If you’ve ever been to Cracker Barrel, you’ve probably tasted their famous fried apples—sweet, buttery, and perfectly spiced. These apples are so tender and caramelized, you’ll find yourself spooning them up with every bite. Trust me, they’re a crowd-pleaser, and I’m excited to share how you can make them at home! Whether you’re looking for the perfect side dish to complement your meal or just craving something sweet, these Cracker Barrel-inspired fried apples will hit the spot.
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Why You’ll Love Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating a warm, cozy moment that brings everyone to the table. Here’s why it’s a winner:
Simple Ingredients:
You don’t need a bunch of fancy ingredients to make these apples. Just a few basic pantry staples, and you’ll have a dish that feels indulgent without being complicated.
Quick and Easy:
With just a few steps, you can have these fried apples ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Versatile:
These apples are perfect as a side dish, but they also make a great topping for pancakes, waffles, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The possibilities are endless!
Comfort Food at Its Best:
The combination of warm apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar is like a hug in a bowl. It’s comforting and nostalgic, making it the perfect addition to any meal, especially a cozy breakfast or dinner.
Ingredients
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Apples:
Use a variety of apples that are firm and hold up well during cooking, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They’ll get soft but retain their shape.
Butter:
For that rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor, you’ll need butter. It adds that smooth, indulgent taste that’s essential for this dish.
Brown Sugar:
Brown sugar is the key to creating that deep caramelized sweetness. It adds richness and helps bring out the apples’ natural sugars.
Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is a must in this recipe—it adds warmth and that classic spiced flavor we all love.
Vanilla Extract:
A dash of vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors, giving it that extra little something.
Lemon Juice:
A squeeze of lemon juice helps balance the sweetness and prevents the apples from turning too mushy. It brightens up the dish and adds a hint of freshness.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these mouthwatering fried apples:
Peel and Slice the Apples:
Peel the apples and cut them into thin slices. You want the slices to be about 1/4-inch thick so they cook evenly and soak up all the delicious flavors.
Melt the Butter:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. The butter should be bubbling but not browning at this point.
Cook the Apples:
Add the apple slices to the skillet and stir them around to coat them in the butter. Let the apples cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
Add the Sugar and Spices:
Sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until the apples are evenly coated in the sweet, spiced mixture.
Simmer Until Tender:
Reduce the heat to low and let the apples simmer for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should become tender and the sauce should thicken slightly, creating that luscious caramelized glaze.
Add the Vanilla:
Once the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a lovely depth of flavor that ties everything together.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the fried apples warm, as a side dish or over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream. They’re perfect for breakfast, a comforting dessert, or just a treat to enjoy anytime.
How to Serve Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
These fried apples are versatile and can be paired with various dishes to elevate your meal:
With Breakfast:
Serve these apples alongside pancakes, waffles, or French toast. They make the perfect topping and add a touch of sweetness to your morning.
As a Side Dish:
Pair these apples with roasted meats like pork or chicken. The sweetness of the apples complements savory dishes perfectly.
As a Dessert:
Top a scoop of vanilla ice cream or custard with these fried apples for a delicious, comforting dessert. A drizzle of the warm syrup over the top makes it extra special.
With Oatmeal or Porridge:
Stir these apples into a bowl of warm oatmeal for a cozy, hearty breakfast. The sweetness and spice of the apples will make your morning extra special.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to make this recipe even better:
Use a Good Skillet:
A heavy-bottomed skillet works best to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Cast-iron skillets are great for this recipe!
Try Different Apple Varieties:
Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties. Some apples are sweeter, while others are more tart, so you can adjust the flavors based on your preferences.
Add a Pinch of Nutmeg:
For a slightly different flavor profile, try adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. It adds warmth and depth to the dish.
Storing Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove for a quick snack or breakfast.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can make these fried apples ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them before serving.
Q2: Can I use sweetened applesauce instead of fresh apples?
A2: While fresh apples provide a better texture and flavor, you can use sweetened applesauce if you’re in a pinch. Just adjust the sugar and cinnamon to taste.
Q3: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A3: To make it healthier, you can reduce the amount of sugar and use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. You can also use a light butter or olive oil for cooking.
Q4: Can I freeze these fried apples?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cooked apples for up to 3 months. Just store them in a freezer-safe container, and reheat when ready to serve.
Q5: Can I add other fruits to the fried apples?
A5: Absolutely! You can add pears or even dried cranberries for an extra burst of flavor.
Q6: Can I make this dish with salted butter?
A6: If you use salted butter, be sure to reduce the amount of salt you add to the recipe, as it may make the apples too salty.
Q7: How can I make the apples more caramelized?
A7: To get a deeper caramelization, let the apples cook for a few extra minutes after adding the sugar and spices, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and turns golden.
Q8: What’s the best way to store leftover fried apples?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q9: Can I add nuts to the fried apples?
A9: Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition to fried apples. They’ll add some crunch and extra flavor.
Q10: Can I make these apples with other spices?
A10: Absolutely! Try adding a pinch of ginger or cloves for a slightly different spice profile.
Final Thoughts
These Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are the perfect blend of sweet, buttery, and spiced flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you enjoy them as a side dish, dessert, or topping, they’re guaranteed to make your meal feel extra special. So, go ahead and give them a try you’ll be glad you did! Enjoy!
Print
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These sweet Southern-style fried apples taste just like the ones at Cracker Barrel but even better when homemade! Tender, buttery apples caramelized with cinnamon and brown sugar make the perfect side dish for breakfast, holidays, or dessert with a scoop of ice cream.
Ingredients
- 4 large Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced (peeled or unpeeled)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon (or apple pie spice)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1–2 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
-
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Melt Butter & Combine Ingredients
- In a cast-iron skillet (or large heavy-bottomed pan), melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
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Cook the Apples
- Fold in apple slices and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until apples are tender.
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Thicken the Sauce
- Remove the cover and raise heat to medium-high.
- Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Adjust & Serve
- Taste and, if needed, add lemon juice to enhance the flavors.
- Serve warm as a side dish, over pancakes, with pork chops, or as a dessert with ice cream.
Notes
- Apple varieties: Granny Smiths are tart and hold their shape well, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work too.
- Serving ideas: Try over oatmeal, waffles, or biscuits for a cozy breakfast.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 40mg