Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Whip up a batch of these irresistibly tender Cracker Barrel fried apples right at home! Perfect as a cozy dessert or a delightful side, these slow cooker apples are the ultimate comfort food. Ready in just 2 hours, they’re a simple yet delicious treat that’s sure to become a new favorite!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 2 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs apples (peeled and sliced into wedges) – The star of the dish, providing a sweet and tart base.
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy, appealing texture.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – Enhances the sweetness while balancing the flavors.
- 1 tsp cinnamon – Offers a warm, spicy note that is quintessential to the dish.
- ¼ cup butter (melted) – Contributes to the richness and velvety texture of the sauce.
- 2 tsp lemon juice – A touch of acidity to brighten the flavors.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a layer of aromatic sweetness.
Instructions
- Begin by adding the peeled and sliced apples to the slow cooker. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the apples and stir to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Next, add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon to the slow cooker. Stir the mixture well to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
- Pour the melted butter over the apple mixture, followed by the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Stir everything together, making sure the apples are well coated with all the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the apples to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Once the cooking time is complete, stir the apples once more. They should be tender, with a thick, glossy sauce enveloping them.
Notes
- Substitutions: If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use all granulated sugar, though you’ll miss some depth of flavor.
- Variety is Key: Feel free to mix apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
- Peeling: While peeling is recommended for texture, leaving the skin on adds nutritional value and color.
- Store leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months, though the texture may be slightly altered upon thawing.
- Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a little water or apple juice if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.