A beautifully plated serving of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples in a minimalist white ceramic bowl, topped with a small dollop of melting vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The bowl rests on the wooden cutting board on marble countertops, bathed in natural morning light from the east window. Soft shadows create depth, and fresh herbs are subtly visible in the background, all within a clean, tidy, and warm-toned kitchen.

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples: Easy Copycat Recipe

ByMaya
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A close-up, elevated side shot of a warm, mouth-watering portion of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples in a rustic ceramic bowl, with a few artful crumbs and a hint of a buttery sauce drip. The dish is placed on the wooden cutting board on marble countertops, showcasing the soft shadows and warm tones of the natural morning light.

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Oh, the magic of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples! Just thinking about them transports me back to those cherished road trips and heartwarming family dinners, a truly iconic taste of Americana. There’s an undeniable comfort in those sweet, tender apple slices, perfectly simmered in a rich, buttery sauce with just the right kiss of cinnamon, feeling exactly like a warm hug in a bowl. For ages, I’ve been on a mission to bring that exact nostalgic flavor right into my own kitchen, determined to crack their secret code.

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My culinary journey has involved countless delicious experiments and a few delightful fails, deepening my appreciation for all things apple – from diving into guides on how to make perfect caramel apples to meticulously comparing different copycat attempts, like the popular take on Taste Charm’s Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe. After extensive testing, I’m absolutely thrilled to share that I’ve finally landed on a recipe that absolutely nails it, capturing every bit of that signature, irresistible taste.

This isn’t just a simple side dish or a dessert; it’s a little slice of pure comfort and a testament to surprisingly simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Get ready to fill your home with the most delightful, cinnamon-spiced aroma and create your own batch of these unforgettable fried apples!

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples: Easy Copycat Recipe
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Cracker Barrel Fried Apples: Easy Copycat Recipe

Recipe by MayaCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Recreate the iconic Cracker Barrel Fried Apples experience at home with this simple, buttery, cinnamon-spiced copycat recipe. Perfectly tender apples in a sweet, sticky sauce.

Ingredients

  • 6 medium firm apples (like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/2-inch thick

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1/4 cup apple juice or water

Directions

  • 1. Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice your apples into uniform 1/2-inch thick wedges. This helps them cook evenly.
  • 2. Melt Butter: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works beautifully!), melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it’s bubbly.
  • 3. Add Sugars & Spices: Stir in the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the sugars are dissolved and fragrant.
  • 4. Introduce Apples: Add the sliced apples to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them evenly with the butter and spice mixture.
  • 5. Cook Apples: Pour in the apple juice or water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Cooking time will vary based on apple type and thickness.
  • 6. Thicken Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 5 minutes of cooking and increase the heat slightly, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate and the sauce to reduce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
  • 7. Serve Warm: Remove from heat and let the fried apples rest for a few minutes before serving. They’re heavenly on their own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

    • Apple Choice Matters: For the best results, use firm, slightly tart apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. Softer apples will turn mushy, and overly sweet apples might make the dish cloying. A mix can be lovely too!
    • Uniform Slices: The secret to evenly cooked apples is cutting them into consistent 1/2-inch thick slices. This ensures every bite has that perfect tender-but-not-mushy texture we all crave.
    • Cast Iron Charm: While any heavy-bottomed skillet will do, a cast iron pan truly enhances the flavor of these fried apples, giving them that classic, caramelized depth. Just remember to stir frequently to prevent sticking!

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