Tender, Sweet & Old-Fashioned Comfort Favorite
These slow-cooked fried apples are soft, buttery, and swimming in a warm cinnamon syrup—just like the famous Cracker Barrel side dish. They’re effortless to make and perfect as a dessert, breakfast topping, or cozy side for pork chops or pancakes.
Ingredients
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
(Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, or Fuji work best) - ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup butter, sliced into thin pats
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thicker sauce) Best Apples to Use
- Granny Smith – classic sweet-tart flavor
- Golden Delicious – soft and naturally sweet
- Fuji or Honeycrisp – juicy and flavorful
A mix of two apple types gives the best depth of flavor.
Instructions
- Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and slice apples into even slices (about ¼-inch thick). Place them directly into the slow cooker. - Add the Flavor
Sprinkle the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice evenly over the apples. - Add Butter
Lay the butter slices over the top. Do not stir yet—this helps create a rich syrup as it melts. - Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours
- Or HIGH for 2 hours
Stir gently once halfway through to coat apples in the sauce.
- Optional Thick Sauce
If you want a thicker, glossy syrup, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking. - Finish
Stir in vanilla extract (if using), taste, and adjust sweetness or spice if needed.
Texture & Flavor
- Apples should be fork-tender, not mushy
- Sauce should be buttery, sweet, and cinnamon-rich
- Smells like a warm autumn kitchen
How to Serve
- As a dessert, warm with vanilla ice cream
- Over pancakes, waffles, or French toast
- As a classic side dish with pork chops or ham
- Spoon over oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months
- Reheat: Microwave or warm gently on the stovetop
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dump-and-go easy
- No baking required
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Tastes just like the restaurant version
- Perfect for holidays or everyday comfort