Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are the most delicious dessert ever! This easy southern recipe combines juicy apples with cinnamon, apple juice, nutmeg and a hint of sugar for the perfect copycat recipe. This is comfort food at its best!
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I love Cracker Barrel fried apples. I think it is my favorite thing on the entire menu. They have mastered this southern staple over the years and I just had to make my own recipe to enjoy at home. Fried apples are the perfect thing to make in the fall after apple picking with the family or for a delicious Thanksgiving side dish. It has become somewhat of a tradition in our home. My kids love helping me cut the apples and stirring the mixture together.
Added bonus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing!
What Type of Apples Work Best for Cracker Barrel Fried Apples?
You could use a variety of different types of apples in this dish but Cracker Barrel has used Golden Delicious apples in its recipe for years so that is what we use too. If you don’t have Gold Delicious you could try a Granny Smith, Gala or any variety that will keep its shape when cooked for awhile.
I have also been asked if I keep the peel on my apples, I sure do! Most of the health benefits of apples are in their peels so lets leave those on and enjoy them! I simply wash my apples and then use an apple corer/slicer. I will then cut each of those slices 2-3 times to make the perfect sized apple slices for this recipe.
Can you make fried apples in a slow cooker or pressure cooker?
Absolutely!
It is really simple to make this fried apple recipe in your slow cooker. Just add your apples, sprinkle with the cornstarch and stir. Combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl and pour over the apples. Mix well and then cook on high for 2 hours.
For pressure cookers, I would recommend the pot-in-pot method of cooking. Place a cup of water in your pot, place your trivet, and then use a pressure cooker-friendly dish. Combine all ingredients in a medium sized bowl and place in your dish. Cover with foil and place on the trivet. Cook over high pressure for 5 minutes allowing for a natural release before enjoying.
How to Can Fried Apples
So there is a little debate about canning fried apples. Our recipe doesn’t include oil and we leave the apple peel intact, so while I haven’t personally tried canning these fried apples, I think it would be safe to do so. It has been advised not to completely cook the apples slices through when you are canning and add more apple juice to the recipe to make extra liquid.
For a full tutorial on how to can apple slices, I enjoy this one from Healthy Canning.
How to Make Fried Apples
How to Make Fried ApplesIngredients:
- 4 large golden delicious apples, core removed and sliced
- 2-1/2 cups apple juice, divided
- 4 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
Directions:
Add apples and 2 cups juice into a skillet. Heat on medium high for 20-25 minutes or until apples are tender but not mushy. Remove apples from pan and set aside.
In a separate bowl, add remaining 1/2 cup apple juice, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Whisk well and pour into skilled. Heat on medium high until bubbling and thick, whisking frequently.
Return apples to pan and mix well. Serve immediately
Related Recipes: Apple Oatmeal Cookies, Apple Cinnamon Cupcakes With Buttercream Frosting
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are the most delicious dessert ever! This easy southern recipe combines juicy apples with cinnamon, apple juice, nutmeg and a hint of sugar for the perfect copycat recipe. This is comfort food at its best!
Ingredients
- 4 large golden delicious apples core removed and sliced
- 2-1/2 cups apple juice divided
- 4 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
Instructions
- Add apples and 2 cups juice into a skillet. Heat on medium high for 20-25 minutes or until apples are tender but not mushy. Remove apples from pan and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, add remaining 1/2 cup apple juice, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Whisk well and pour into skilled. Heat on medium high until bubbling and thick, whisking frequently.
- Return apples to pan and mix well. Serve immediately
Recipe Notes
It is really simple to make this fried apple recipe in your slow cooker. Just add your apples, sprinkle with the cornstarch and stir. Combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl and pour over the apples. Mix well and then cook on high for 2 hours.
For pressure cookers, I would recommend the pot-in-pot method of cooking. Place a cup of water in your pot, place your trivet, and then use a pressure cooker-friendly dish. Combine all ingredients in a medium sized bowl and place in your dish. Cover with foil and place on the trivet. Cook over high pressure for 5 minutes allowing for a natural release before enjoying.
Pin for Later
Kara says
I made this and was I supposed to drain the apple juice that was left in the skillet before I add the mixture of spices?
Kathy says
No, the juice becomes part of the sauce.