One day, I was standing in my kitchen on a lazy Sunday afternoon, peeling apples from the big farmer’s market bag we’d picked up the day before. My youngest was at the table drawing turkeys with her handprint, my oldest was halfway through a book, and the smell of cinnamon was already hanging in the air. That moment—that cozy, apple-scented calm—is exactly the feeling this recipe brings back every time I make it.
It’s not that we don’t love a good apple pie, but some days I just don’t want to mess with crust. I needed something easier, something that still brought that warm spiced flavor we all crave when the leaves start turning. So, I started tinkering with a slow cooker version of those beloved Cracker Barrel fried apples. I wanted that tender texture, glossy caramel glaze, and just the right balance of tart and sweet. And most importantly? I wanted a recipe that didn’t require babysitting.
It simmers away in the background while I wrangle dinner or catch up on laundry, and when it’s done—oh, the aroma alone is worth it. The apples are soft but not mushy, the sauce is rich and cinnamony, and it goes with just about anything.
Sometimes I serve it alongside pork chops, other times I spoon it over vanilla ice cream. And yes, we’ve eaten it straight from the slow cooker with spoons. No regrets.
Short Description
These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are warm, sweet, and spiced just right. Tender apple slices simmer in brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla to create a rich, caramel-like glaze—all with zero stovetop work.
Key Ingredients
- 6–8 firm apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools Needed
- Slow cooker (4 to 6-quart size)
- Apple peeler/corer or sharp paring knife
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples into even wedges. Uniform slices help them cook evenly. A corer/slicer combo tool can save time here.
Step 2: Coat with Cornstarch
Place the sliced apples directly into the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the cornstarch and toss until the apples are evenly coated.
Step 3: Add Sugars and Cinnamon
Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir gently so everything is well distributed but the apple slices don’t break.
Step 4: Add the Flavor Boosters
Pour in the melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir again to combine, making sure the apples are evenly coated.
Step 5: Cook on High
Cover the slow cooker and set it to high. Cook for 2 hours. If you’re around, give it a gentle stir halfway through. The apples should be fork-tender with a glossy, thickened sauce when done.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich Fall Flavor: Brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon give this dish that deep, cozy flavor we all crave during cooler months.
Hands-Off Cooking: Toss it all in the slow cooker and forget it—no standing over a stove.
Versatile: Serve it as a side, dessert, topping, or even a warm breakfast add-on.
Family Favorite: It’s kid-approved and makes your whole house smell amazing.
Naturally Gluten-Free: No flour or breadcrumbs needed—just apples and a few pantry staples.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Using soft apples
Problem: Mushy texture after cooking.
Solution: Stick to firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious.
Not stirring halfway through
Problem: Uneven cooking, some apples over-soften.
Solution: Give it a gentle stir around the 1-hour mark if possible.
Skipping cornstarch
Problem: Runny sauce that doesn’t cling.
Solution: Don’t omit the cornstarch—it thickens the juices into that rich glaze.
Too much sugar
Problem: Overly sweet or sticky apples.
Solution: Taste your apples first—if they’re sweet, reduce the granulated sugar by a tablespoon or two.
Crowding the slow cooker
Problem: Apples steam instead of simmer.
Solution: Use a 4-quart or larger slow cooker so the heat circulates evenly.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve as a side dish with pork chops, ham, or roast chicken.
Spoon over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a sweet brunch twist.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert.
Serve warm in individual bowls as a cozy after-dinner treat.
Great for potlucks, bring it in the slow cooker and serve family-style.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To Store: Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To Reheat (Microwave): Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 45–60 seconds, stirring halfway.
To Reheat (Stovetop): Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
To Freeze: Not recommended, apples can become mushy once thawed.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-sliced apples from the store?
Yes, just make sure they’re firm and not the thin, snack-style slices. Aim for thick wedges.
2. Can I double the recipe?
You can, but use a larger slow cooker and stir more often to ensure even cooking.
3. Can I cook it on low instead of high?
Yes, cook on low for about 4 hours. The texture will be just as lovely, with slightly deeper flavor.
4. My apples turned mushy—what went wrong?
Likely overcooked or too soft a variety. Next time, shorten the cook time slightly or use firmer apples.
5. Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar?
Yes! Replace the granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey. The flavor will shift slightly, but it’s still delicious.
Tips & Tricks
Want extra-thick sauce? Mix 1 more tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it in during the last 20 minutes.
A dash of nutmeg adds even more warmth and depth.
Add a small pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
If your apples aren’t tart enough, a bit more lemon juice can help brighten things up.
Make this ahead of time and keep it on the “warm” setting in your slow cooker during a gathering or dinner.
Recipe Variations
Spiked Apples for Adults:
Add 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon or spiced rum with the vanilla. It gives the sauce a rich, warm finish perfect for holidays.
Apple-Pear Blend:
Use 4 apples and 2 ripe-but-firm pears. Slice pears slightly thicker than apples so they don’t over-soften. It adds a touch of floral sweetness.
Cranberry Apple Twist:
Toss in 1/4 cup dried cranberries during the last 30 minutes of cooking. They plump up and add a nice tangy contrast.
Maple Cinnamon Apples:
Replace granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and add a bit of ground nutmeg for a breakfast-forward version.
Apple Crisp Topping:
Transfer cooked apples to a baking dish, sprinkle with granola or a streusel topping, and broil for 2–3 minutes for a quick faux crisp.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to bottle up that fall comfort and serve it in a bowl, these slow cooker fried apples are it. Every time I make them, it’s like hitting pause on a busy week. The smell alone transforms our kitchen into something you’d expect at a cozy little country inn—warm, welcoming, and just sweet enough.
It’s a recipe that works hard for you, bubbling away quietly while you handle the rest of life. And when it’s ready, you’ve got a dish that can flex with whatever you need—dessert, side, topping, snack. It’s simple, but not boring. Sweet, but balanced. And no matter how often I make it, my family always asks for more.
I hope you try it soon. Maybe even add it to your own weekend ritual. Because some recipes don’t just feed your family—they feed your memories, too.
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Ingredients
- 6 –8 firm apples Granny Smith or Golden Delicious, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice apples into even wedges.
- Place slices in the slow cooker, sprinkle with cornstarch, and toss to coat.
- Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir gently.
- Pour in melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix to coat.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, stirring once if possible. Apples should be tender with a thick, glossy sauce.
