Name: Slow Cooker Fried Apples – Cracker Barrel Copycat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488916H49M50S
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 medium honey crisp apples (~3 lb), peeled and sliced into ¼” pieces; ½ cup brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; ¼ cup butter, cubed

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I’m excited to share my version of slow cooker “fried” apples—a cozy, dessert-style side that captures all the sweet, spiced flavors of Cracker Barrel’s famous fried apples, made effortlessly in the crockpot. Slow Cooker Fried Apples – Cracker Barrel Copycat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it fills my kitchen with the irresistible aroma of apples, butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar as it cooks away. It’s perfect for any time of year—warm and comforting in the fall, yet still delicious served over ice cream in the summer. I appreciate how simple it is: just six everyday ingredients and minimal prep, and everything comes together in the slow cooker.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
▢ Medium honey crisp apples (about 6, ~3 lb), peeled and sliced into ≈¼” pieces
▢ Brown sugar (½ cup, packed)
▢ Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
▢ Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon)
▢ Cornstarch (2 tablespoons)
▢ Butter (¼ cup, cubed)

directions

I start by washing, peeling, and slicing the apples into roughly ¼‑inch pieces.
I layer them evenly in the bottom of my slow cooker.
I sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over the apples, drizzle in the vanilla extract, then sprinkle on the cornstarch.
I top everything with the cubed butter. If needed, I gently stir to help coat the apples.
I cook on HIGH for about 2–3 hours, checking occasionally—my goal is tender, caramelized apples without turning them to applesauce.
Once they’re nicely softened, I switch the slow cooker to WARM and serve as a delightful side or dessert.

Servings and timing

Servings: This recipe makes about 8 servings.
Timing: Prep time is around 15 minutes.
Cooking time is 2–3 hours on HIGH, depending on your slow cooker—so total time is roughly 2 hours 15 minutes.

Variations

I love experimenting with varieties of apples—Granny Smith, Gala, or Fuji work beautifully if I want a tarter or slightly different flavor.
To brighten the flavor, I sometimes squeeze a little lemon juice over the apples just before serving.
For a richer dessert twist, I’ll top the warm apples with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel.
Sometimes, if I’m craving extra texture, I’ll stir in a sprinkle of chopped nuts or even a crumble topping during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

storage/reheating

How I store leftovers

I keep leftover apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—they tend to be so good that they disappear quickly.

Freezing

I’ve rarely had leftovers long enough to freeze, but if I do, I’ll let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They freeze fine but can get a bit mushy once thawed.

Reheating

To enjoy them again later, I warm them in a skillet over medium heat or a quick stint in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use this recipe as a pie filling?

I absolutely can. It’s missing a few spices typical of classic pie, but it works well as a shortcut apple pie filling—great in empanadas or dump cakes.

2. How many people does this recipe serve?

I typically get about 8 servings out of it when using 3 pounds of apples.

3. Can I store and freeze this?

Yes—I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezing is possible, but the texture may change once thawed.

4. Is cooking on HIGH really better than LOW?

Yes, I’ve found that cooking on HIGH for a shorter duration (2–3 hours) gives me tender yet intact apples. Cooking LOW for much longer risks turning them mushy.

5. Any tips for a brighter finish?

Absolutely. I’ll sometimes add a splash of lemon juice before serving for a fresh finish. It’s a small detail that really pops.

Conclusion

I hope this article invites you to fall in love with my slow cooker fried apples—sweet, spiced, effortlessly made, and oh, so comforting. I can’t wait for you to give this cozy dish a try and let me know how it turns out in your kitchen.