Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

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.

❤️ 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.

Ingredients

• 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.
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.
6. Allow mixture to bubble and thicken, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

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

Storage

Leftover fried apples should be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight covered 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, 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

Variations

My first choice for apples for this recipe is using Granny Smith apples. Jonagold and Fuji apples are also great for this recipe. They all hold up well for frying.

Washington State University has a great apple guide that I refer to for baking.

This is a great recipe for the slow cooker as well. Everything goes right into the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for about 2 to 2 ½ hours until the apples are fork-tender.

Leftover fried apples would be delicious for this Apple Taquito Recipe.

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.
• Our hash brown potato casserole is quite similar to the popular Cracker Barrel potato recipe and would be a great side dish along with the fried apples.
• 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.

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-favorite recipes with apples:

• 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 delicous homemade baked donuts.
• Harvest Apple Cakelets with Maple Drizzle is a fantastic treat full of apple flavor.
• Apple Pie Puff Pastry Twists are so delicious and have a tasty apple pie filling that will keep you coming back for more.

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

Keep up to date with recipes by following me on:

FACEBOOK  INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, TWITTER

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! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Eileen Kelly

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.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

0 minutes mins

Total Time 16 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 270

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Equipment

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

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• ▢ 3 apples, sliced thin Note 1
• ▢ 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• ▢ ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
• ▢ ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ▢ 1 Tablespoon apple pie spice
• ▢ ½ cup apple cider if needed, add more
• ▢ 1 Tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

 

1. Slice the apples thin and sprinkle with lemon juice, set aside. (No need to peel the apples)
2. In a small bowl, whisk together white sugar, brown sugar and apple pie spice. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar mixture and the apples.
4. While the apple mixture is cooking, whisk the cornstarch into the apple cider. Add the cider mixture to the skillet with the apples.
5. 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.
6. Remove from heat.
7. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream. Great served over pancakes, waffles, or french toast.

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, blending tart and sweet. 

Slow Cooker Instructions: This is a great recipe for the slow cooker as well. Everything goes right into the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for about 2 to 2 ½ hours until the apples are fork- tender.

 

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.

 

Don’t forget to shop at the Everyday Eileen store on Amazon. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 1gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 107mgPotassium: 186mgFiber: 3gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 428IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional values are estimates only. Please consult a professional for strict dietary needs.

If you loved this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below — it helps other find it and means the world to me! — Eileen xo 🍀