Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

If you are looking for an easy dessert recipe that taste like fall in bowl, make this fried apples recipe. We love making copycat recipes and this is one of our favorite Cracker Barrel recipes.

This recipe can be made with a few pantry ingredients, which makes a budget friendly dessert. Serve it over pancakes, waffles and even ice cream for a dessert anytime of the year.

We love the combination of the cinnamon and sugar flavor. It is the perfect sweet treat to serve in many different ways. You may even like this Apple Crisp Recipe.

Why We Love this Copycat Recipe

• Easy Ingredients – If you love getting this dessert at Cracker Barrel Restaurants, now you can make it at home. Simple spices and ingredients makes this a family favorite.
• Amazing Taste – We love the amazing taste of this fried apple recipe. The sweetness and soft texture of the apples gives it so much flavor.
• Easy to Make – The prep time in this large skillet recipe is minimal. If you are needing a last minute dessert, this is the one to make.

Ingredients

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Apples – Feel free to use different types of apples. You can make this recipe with granny smith, golden delicious apples, honey crisp and more. We have even used pink lady, gala, fuji apples, and braeburn apples.
• Seasoning – We love the flavors of the cinnamon and sugar, but you can easily use other types of seasoning. Mix in apple pie spice, ground nutmeg, and even ground allspice. These warm seasoning are perfect for the fall.
• Spicy Fried Apples – If you prefer for your apples to have a little kick, add in a teaspoon of chili powder.
• Serving – These apples are the best served immediately after cooking.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

• Step 1 – Prepare Apples – Peel, core and slice the apples into ½ inch wedges.  Place the apple wedges in a large bowl.  Top with the lemon juice and gently toss to coat the apples with the juice with a slotted spoon. . 

• Step 2 – Melt Butter – Melt the butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat.  

• Step 3 – Add apples to skillet – Place the apples in the pan in the melted butter. All the apples to simmer on the stovetop over medium heat.

• Step 4 – Season Apples – Season the sliced apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon and salt.  Stir to coat the apples in the seasoning mixture. 

• Step 5 – Cover and Cook – Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes (stirring occasionally) until the apples are soft and tender. 

• Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy – Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.

Expert Tips

• Prepare Apples – To prepare this recipe, you will need to prepare the apples. Make sure to core, peel the apples and slice into wedges. We try to make the apples about the same size so they cook evenly.
• Lemon Juice – To keep the apples from turning brown, coat them with lemon juice.
• Prepare Skillet – Before adding the apples to the skillet, make sure to preheat it and add in butter.
• Cooking Apples – This recipe takes about 10 to 15 minutes to make. You will cook the apples until they are tender. Make sure to not over cook as you do not want the apples to mushy.
• Double the Recipe – We love this recipe so much that we like to double the recipe. Leftover fried apples store great and can be used for many recipes.

How to Serve Fried Apples

These fried apples are a staple side dish during the holiday season. What is great about this recipe is it is delicious served as a dessert too or with your morning coffee.

These are some of our favorite ways to serve this copycat recipe.

• Pork Chops – If you are making Grilled Pork Chops, add a side of these fork tender fried apples. The sweet and savory combination will leave your family wanting more. It is also delicious served with Cracker Barrel Roast Beef Recipe.
• Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream – This fried apples recipe is delicious served as a dessert. Top the apples with a vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce. We have even add chopped nuts for a crunchy flavor.
• Whipped Cream – You can even serve this recipe with some whipped cream. It makes this dish extra creamy with tons of flavor.

How to Thicken Sauce for Fried Apples

If your fried apples sauce is to thin, then you can add a cornstarch slurry to thicken it up.

• Combine a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water. Mix this together really well and add to the apples. Bring to a boil and for 1 to 2 minutes. This should thicken the apples perfectly.

We love the this fried apples cracker barrel version as is and do not feel the need to thicken it. However, this is certainly an option for those that prefer it thicker.

Can you Cook Fried Apples in the Slow Cooker?

Yes, if you prefer you can make this recipe in the crockpot. The total time to cook this side dish is about 2 hours, but it is perfect for a crowd.

• Line crockpot with a crockpot liner for easy cleanup.
• Prepare the apples as the recipe indicate and place in the slow cooker.
• Season the apples, then cover and cook.