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Home » Recipes » Desserts

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Published: Sep 3, 2022 by Eileen xo

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A pinterest pin with text overlay for cracker barrel fried apples.
a collage of apples that have been friend and blended with spices

Our copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples is one of my family's favorites. The apples are seared in mouthwatering melted butter and cinnamon mixture. Simply put, these apples are literally eating the inside of a fabulously decadent apple pie without the fuss.

A white plate filled with fried apples that are topped with whipped ingredients.
Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Equipment
  • Instructions
  • Storage
  • Freezer Instructions
  • Expert Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Variations
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Similar recipes
  •  
  • Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
  • 💬 Comments

❤️ Why you'll love this recipe

  • Our copycat Fried Apples has been said to be better than the one's family and friends have had at the Cracker Barrel restaurants.
  • This easy recipe is the perfect comfort food.
  • The fried apples are affordable, and any home cook can make this super simple recipe.

Ingredientsfried apple recipe ingredients on a white table

  • apples -use a good cooking apple such as Granny Smith, Jonagold, or Golden Delicous.
  • apple cider or apple juice
  • light brown sugar - adds sweetness to the recipe.
  • white sugar - a bit more sweetener for the apples.
  • cornstarch - thickens up the sauce.
  • apple pie spice - homemade or store-bought to add flavor.
  • salted butter - more flavor to the apples. If using unsalted butter, add 1//4 teaspoon salt to the recipe

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups
  • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls

Instructions

This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.

  1. Thinly slice the apples. Squeeze the lemon juice on the apples. Sliced apples in a pan being fried in butter.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine white sugar, light brown sugar, and apple pie spice.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar mixture to blend the ingredients.
  4. Add the apples to the melted butter and spices, and stir to blend.
  5. Make a slurry by whisking the cornstarch into the apple cider and add to the skillet. A collage of photos, adding cornstarch to apple cider, then whisking it in and then adding to apples in a cast iron skillet.
  6. Allow mixture to bubble and thicken, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Apples fried in butter and seasoned with apple pie spice on a spoon over a skillet.

Best served right away. Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Storage

Leftovers should be kept in the refrigerator in a covered airtight container for 1-2 days.

Reheat in a microwave, following the manufacturer's instructions to reheat.

To reheat in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F and place the apples in an oven-safe container and warm the apples for about 10 minutes.

Freezer Instructions

This recipe is easy to freeze. Make a large batch and place serving-size portions in freezer-safe bags.

They can be reheated in the microwave following the manufacturer's instructions. They can also be defrosted overnight and reheated in the oven following the above storage reheating instructions.

Expert Tips

Expert Tip: Be sure to slice the apples evenly so they cook at the same time to the same tenderness.

  • There is no need to peel the apples. However, if you choose to peel them, use a small paring knife to trim the skin off the apples.
  • We use a corn starch slurry to thicken the sauce and it works perfectly. This is a great way to thicken the sauce and keep it gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best apples to use for this recipe?

My favorite cooking apples are Golden Delicious apples, Pink Lady, Cortland, Granny Smith apples, and Jonagold.

Should I peel the apples before frying them?

I prefer the rustic look of leaving the peel on the apple. However, you can peel them. It is a personal choice.

When should the apples be sliced for the recipe?

Apples can turn brown rather quickly. For this recipe, slice the apples right when you are ready to cook them, and don't forget to put lemon juice on them to prevent browning.

Variations

Everything is pretty straightforward and substitutions aren't suggested for this simple and tasty recipe. I suggest sticking with Granny Smith, Jonagold, or Fuji. They hold up well to frying. Washington State University has a great apple guide that I refer to for baking.

Serving Suggestions

  • Next time you want to have a complete Cracker Barrel dinner, start with this copycat meatloaf recipe. Then have the fried apples for dessert.
  • A great dinner of Pork Chops and Sauerkraut would be perfect with these
  • Serve your fried apples straight up as they do in Cracker Barrel is always delicious.
  • Top with some fresh whipped cream and a sprig of fresh mint.
  • Serve these tasty apples over your buttermilk pancakes.
  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A white plate with fried apples topped with whipped cream.

Similar recipes

Other fruit dessert recipes you may enjoy would be our super popular homemade peach crumble, strawberry pretzel pie, and poached pears.

With apple season upon us, everyone is looking for more apple recipes, here are a few of our fan favorites:

  • Apple Pie Vodka is a delicious homemade apple pie flavored vodka.
  • Caramel Apple Vodka Slush is one of my favorite cocktails.
  • Slow Cooker Apple Cider oh my, we love this cider.
  • Apple Cider Donuts are d52elicous homemade baked donuts.
  • Harvest Apple Cakelets with Maple Drizzle is a fantastic treat full of apple flavor.

I love any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below.

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Thank you for your continued support. I am forever grateful.

Eileen  xo

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

Fried Apples in a white bowl topped with fresh whipped cream.

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Enjoy a delicious Southern Fried Apple recipe with an aromatic blend of spices blended with apples and sautéed in butter to make the most succulent apple dessert. Serve on their own or top with whipped cream.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cracker barrel fried apples, cracker barrel fried apples recipe, fried apples recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes minutes
0 minutes minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 270kcal
Author: Eileen Kelly

Equipment Needed:

  • As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • knife
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups
  • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

  • 3 apples, sliced thin Note 1
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¼ cup granulated white sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 Tablespoon apple pie spice
  • ½ cup apple cider if needed, add more
  • 1 Tablespoon corn starch

Instructions

  • Slice the apples thin and sprinkle with lemon juice, set aside. (No need to peel the apples)
  • In a small bowl, whisk together white sugar, brown sugar and apple pie spice. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar mixture and the apples.
  • While the apple mixture is cooking, whisk the cornstarch into the apple cider. Add the cider mixture to the skillet with the apples.
  • Continue to cook the apple mixture, stir occasionally, for about 6 minutes. The liquid will begin to bubble and thicken. The apples will be fork tender.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Serve with whipped cream or ice cream. Great served over pancakes, waffles, or french toast.

Notes

Be sure to check the Expert Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help make a delicious recipe.
Note 1: We use a mix of Granny Smith and Cortland apples, blend tart and sweet. 
 
I'm not a registered dietician, I do my best to provide the most accurate nutritional values. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation. Actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
 
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Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 107mg | Potassium: 186mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 428IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @Everyday_Eileen or tag #everydayeileen!

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