If you’re craving the warm, cozy comfort of a Southern classic, you have to try Slow Cooker Fried Apples – Cracker Barrel Copycat. This homey delight transforms humble apples into glossy, caramel-kissed perfection, just like the ones you might remember from your favorite country restaurant. With a short list of kitchen staples and a bit of patience as your slow cooker does the work, you’ll have an irresistible dish that makes any meal feel like a celebration. Whether spooned over pancakes, tucked beside a pork chop, or enjoyed right from the bowl, these slow-cooked apples wrap you in a sweet, cinnamon-scented embrace.

Slow Cooker Fried Apples - Cracker Barrel Copycat Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With only a handful of everyday ingredients, Slow Cooker Fried Apples – Cracker Barrel Copycat shines a spotlight on each component. Every item is essential to the recipe’s deliciousness, from the apples that hold their texture to the cozy spices and buttery richness that create that classic diner-style charm.

Honeycrisp apples: These apples hold their shape beautifully and provide the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavor.
Brown sugar: Adds mellow, caramel-like sweetness and forms the luscious syrup.
Cinnamon: Brings a warm, spicy depth that gives the apples that unmistakable holiday aroma.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the richness and rounds out the flavors.
Cornstarch: Thickens the syrup as the apples cook, so each slice is glossy and coated.
Butter: Cubed butter makes the sauce velvety and adds a touch of luxury to the softened apples.

How to Make Slow Cooker Fried Apples – Cracker Barrel Copycat

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Give your apples a good wash, then peel them and slice into 1/4-inch pieces. Taking the time to cut even slices ensures they’ll cook uniformly and retain that delightful tender-crisp texture. You’ll want about three pounds or six medium apples for a generous batch.

Step 2: Build the Layers in the Slow Cooker

Scatter the sliced apples evenly along the bottom of your slow cooker. This even layer makes sure every apple gets a cozy coating of syrup as it cooks. No overcrowding means every bite is perfectly tender!

Step 3: Add Your Flavor Makers

Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch over the apples. Pour in the vanilla extract, then dot the whole thing with cubes of butter. Give everything a gentle stir so the apples glisten with the sugar and spice mixture.

Step 4: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cover and set your slow cooker on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. Peek in and give a gentle stir now and then, letting the aroma fill your kitchen! The apples should become tender and glossy, swimming in a thick, golden syrup when done.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Once your Slow Cooker Fried Apples – Cracker Barrel Copycat are perfectly soft and syrupy, switch your slow cooker to the WARM setting. Dish them up as a sweet side or serve them for dessert—you really can’t go wrong. They’ll stay deliciously warm until you’re ready to eat!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Fried Apples – Cracker Barrel Copycat

Garnishes

Classic and cozy, these apples are dreamy with a little flourish on top. Try sprinkling them with extra cinnamon, a handful of toasted pecans, or even a dollop of softly whipped cream. For a fun twist, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm apples turns this into an instant dessert everyone will swoon over.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Fried Apples – Cracker Barrel Copycat make a silky, sweet partner for savory mains like roast pork or chicken. They’re just at home next to fluffy buttermilk pancakes or waffles, adding a pop of color and flavor to any brunch spread. Of course, no one will complain if you use them to top a bowl of creamy oatmeal, either!

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon warm fried apples into mini mason jars for a charming single-serve treat, perfect for parties or gifting. Layer them into a parfait with yogurt and granola for a morning pick-me-up, or pile them over pound cake for an easy “apple shortcake.” A little creativity goes a long way toward making these apples the star of your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your Slow Cooker Fried Apples – Cracker Barrel Copycat to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious and fresh for up to four days, making it easy to enjoy the flavors of fall all week long.

Freezing

If you want to save a batch for later, let the apples cool completely before sealing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label and freeze for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and they’ll be ready to reheat and enjoy whenever a craving hits.

Reheating

Rewarm leftover apples in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until they’re heated through and glossy again. If they need a little loosening, add a splash of water or apple juice and stir to bring back their saucy shine.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of apple?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples provide lovely sweetness and hold their shape, you’re free to use Granny Smith for extra tartness or go with Gala or Fuji for mellow flavor. Just aim for apples that won’t turn mushy when slow cooked.

How do I keep my apples from turning brown while prepping?

If you’re chopping apples ahead of time, toss them in a splash of lemon juice as you go. This prevents browning and keeps your Slow Cooker Fried Apples – Cracker Barrel Copycat looking as fresh and appetizing as they taste.

Is it possible to double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough for the extra apples. You might need to add a little extra time, but the end result will still be crowd-pleasingly delicious.

Can I use less sugar?

You sure can. If you prefer, reduce the brown sugar to your taste or substitute with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor. The apples provide plenty of sweetness on their own, especially if you use a sweet variety.

What should I do if my sauce is too thin?

If the syrup isn’t thick enough for your liking, simply uncover the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate, or stir in a bit more cornstarch dissolved in water and cook until it thickens up perfectly.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wished you could bring home that Southern restaurant magic, now you can—with Slow Cooker Fried Apples – Cracker Barrel Copycat. Cozy, simple, and packed with nostalgic flavor, this is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to over and over again. Don’t wait for a special occasion—give it a try and create a sweet memory in your own kitchen!

Slow Cooker Fried Apples – Cracker Barrel Copycat Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5.3 from 21 reviews

Author: Patricia
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These slow cooker fried apples are a delightful treat, perfect as a side dish or dessert. Tender-crisp apple slices are cooked in a sweet and aromatic mixture of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until they become irresistibly caramelized. This recipe is a copycat version inspired by the beloved Cracker Barrel fried apples.

Ingredients

Apples:

6 medium honey crisp apples, sliced into approximately ¼” pieces

Sugar and Spices:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Butter:

1/4 cup butter, cubed

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Instructions

Prepare Apples: Wash, peel, and slice the apples into 1/4″ pieces.
Layer in Slow Cooker: Arrange the sliced apples in the slow cooker.
Add Ingredients: Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and cubed butter over the apples. Stir to coat evenly.
Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until apples are tender and caramelized.
Serve: Once tender, switch the slow cooker to WARM and serve the fried apples as desired.