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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Carefully slice peeled and cored apples into uniform half-inch wedges, then drizzle fresh lemon juice over them to prevent discoloration.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet on medium temperature, gently melting butter until it transforms into a frothy, golden liquid.
- Distribute apple wedges evenly across the heated skillet, generously sprinkling brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a delicate pinch of salt over the fruit.
- Cover the skillet and allow the apples to simmer for approximately 15 minutes, periodically stirring to ensure even caramelization and prevent sticking.
- 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