Tender, sweet, and spiced to perfection — these slow-cooked apples taste just like the classic Cracker Barrel favorite! Perfect as a dessert, breakfast side, or topping for pancakes and ice cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet, tender, and perfectly spiced apples.

• Made effortlessly in a slow cooker.

• Great as a dessert, breakfast side, or topping.

• Reminiscent of the classic Cracker Barrel fried apples.

Ingredients

• 8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• 1/8 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1/2 cup apple cider (or apple juice)
  Prep Time: 15 minutes
  Cooking Time: 3 hours
  Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  Servings: 6

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Toss Apples with Lemon

Toss apple slices with lemon juice in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare Sugar-Spice Mixture

In another bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mix well.

Step 3: Add Apples to Slow Cooker

Place apples in the slow cooker. Pour melted butter and apple cider over them, then sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture on top.

Step 4: Coat Apples

Stir gently until the apples are evenly coated.

Step 5: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1.5–2 hours, until apples are tender but not mushy.

Step 6: Stir and Serve

Stir once halfway through cooking. Serve warm over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work well but may alter sweetness.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes, simmer gently in a saucepan for 20–30 minutes until tender.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate and reheat gently before serving.

Final Thoughts

These Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are sweet, tender, and perfectly spiced — a simple yet delicious dish for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet treat. They capture the classic flavors with minimal effort.