as a sweet snack right out of the fridge.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are a nostalgic and comforting dish that brings the warmth of southern cooking into your kitchen. Whether served at breakfast with pancakes or as a sweet side at dinner, their rich cinnamon glaze and tender texture are pure comfort in every bite. With minimal prep and the hands-off magic of the slow cooker, this is one of those easy recipes you’ll return to again and again—for holidays, brunches, or just when you need something warm and cozy.