Barrel Fried Apples

Cracker Barrel’s fried apples are a beloved Southern classic, known for their sweet and cinnamon-spiced flavor that’s perfect for dessert or as a comforting side dish. While traditionally made on the stovetop, you can achieve the same delicious taste and texture with minimal effort by using a slow cooker. In this recipe, we’ll explore how to make Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors of this iconic dish with even less hassle. Get ready to savor the taste of warm, caramelized apples infused with cinnamon and brown sugar in every bite.

 

Ingredients:

• 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

Instructions:

1. Place the sliced apples in the slow cooker insert.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
3. Pour the butter and sugar mixture over the sliced apples in the slow cooker, ensuring that the apples are evenly coated.
4. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the apples are tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally if possible.
5. Once the apples are cooked to your desired tenderness, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a serving dish, leaving behind any excess liquid in the slow cooker.
6. Serve the Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples warm as a delicious dessert or side dish, garnished with a sprinkle of additional cinnamon if desired.

 

Tips for Success:

• Use Granny Smith apples for this recipe, as they hold their shape well during cooking and provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the dish.
• If you prefer softer apples, you can cook them for longer in the slow cooker until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
• For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the unsalted butter with salted butter.
• Adjust the amount of sugar and spices to suit your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the amount of brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg according to your liking.
• Be sure to stir the apples occasionally during cooking to ensure they cook evenly and are evenly coated in the butter and sugar mixture.

 

Variations:

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the slow cooker along with the apples for added crunch and flavor.
• For a boozy twist, you can add a splash of apple brandy or bourbon to the slow cooker along with the butter and sugar mixture.
• Serve the fried apples over vanilla ice cream or alongside a slice of warm pound cake for a decadent dessert.
• Use the leftover fried apples as a topping for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or yogurt for a delicious breakfast treat.

 

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples offer all the comforting flavors of the classic Southern dessert with the added convenience of using a slow cooker. With minimal effort, you can enjoy tender, caramelized apples infused with cinnamon, brown sugar, and warm spices. Whether served as a cozy dessert on a chilly evening or as a sweet side dish at a family gathering, these fried apples are sure to be a hit with everyone. So, dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible taste of Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples!