Introduction
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples is a classic comfort dish that brings the warmth and sweetness of a traditional Southern favorite right to your kitchen. This recipe mimics the beloved side dish from Cracker Barrel, combining tender apples with a rich, buttery cinnamon-sugar glaze. Using a slow cooker simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy this delicious treat with minimal effort. Whether served on their own, alongside a hearty breakfast, or as a topping for desserts, these fried apples are sure to become a family favorite.
Overview of the Recipe
This recipe is all about transforming fresh apples into a warm, sweet, and buttery dish that is perfect for any time of the day. The apples are coated in a mixture of cornstarch, sugars, and cinnamon, then slowly cooked to perfection in a slow cooker with butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The result is a flavorful dish where the apples are tender but still hold their shape, bathed in a thick, sweet sauce.
History and Origin
Fried apples have deep roots in Southern cuisine, often served as a side dish or dessert. They are traditionally made by sautéing apples in butter with sugar and spices until caramelized. Cracker Barrel, a popular American restaurant chain known for its homestyle cooking, has made this dish famous by offering it as a staple on their menu. The slow cooker adaptation of this recipe brings the ease of modern cooking to a time-honored classic, allowing the flavors to develop slowly for an even more comforting result.
Ingredients
To make Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3-4 lbs apples: Peeled, cored, and sliced into wedges. Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples are recommended for their firm texture and balanced flavor.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it a luscious consistency.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Provides additional sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, enhancing the flavor of the apples.
- ¼ cup butter, melted: Infuses the apples with rich, buttery goodness.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and helps prevent the apples from browning.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic note to the dish.
Instructions
Here’s how to prepare Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples:
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and slice: Start by peeling, coring, and slicing 3-4 pounds of apples into wedges. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking. Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples are ideal because they hold their shape well during cooking and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
Step 2: Coat with Cornstarch
- Add to slow cooker: Place the apple wedges into your slow cooker.
- Coat with cornstarch: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the apples. Stir the mixture well to ensure the apples are evenly coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce as the apples cook.
Step 3: Mix Sugars and Cinnamon
- Add sugars and cinnamon: Pour in ¼ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir everything together until the apples are well mixed with the sugars and cinnamon, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.
Step 4: Add Butter, Lemon Juice, and Vanilla
- Pour in melted butter: Drizzle ¼ cup of melted butter over the apple mixture.
- Add lemon juice and vanilla: Follow with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir once again to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. The butter adds richness, while the lemon juice and vanilla enhance the flavor of the apples.
Step 5: Cook in Slow Cooker
- Cover and cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours. This slow cooking method allows the apples to become tender and the flavors to meld together perfectly, resulting in a rich, syrupy sauce.
Step 6: Serve
- Stir and serve: Once the cooking time is complete, give the apples a good stir to evenly distribute the sauce. Serve the fried apples warm, either on their own or as a topping over vanilla ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or even alongside roasted meats for a sweet and savory combination.
Notes
- Best Apples: Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples are recommended for their firm texture and balanced tartness, which holds up well during cooking and pairs nicely with the sweetness of the sauce.
- Apple Prep: Peeling, coring, and slicing the apples is the most time-consuming part of this recipe. To make this step quicker, consider using an apple slicer and corer. This tool can speed up the process and ensure uniform slices for even cooking.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Breakfast Side: Serve the fried apples alongside pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a sweet breakfast treat.
- Dessert Topping: Spoon the warm apples over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of pound cake.
- Savory Pairing: Pair the fried apples with roasted pork or chicken for a delightful sweet-and-savory combination.
- On Their Own: Enjoy the fried apples as a comforting snack or dessert, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream.
Variations of the Recipe
This recipe can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cloves for a spicier, more aromatic flavor profile.
- Maple Syrup Addition: Substitute part of the sugar with maple syrup for a richer, deeper sweetness.
- Bourbon-Infused: Add a splash of bourbon to the mixture before cooking for a more complex flavor (omit for non-alcoholic variation).
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apples before serving for added crunch and flavor.
Health Benefits
While this dish is a sweet indulgence, it also offers some nutritional benefits:
- Apples: Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, apples are a healthy fruit that supports digestion and heart health.
- Lemon Juice: Provides vitamin C and adds brightness to the dish.
- Cinnamon: Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
To make this dish lighter, consider reducing the amount of sugar or using a sugar substitute.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, while Granny Smith and Golden Delicious are recommended, you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn. Just keep in mind that different apples may result in slight variations in texture and sweetness.
2. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the apples on the stovetop over medium heat. Simmer them in a large saucepan for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened.
3. How do I store leftover fried apples?
Store any leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
4. Can I freeze fried apples?
Yes, fried apples can be frozen. Let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
5. What can I do if the sauce is too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more water or apple juice. If it’s too thin, cook the apples uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples is a delicious, comforting dish that brings the warmth of Southern cooking into your home. With tender apples coated in a sweet, buttery sauce, this recipe is perfect for both breakfast and dessert. The ease of the slow cooker allows the flavors to develop beautifully with minimal effort, making it a great choice for busy days. Whether you’re serving it as a side, a topping, or on its own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Try it out and enjoy the sweet, cozy flavors of these fried apples!