Slow Cooker Spiced Cracker Barrel Copycat Fried Apples

You know how some foods just stick with you — like really nestle into a cozy little corner of your memory? That’s how I feel about those fried apples from Cracker Barrel. My husband and I had them on one of those lazy Sunday drives, back when the kids were younger and we could still sneak off for a quick bite between soccer games and birthday parties. One spoonful of those warm, cinnamon-soaked apples and I was hooked.

And while I don’t always have time to stand over a skillet (or, let’s be honest, deal with one more dirty pan), I do have a slow cooker. So I figured — let’s get the same sweet, spiced magic without the extra fuss.

And friends, this version? It might just be better.

Why These Apples Will Steal the Show (and Maybe Your Heart)

• Toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away — that’s a win.

• Your whole house is gonna smell like a cinnamon candle. But real.

• Perfect as a dessert, breakfast topping, or surprise side dish.

• Sweet enough for the kids, but not cloying. Grown-ups won’t feel like they’re eating pie filling.

• It’s cozy. It’s nostalgic. It makes you want to put on fuzzy socks and call your mama.

What You’ll Need — And What You Can Sub In If You Forgot Something

Here’s the scoop on the ingredients, but don’t stress if you’re missing a thing or two. We improvise around here.

• 6 large apples – I like Granny Smith for the tartness and Honeycrisp for that natural sweet bite. But use what you’ve got. Pink Lady, Fuji, or even a mix if your crisper drawer looks like a fruit stand.

• 2 tbsp cornstarch – This thickens up all those sweet juices. If you’re out, you can use flour, but go a little light or it might taste too “pasty.”

• 1/4 cup brown sugar + 1/4 cup white sugar – That combo gives it that rich, caramel-y edge. You can go heavier on the brown if you like that molasses vibe. Or pull back on both if you’re watching sugar.

• 1 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg – Don’t skip the nutmeg. It adds a quiet warmth that makes the whole thing feel homemade. I mean really homemade.

• 1/4 cup melted butter – This is what makes it feel like a treat. Coconut oil works too, but the flavor will shift slightly.

• 1 tbsp lemon juice – Brightens things up and keeps it from getting mushy.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Just a splash of comfort.

How To Make It (Even If You’ve Got Toddlers Screaming in the Background)

1. Slice your apples – About 1/4-inch thick. Not paper thin, not chunky. You want them to hold up, but melt just a little.

2. Mix the good stuff – In a bowl, stir together your cornstarch, sugars, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Go ahead — give it a sniff. That’s what cozy smells like.

3. Toss it all in the slow cooker – Apples first. Then sprinkle your sugar mix over them like fairy dust. Drizzle on the melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla. Give it all a gentle toss. Nothing fancy.

4. Lid on, walk away – Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re soft, shiny, and everything smells like a country kitchen.

5. Stir before serving – It helps distribute all that saucy goodness.

Little Twists You Can Try (Because Life’s Too Short to Make Things the Same Way Twice)

• Toss in raisins or dried cranberries – They plump up and add a nice chewy texture.

• Sprinkle some nuts on top – Pecans or walnuts work great. Or candied nuts, if you’re feeling fancy.

• Less sugar? No problem. – Just cut back a tablespoon or two. It won’t hurt the dish.

• Pump it up with pumpkin spice – Just a pinch! It’s fall in a bowl.

• Serve over pancakes, waffles, oatmeal – Heck, I’ve even spooned it over toast. No judgment.

• Pair with pork chops or roasted chicken – The sweet-savory combo is surprisingly good.

How To Store the Leftovers (If You Even Have Any)

Fridge: These’ll keep for 3–4 days easy in a sealed container. Just warm them up in the microwave or gently on the stovetop.

Freezer: Yep, they freeze well. Let ’em cool completely, toss them in a freezer bag, and freeze flat. They’ll keep for 1–2 months. Just thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Pro tip: If it gets too thick, splash in a little water or apple juice when reheating.