Cozy Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe Just Like Home

Warm, cinnamon-kissed Cracker Barrel fried apples dance with golden sweetness on your plate, promising comfort in every bite.

Southern kitchens know the magic of this simple dessert that turns ordinary fruit into something extraordinary.

Tender apple slices caramelize beautifully, releasing their natural sugars and creating a rich, indulgent treat.

Soft and glistening, these apples carry memories of grandma’s cooking and lazy weekend mornings.

Each forkful brings a perfect balance of spice and sweetness that feels like a warm embrace.

Fresh apples transform into a delectable side dish that pairs wonderfully with breakfast or serves as a delightful dessert.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again, sharing its homestyle charm with everyone at the table.

Apple Slices & Sweet Spices For Cozy Nights

• Apples: Sweet and crisp fruit that forms the base of this classic dessert.
• Lemon: Bright citrus juice that prevents apple slices from turning brown.

• Butter: Rich dairy ingredient that helps create a smooth, caramelized coating for the apples.
• Brown Sugar: Sweet, molasses-infused sugar that adds deep caramel flavor and helps create a glossy sauce.

• Ground Cinnamon, Salt: Warm spice and mineral that enhance the natural sweetness of the apples and balance the dish's flavors.

The Best Skillet For Fried Apple Magic

• Cast-iron skillet: Your best friend for even heat distribution and perfect caramelization.
• Sharp knife: Essential for cleanly peeling and slicing apples into neat wedges.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for prepping ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring apples without damaging them.
• Measuring spoons: Helps add precise amounts of brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
• Lemon squeezer (optional): Makes extracting lemon juice easier and mess-free.

Sautéing Apples With Down-Home Style

Step 1: Prepare Apple Slices

Wash and dry your apples thoroughly.

Using a sharp knife, carefully peel the skin from each apple.

Remove the core and slice the apples into uniform wedges about half an inch thick.

Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the apple slices and gently toss to prevent discoloration.

Step 2: Create Buttery Base

Place a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop over medium heat.

Add butter and allow it to melt completely, watching for a gentle bubbling that signals it’s ready for the next stage.

Step 3: Season And Sauté Apples

Carefully transfer apple slices into the heated skillet.

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Gently stir to ensure even coating of the seasonings.

Step 4: Slow Cook To Caramelize

Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low.

Let the apples cook slowly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Continue cooking until the apples become tender and develop a rich, golden-brown caramelized exterior.

Step 5: Final Touch And Serving

Remove the skillet from heat once the apples reach a soft, glistening consistency.

Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately while warm.

These apples make a delightful side dish or sweet dessert companion.

Fried Apple Wisdom: Tips for Tender Slices

• Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in this recipe.
• Toss apple slices with lemon juice immediately after cutting to maintain their fresh, bright appearance and prevent oxidation.
• Stir occasionally and adjust heat to ensure even cooking and prevent burning while developing rich, deep caramel notes.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or serve alongside breakfast dishes like pancakes or French toast for extra deliciousness.
• Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, or use a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar alternative that still tastes amazing.

Apple Upgrades: Unique Ways to Enjoy

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace traditional apples with Asian pears and use coconut sugar for a lighter, gluten-free version that maintains the original recipe's sweet profile.
• Spiced Autumn Variation: Add nutmeg and allspice to enhance the warm flavors, creating a more complex and robust apple side dish that screams comfort.
• Low-Sugar Option: Swap brown sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly alternative that reduces overall sugar content while keeping the rich, caramelized taste.
• Vegan Friendly Approach: Substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine, ensuring the recipe remains creamy and delicious for those avoiding dairy products.

Serving Warm Fried Apples With Style

• Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair these fried apples with warm buttermilk pancakes or crispy waffles for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Delight: Top vanilla ice cream with the warm, caramelized apples for an indulgent after-dinner sweet that melts in your mouth.
• Protein Pairing: Serve alongside roasted pork chops or grilled chicken to add a touch of sweetness and depth to your main course.
• Brunch Brilliance: Spoon over French toast or incorporate into a morning yogurt parfait for a festive weekend brunch option.

Storing Skillet Apples For Sweet Moments

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Transfer cooled apples to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for 2-3 months, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Place apples in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for 30-45 seconds. Stir halfway through for even warming.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water if apples seem dry.

FAQs

• What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness during cooking.

• Can I make this recipe without a cast-iron skillet?

Yes, you can use any heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan. The key is to have even heat distribution for caramelizing the apples.

• How do I know when the apples are perfectly cooked?

The apples are done when they’re tender but not mushy, with a golden-brown caramelized exterior and a soft, sweet interior. They should be easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape.

Old-Fashioned Fried Apples That Steal the Show

• Whip up this delightful apple dish with just a few basic ingredients and minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.
• Enjoy these fried apples as a cozy side dish, a sweet dessert, or a delicious topping for pancakes, ice cream, or morning oatmeal.
• Transform ordinary apples into a mouthwatering treat in just minutes, creating a warm and inviting aroma that will have everyone gathering in the kitchen.
• Capture the essence of home-style cooking with this classic recipe that brings back memories of grandma's kitchen and traditional Southern comfort food.

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cracker Barrel fried apples shine as a classic Southern dessert with buttery cinnamon-spiced goodness. Home cooks can quickly recreate this comforting side dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to any meal you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5–6 tart apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch wedges (about 2 pounds / 907 grams)

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick / 57 grams) butter
• Juice of 1 lemon (or 2 tablespoons bottled lemon juice)

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice peeled and cored apples into uniform half-inch wedges, then drizzle fresh lemon juice over them to prevent discoloration.
2. Heat a cast-iron skillet on medium temperature, gently melting butter until it transforms into a frothy, golden liquid.
3. Distribute apple wedges evenly across the heated skillet, generously sprinkling brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a delicate pinch of salt over the fruit.
4. Cover the skillet and allow the apples to simmer for approximately 15 minutes, periodically stirring to ensure even caramelization and prevent sticking.
5. When apples reach a tender consistency with rich, golden-brown edges, remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish, allowing the natural sugars to create a glistening sauce.

Notes

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness when cooking.
• Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization throughout the dish.
• Adjust cooking time slightly depending on apple ripeness and desired softness, checking tenderness with a fork every few minutes.
• Transform this recipe into a healthier version by replacing butter with coconut oil or using a sugar substitute like stevia for a diabetic-friendly option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg