Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
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Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are tender and sweet, with a rich buttery glaze that’s perfectly spiced. They make an ideal side dish to any homestyle meal, but are just as tasty as a breakfast or dessert topping! Make this copycat recipe with a few simple ingredients in under 30 minutes!!
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
As soon as the weather starts to cool, we take a trip to our local orchard to go apple picking. We always end up with way more than we planned…
That’s why I’m always looking for recipes to use up any amount of apples, great or small!
I love making apple fries in the air fryer for a quick snack, or a big batch of applesauce — perfect for canning or baking with.
But there’s something about the fried apples at Cracker Barrel that can take any dish from ordinary to extraordinary!
They’re tender and sweet with the most incredible spiced sauce that’s so thick and luscious.
And with this copycat Cracker Barrel fried apple recipe, you can make this side dish whenever the craving strikes. Trust me, your house will smell incredible too.
Try more sweet apple recipes like caramel apple dump cake, this easy fruit crisp, or the most incredible homemade cinnamon rolls you’ve ever tasted!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Apples – I love the tart flavor of Granny Smiths, which perfectly balances the sweeter ingredients in this Cracker Barrel fried apples recipe.
Popular alternatives include sweet and crisp Honeycrisp, denser Fuji apples, or Braeburn which have a natural mix of tart and sweet flavor.
Or, use a few different varieties for a mixture of flavors and textures! - Apple Juice – You need some liquid to make the sauce, and apple juice keeps the natural flavors nice and bold better than simply using water.
Apple cider would work too, but it sometimes comes sweetened and spiced. Check to confirm and adjust the amount of brown sugar and spices accordingly. - Butter – Helps to soften the apples and makes the sauce silky and rich. Bacon grease would be yummy too!
- Light Brown Sugar – Sweetens the dish and adds a touch of caramel flavor. Feel free to use granulated sugar in a pinch.
- Apple Pie Spice – This blend of spices often used in apple pie usually includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and sometimes ginger and cardamom.
Since you don’t need much for this recipe, it’s easiest to use a container from the store.
Or make your own and measure out what you need, then store the rest in the pantry for later. - Cornstarch – Mix this with water to make a slurry, then use that to thicken the sauce quickly. You don’t have to cook it as long as flour either, and it’s naturally gluten-free!
Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Fried Apples Like Cracker Barrel
- Cut the fruit into evenly thick slices.
This ensures that everything cooks and softens at the same rate. Otherwise, some slices will still be crunchy while others are breaking apart.
Sometimes I’ll use an apple wedge slicer to speed up the process, then slice each of the wedges in half or in thirds.
Not only does it save time, but you’re guaranteed even slices without much effort!
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet.
You shouldn’t have any trouble with this Cracker Barrel fried apple recipe as written unless your skillet is small.
But if you plan to double or triple the amounts, you’ll need to use multiple skillets or simply work in batches.
Keep the apple slices spread in mostly an even layer with some overlap. If you’ve got multiple slices piled on top of each other, they won’t cook evenly.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the texture you like.
Simmer your Cracker Barrel fried apples a bit longer to make them even softer, or reduce the cooking time if you want them to have more of a bite.
If you opt for a different variety than Granny Smith, that will also affect how quickly the slices soften.
Also keep in mind that leftovers will continue to soften the longer they sit, so don’t simmer too long or you’ll end up with mush.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Large Skillet – As with most homestyle recipes, I prefer to use cast iron. A nonstick skillet is the next best choice, as the sauce is more likely to burn or stick to stainless steel.
- Apple Corer – If you don’t have one, remove the core with a knife as you slice.
- Heat-Resistant Spoon – Perfect for cooking, stirring, and serving.
Serving Suggestions
Not to be confused with filling for apple pies, fried apples at Cracker Barrel are served as a sweet and tender side dish to homestyle meals.
They’re also delicious over ice cream for dessert, with the sticky, spiced sauce doubling as a sweet syrup!
Munchkin loves a spoonful on her pancakes and waffles, while I’ve been known to add them to my morning oatmeal.
But you can add them to savory dishes too! Spiced apples and pork are a perfect pairing, and these are just as tasty with roast chicken.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Allow Cracker Barrel fried apples to cool, then transfer them — sauce and all — to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or reheat in the microwave.
I don’t recommend freezing this dish as the apples will become mushy and mealy once thawed and reheated.
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe FAQ
That’s entirely up to your personal preference! I leave the peels on mine, but you’re welcome to remove them.
Yes, but you’ll need to add something extra so they don’t brown. Most people toss apple slices in a little lemon juice, but I have an even better trick for you!
Fill a bowl with room temperature water, then add 1 teaspoon of kosher or sea salt per cup of water. Add the apple slices and soak for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse with cool water.
The apples will stay crisp and fresh for hours without any change in taste! If you plan to do this hours in advance, store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to start the Cracker Barrel fried apples recipe.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for another layer of flavor.
You could also mix in regular or golden raisins for another texture, or some toasted nuts for crunch! Pecans or walnuts would be my top picks.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Ingredients
- 6 cups Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced (about 4-5 apples)
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- Sprinkle the apples with 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice. Stir to coat the apples evenly with the sugar and spices.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of apple juice and stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet, stirring well to combine. This will thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the apples simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve the fried apples warm as a side dish or with dessert. I recommend serving with vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published January 2025
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