Thank you so much for being here! I’m truly excited to share this cozy, comforting classic with you. These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples bring all the nostalgic flavor of the beloved restaurant dish—tender, sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples—with a fraction of the effort. Made right in your slow cooker, they’re the perfect set-it-and-forget-it dessert or side dish. And wow, the smell when this is cooking? Incredible!!

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What Are Cracker Barrel Fried Apples?

Cracker Barrel’s fried apples are a fan-favorite side dish, known for their rich, buttery flavor and soft, saucy texture. While they’re technically called “fried,” this version gets all the same flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with zero stove time—thanks to your slow cooker.

We’re talking slices of apples slow-cooked with brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and just a touch of cornstarch to thicken the syrupy sauce. It’s dessert or side dish—you choose!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tastes just like the restaurant version
Made entirely in the slow cooker—no frying, no fuss!
Minimal prep, maximum flavor
Perfect for holiday meals, potlucks, or cozy weeknights
Doubles easily for a crowd

This is one of those recipes where the aroma alone is worth making it. It wraps your kitchen in a warm hug!

What Do Slow Cooker Fried Apples Taste Like?

Think apple pie filling, but even more buttery and rich. The apples become soft but not mushy, and they soak up all that sweet, spiced syrup. Each bite has just the right balance of sweet and tart with cozy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.

It’s nostalgic, heartwarming, and honestly—dangerously addictive. You’ll be eating these straight from the slow cooker (no judgment!).

Benefits of This Recipe

Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does all the work.
Versatile: Serve it with breakfast, dinner, or dessert.
Naturally gluten-free
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Perfect for fall, holidays, or anytime you’re craving warm apple goodness

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Here’s everything you’ll need:

6–8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Golden Delicious work best)
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ cup apple juice or water
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

Slow cooker (4-quart or larger)
Peeler and knife
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Substitutions:

Apple juice: Use water in a pinch, or sub with cider for even more flavor.
Cornstarch: Can be replaced with arrowroot or flour (though the sauce may be less glossy).
Sugar: You can use all brown sugar for a richer flavor or swap in coconut sugar for a less processed version.

Optional Add-ins:

Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Raisins or dried cranberries for a little tang
A splash of bourbon (adult-only version!)
A pinch of cloves or allspice for deeper spice

How to Make Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice your apples into ½-inch wedges. Not too thin—you want them to hold their shape.

Step 2: Mix the Coating

In a large bowl, toss apple slices with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch until well coated.

Step 3: Load the Slow Cooker

Transfer the apple mixture into your greased slow cooker. Add the apple juice (or water) and top with butter cubes.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1.5–2 hours, until the apples are tender and the sauce is thick and syrupy. Stir once halfway through, if possible.

Step 5: Add Vanilla

Once cooked, stir in vanilla extract and let the apples sit for 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

What to Serve With Fried Apples

These fried apples are so versatile. Serve them:

Alongside pork chops or ham
Over pancakes or waffles
On top of vanilla ice cream
With oatmeal or overnight oats
As a sweet side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas

Or my personal favorite… warm, by the spoonful, straight out of the slow cooker!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Fried Apples

Use a mix of apple types for more complex flavor and texture.
Don’t overcook—you want the apples tender, not mushy.
Add the vanilla at the end to preserve its flavor.
Want a thicker sauce? Crack the lid open for the last 30 minutes or transfer apples out and reduce the sauce on the stove.

How to Store & Reheat

To store:
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

To freeze:
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat:
Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or juice if it thickened too much.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use canned apples?

Fresh apples are best, but if you’re short on time, canned unsweetened apple slices can work—just reduce the cooking time.

What kind of apples should I use?

A combination of Granny Smith (tart and firm) and Fuji or Golden Delicious (sweet and soft) gives the best balance of flavor and texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a larger slow cooker (6-quart or bigger) and increase cook time by about 30–45 minutes if needed.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes! Just make sure all your ingredients (like vanilla extract) are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the simplicity and soul-soothing flavor of these Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples. Whether you’re recreating a favorite restaurant side, bringing a comforting dish to a potluck, or just treating yourself to some warm, spiced apple goodness, this recipe delivers big flavor with very little effort.