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.
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❤️ 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
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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.
- Thinly slice the apples. Squeeze the lemon juice on the apples.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine white sugar, light brown sugar, and apple pie spice.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar mixture to blend the ingredients.
- Add the apples to the melted butter and spices, and stir to blend.
- Make a slurry by whisking the cornstarch into the apple cider and add to the skillet.
- 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
My favorite cooking apples are Golden Delicious apples, Pink Lady, Cortland, Granny Smith apples, and Jonagold.
I prefer the rustic look of leaving the apple peels on the apple. However, you can peel them. It is a personal choice.
Apples can turn brown rather quickly. For this recipe, slice the apples right when you are ready to cook them.
Don't forget to put lemon juice on them to prevent browning.
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.
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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! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖 Recipe
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Equipment Needed:
- As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Ingredients
- 3 apples, sliced thin Note 1
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup granulated 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 cornstarch
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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.
Shelby
These were so easy and so delicious! I had extra apples I needed to make use of so I decided to try this recipe. There was so much flavor and that buttery brown sugar flavor was so delicious combined with the apples!
Eleanor --- Cummings
I first tasted fried apples in Tennessee when I lived there. This recipe sure beats any others I've tasted. Love it.
Eileen xo
Thank you so much, Eleanor. I am so glad you enjoyed the fried apples. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know. This is a personal favorite of mine too.
Sabrina Lewis
Just made this and it was AMAZING!! Definitely making it again
Eileen xo
Excellent. I'm so glad you enjoy the apples