Homemade Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

closeup of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples on a plate

4 stars from 1 review

Homemade Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are tender, sweet, and perfectly spiced. Ready in 25 minutes, serve them as a side for any meal — or for dessert!

Author: Donna Elick

Servings: -6

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

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!

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

These fried apples are delicious served over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a sweet breakfast treat. They also pair well with roasted pork or chicken as a side dish.

Add a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor. You can also include raisins or chopped nuts for added texture and taste.

If you like your apples with a bit more bite, reduce the simmering time slightly. For softer apples, let them simmer a little longer until they reach your desired tenderness.

While Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp for a sweet and crisp texture, Fuji for a sweeter and dense bite, or Braeburn for a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Each variety will slightly alter the dish's sweetness and texture.

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