My mama used to make a pot of apples that smelled like pure fall. Now I toss them in the slow cooker with butter, sugar & cinnamon—and the whole house feels like Sunday dinner at home.

 

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Soft, tender apple slices bathed in a sweet buttery‑spiced sauce, made in a slow cooker so you set it and forget it, then serve warm and cozy.

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Why this dish works

• Apples + brown sugar + cinnamon is a timeless flavor combo that evokes comfort, fall, homestyle dinners and desserts.

• Using a slow cooker ensures gentle, even cooking—apples become tender but not mushy, coating them in syrupy sauce without needing stovetop oversight.

• The dish is versatile: serve it as a warm side dish alongside ham, pork chops or roasted chicken, or as a dessert over ice cream, pancakes, or waffles.

• Many recipe sources show how the slow‑cooker version is easier than the original “fried in a skillet” method while delivering similar flavour. Persnickety Plates+2About a Mom+2

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Ingredients (about 8–12 servings depending on size)

Main Ingredients

• ~5 lbs (≈2.3 kg) apples (a mixture of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith is common) — cored and cut into wedges or slices. About a Mom+1

• ½ cup packed light brown sugar. About a Mom+1

• ¼ cup granulated sugar (some versions include this). About a Mom

• 2 Tbsp cornstarch (to help thicken the sauce) About a Mom+1

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (plus optional nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice). Recipes by Clare+1

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (adds depth) About a Mom+1

• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 Tbsp) to brighten flavor and help apples keep their color. The Cooking Twins+1

• ½ cup (≈113 g) melted butter (unsalted or salted depending on preference). About a Mom

• Optional: apple juice or apple cider (½ cup) for extra liquid/flavor. The Kitchen Magpie+1

• Optional spice additions: ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, a pinch of cloves or pumpkin pie spice (for richer fall flavor) The Helper+1

Equipment

• A slow cooker / crock‑pot (at least 4‑6 quart size)

• A large mixing bowl or toss‑bowl for apples and cornstarch

• Measuring cups/spoons, knife & cutting board for apples

• A spatula or large spoon for stirring halfway through

• Optional: a slow cooker liner or non‑stick cooking spray to ease cleanup. About a Mom

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Equipment & prep

• Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or use a liner (makes cleanup easier).

• Peel, core and slice your apples into wedges or slices roughly ¼–½ inch thick. Try to keep uniform slices for even cooking. Some recipes leave the peel on for texture, but peeling gives a smoother result. The Magical Slow Cooker+1

• Gather and measure your sugars, cornstarch, butter, lemon juice and spices.

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Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Step 1: Add apples + cornstarch

1. Place the sliced apples into the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them in an even layer.

2. Sprinkle the cornstarch (2 Tbsp) evenly over the apples. Toss gently to coat each slice lightly with the cornstarch. This helps the sauce thicken later. The Cooking Twins+1

Step 2: Add sugar & spice mix

3. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar (if using), ground cinnamon, and any optional spices (nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, cloves).

4. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples in the slow cooker. Toss gently so the apples are coated. Recipes by Clare+1

Step 3: Pour butter + lemon (and optional liquids)

5. Melt the butter and pour it over the apples. Then add the lemon juice and vanilla extract. If using apple juice/cider, pour that too. Gently stir or toss so everything is coated. The Kitchen Magpie+1

Step 4: Slow‑cook

6. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for roughly 2 hours (some versions cook 3–4 hours depending on appliance) until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. The Cooking Twins

   • If your slow cooker runs cooler, you may adjust to LOW for 3–4 hours. Many sources advise 3–4 hours on LOW. Recipes by Clare

7. Halfway through cooking (~1 hour mark if cooking 2 hours), gently stir the apples to ensure even cooking and coating of sauce.

8. When done, apples should be soft and coated in a glossy, syrupy sauce. If the sauce is still thin, leave the lid slightly ajar for the last 15 minutes to allow steam to escape and sauce to thicken. The Cooking Twins

Step 5: Serve

9. Stir gently one final time. Serve warm. You can serve the apples as a side dish, dessert topping, over ice cream, pancakes, waffles—or just as a cozy bowl of comfort.

10. Garnish if desired with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert, or a sprinkling of chopped nuts for texture.

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Tips & Tricks for Better Results

• Apple variety matters: A mix of tart and sweet apples (e.g., Granny Smith for tartness + Honeycrisp or Gala for sweet) gives balanced flavor. Some recipes use Honeycrisp & Granny Smith. About a Mom+1

• Don’t over‑cook: You want tender apples—not mush. If they cook too long they may disintegrate.

• Uniform thickness: Slice apples into even sized pieces so they cook evenly.

• Peel or not: Peeling gives smoother texture; leaving peel adds texture but might be tougher after long cook. Some sources recommend peeling for optimal texture. The Magical Slow Cooker

• Thicken gently: Using cornstarch helps the sauce become syrupy rather than watery. Make sure it’s evenly distributed.

• Flavor boost: A splash of vanilla, a pinch of nutmeg or cloves, or a drizzle of maple syrup can elevate flavor. DIY Joy+1

• Cleanup ease: Use a liner or spray the slow cooker pot so caramelized sugar doesn’t stick.

• Serving ideas: Serve with pork chops or ham (classic southern pairing), or for dessert, over ice cream or pancakes. Some recipe sites highlight these using variations. The Magical Slow Cooker

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Variations & Customizations

• Maple version: Replace part of butter with maple syrup, or add 2 Tbsp maple syrup for a maple‑apple flavor. About a Mom

• Spiced version: Add ¼ tsp ground cloves, ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice or ½ tsp cardamom for richer fall flavor. The Helper+1

• Savory twist: For a side dish with pork or savory meat, reduce sugar slightly and add a pinch of salt, black pepper or bacon bits. About a Mom

• Fruity variation: Add ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins during last hour of cooking for tart pop. About a Mom

• Mini slow cooker size: Halve the recipe for a smaller cooker (3‑4 quarts) or double for large gatherings.

• Instant Pot alternative: Use the slow‑cook or pressure‑cook mode according to recipe adaptation for quicker finish. The Kitchen Magpie

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Make‑Ahead & Storage

• These fried apples hold well and can be made ahead. Let them cool slightly, then transfer to an airtight container.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3‑5 days. Some sources say up to 5 days. About a Mom

• Reheat gently: on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally; or microwave in 30‑second bursts. Add a splash of apple juice or water if sauce has thickened too much.

• Freezing: You can freeze leftovers in freezer‑safe container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating. The Cooking Twins

• To serve later: Pop them in the microwave or stovetop, and you’ve got warm, comforting fried apples at short notice.

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Serving Suggestions

• Side dish: Serve alongside roasted pork chops, ham, turkey, roasted chicken or even roasted root vegetables. The sweet‑spicy apples pair beautifully with savory meats.

• Dessert: Spoon over vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or along with pancakes/waffles in the morning.

• Breakfast topping: Use on oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes or french toast for a cozy brunch.

• Snack or sweet treat: Serve warm in bowls with a sprinkle of nuts or a drizzle of caramel.

• Holiday meals: The aroma and flavor make this a perfect addition for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving side dish, or cozy winter dessert.

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Nutrition & Portioning

• Approximate calories will vary depending on portion size and ingredients, but many versions estimate ~190‑210 kcal per serving for an 8–10 serving yield. About a Mom+1

• To reduce calories or sugar: use less brown sugar, or cut the butter slightly, and increase apple variety tartness so you rely less on sugar.

• Serving size: around ¾ to 1 cup of apples per person is typical as a side; less if dessert.

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Why This Recipe Brings Comfort

• The smells of cinnamon, butter and apples cooking permeate the kitchen and evoke warm memories. Many copycat recipes say the aroma alone makes the house feel cozy. Persnickety Plates

• The texture of tender‑sweet apples in syrup is reminiscent of classic Southern “fried apples”—but you achieve it with less active effort thanks to the slow cooker.

• It’s easy to prep, nearly “hands‑off” during cooking, and nearly universally liked—making it both convenient and satisfying.

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Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples deliver that comforting, homestyle flavor with minimal fuss. With a mix of sweet and tart apples, brown sugar, cinnamon‑butter syrup, and gentle slow cooking, you’ll end up with a dish that’s perfect for side or dessert. Follow the steps above, use quality ingredients, season carefully, and anticipate the “wow” when you serve it warm.

So grab your slow cooker, peel and slice those apples, stir in the sugars and butter, and let the aromas fill your home. Whether you serve it with dinner or as a warm dessert, you’ll enjoy every spoonful of buttery‑spiced apple goodness.

Happy cooking and warm apples ahead! 🍎

If you like, I can create a printable one‑page version of this recipe (with metric conversions) or a quick variation sheet (gluten‑free, lower sugar, vegan) too.