SLOW COOKER CRACKER BARREL FRIED APPLES

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples: A Comforting Southern Treat

Introduction:

Few things can evoke the warmth and heartiness of Southern cooking like the comforting flavor of fried apples.

Inspired by the iconic Cracker Barrel recipe, this version of Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples offers the same delicious taste with the convenience of a slow cooker.

This dish is perfect for those days when you crave something sweet, soft, and spiced, but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Whether you serve it as a dessert, a side dish to accompany pork chops, or alongside breakfast items like pancakes or waffles, these fried apples are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced – Granny Smith apples are perfect for this dish because they hold their shape while cooking and add a pleasant tartness that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.

1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the apples and helps to caramelize them.

1/4 cup packed brown sugar – Brings a rich, molasses-like sweetness that deepens the flavor profile.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – A warm spice that’s a staple in many Southern desserts.

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds a subtle, nutty depth of flavor to complement the cinnamon.

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – Provides richness and ensures the apples stay moist while cooking.

1/4 cup water – Helps to create the liquid base that keeps the apples from drying out in the slow cooker.

1 tablespoon cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce once the apples are cooked.

1 tablespoon lemon juice – Adds brightness and a touch of acidity that balances out the sweetness of the sugars.

Directions:

Prepare the Apples:
Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing the Granny Smith apples. You can use a sharp knife or an apple corer to speed up the process.

Once sliced, place the apples directly into your slow cooker, ensuring they are spread evenly across the bottom.

Mix the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

This spice mixture will coat the apples and infuse them with a warm, comforting flavor.

Sprinkle the sugar-spice blend over the apples in the slow cooker. Toss the apples gently to ensure they are evenly coated.

Add the Liquids:
Drizzle the melted butter over the apples, making sure each slice gets a bit of buttery goodness.

Then, pour in the water. The water helps create steam during the slow cooking process, ensuring the apples don’t dry out. Stir the mixture gently to distribute the butter and water evenly.

Slow Cook the Apples:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 3 hours.

The apples should become tender but not mushy by the end of the cooking time. If you prefer a softer texture, you can leave them cooking for an additional 30 minutes, but be sure to check so they don’t turn to mush.

Thicken the Sauce:
After the apples have cooked and softened, it’s time to thicken the sauce. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the lemon juice until smooth.

This will help thicken the juices from the apples into a more syrupy consistency. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker with the apples and stir well.

Increase the heat to high and let the apples cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Serve and Enjoy:
Once the apples have finished cooking, they’re ready to serve. Spoon the fried apples into bowls and enjoy them warm.

These apples are delicious on their own, but for an extra special treat, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The ice cream will melt over the warm apples, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.

Tips for Success:

Choosing Apples: Granny Smith apples are perfect for this dish because they hold up well during cooking and provide a pleasant tartness that balances the sweetness of the sugar.

However, you can experiment with other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious for a different flavor profile.

Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your fried apples a little sweeter, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or granulated sugar. Conversely, for a more tart version, reduce the amount of sugar.

Texture: If you like your apples to retain a bit more texture, check them after 2.5 hours of slow cooking. If you prefer them softer and more tender, allow them to cook a bit longer.

Keep in mind that slow cookers vary in cooking times, so be sure to check your apples as needed.

Make Ahead: This dish is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it earlier in the day and let the slow cooker do all the work.

The apples can be kept warm in the slow cooker for a few hours, making it ideal for busy days when you need to serve a warm dessert or side dish.

Serving Suggestions: These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples make an excellent side dish with pork chops, roasted chicken, or even pancakes and waffles.

You can also serve them as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt for a comforting breakfast.

Storage:

Refrigeration: Leftover fried apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The apples will continue to soak up the syrupy sauce, becoming even more flavorful the next day.

Freezing: You can freeze the fried apples for up to 3 months. When freezing, let the apples cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.

To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a little water if necessary to loosen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

As a Dessert: These apples are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of desserts.

Serve them over vanilla ice cream, or top them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a comforting dessert experience.

With Breakfast: These fried apples are an excellent addition to any breakfast. Spoon them over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a Southern-inspired morning treat.

As a Side Dish: Fried apples also make a fantastic side dish for savory meals. Serve them with roasted pork chops or grilled meats for a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

With Oatmeal or Yogurt: For a simple, healthy breakfast, top your bowl of oatmeal or yogurt with a spoonful of these warm, spiced apples. It adds a natural sweetness and extra texture to your morning meal.

Conclusion:

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are the epitome of comfort food – rich, sweet, and spiced to perfection. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and ease, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor.

With just a few basic ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a dish that feels like a special treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a dessert, a side dish, or a topping for your breakfast favorites, these fried apples are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Try them today and experience the sweet, spicy warmth that comes from this Southern-inspired dish!