Cracker Barrel Fried Apples – Sweet, Buttery Comfort Food
If you’ve ever dined at Cracker Barrel, chances are you’ve fallen in love with their famous fried apples—a warm, sweet, and buttery side dish that feels like pure Southern comfort. The good news? You don’t have to wait for your next road trip to enjoy them! With this homemade Cracker Barrel fried apples recipe, you can easily recreate the same restaurant-quality flavor in your own kitchen.
These tender, spiced apples pair perfectly with breakfast, holiday dinners, or as a simple dessert. Let’s dive into this copycat recipe that’s just as cozy and delicious as the original.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 6 large firm apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best)
- 3 tbsp butter (unsalted)
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice (optional)
- ¼ cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)
- Pinch of salt
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Prepare the Apples – Wash, peel (optional), and slice apples into ½-inch wedges.
- Melt the Butter – In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until it’s bubbly.
- Cook the Apples – Add sliced apples and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.
- Add Sugar & Spices – Stir in brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until apples are coated.
- Pour in Liquid – Add apple cider or apple juice. Stir and let simmer for 5–10 minutes, until apples are tender.
- Thicken the Sauce – Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Serve Warm – Remove from heat and serve hot as a side dish or dessert.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Serving Size: 6
Tips & Variations
- Apple Varieties: Granny Smith gives a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add natural sweetness.
- Extra Richness: Add a splash of heavy cream for a caramel-like sauce.
- Boozy Twist: Stir in 1–2 tbsp bourbon for an adults-only version.
- Holiday Touch: Add a sprinkle of ground cloves or ginger for a festive flavor.
- Make Ahead: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in a skillet before serving.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Sugar: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or erythritol.
- Low-Fat: Use only 1 tbsp butter and replace the rest with a splash of water or apple juice.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free (just confirm your cornstarch brand).
- Keto-Friendly: Use a keto-friendly sweetener and reduce apple portions (since apples are higher in carbs).
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
Serving Suggestions
These Cracker Barrel fried apples are incredibly versatile. Serve them as:
- A cozy side dish with pork chops, roasted chicken, or turkey.
- A topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- A warm dessert with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Simple yet satisfying, this dish brings restaurant-style comfort food right to your table. Once you try it, it may just become a family favorite!
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I use canned apples instead of fresh?
Fresh apples work best for texture and flavor, but canned apples can be used if drained well.
Q2: How do I store leftover fried apples?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave.
Q3: Can I freeze fried apples?
Yes, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Q4: What’s the best apple for fried apples?
Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp or Fuji for natural sweetness. A mix of both is ideal.
Q5: Are fried apples a dessert or a side dish?
Both! They can be served as a sweet side dish for dinner or as a standalone dessert.
