Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

Alright, friend — let’s talk about something that deserves way more respect than it gets: Cracker Barrel’s fried apples. 🍎 Ever sat in that cozy wooden chair, digging into your chicken and dumplings, and then tasted that warm, cinnamon-y goodness? Yeah, me too. And IMO, it’s not just a side dish — it’s a hug for your tastebuds.

So here’s the good news: you don’t need to make a trip to Cracker Barrel to get your fix. You can make those sweet, sticky apples right at home. In fact, they’re so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. FYI, they also make your kitchen smell like you actually know what you’re doing. 😉

Ready to bring a little Southern charm to your kitchen? Let’s get cookin’.

Why You’ll Love Making Cracker Barrel Fried Apples at Home

Honestly? There are about a million reasons to whip these up, but here are the big ones:

• It’s easy. Like, ridiculously easy. If you can slice an apple, you can handle this recipe.
• It’s quick. You’ll be in and out of the kitchen in about 20–25 minutes.
• It smells amazing. Cinnamon + apples = best air freshener ever.
• It works for any occasion. Breakfast, brunch, dessert — heck, I’ve even eaten them straight out of the skillet as a midnight snack. No shame.

Ever wondered why these apples taste so dang good? Well, it’s that magical balance of sugar, butter, and cinnamon that coats each slice in a caramelized dream. No sorcery here — just good old-fashioned Southern know-how.

The Ingredients You’ll Need (Spoiler: Nothing Weird)

Okay, you won’t need anything fancy from a specialty shop. You probably already have most of this stuff in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll grab:

• 6 large apples (Granny Smith is my fave because they stay firm and tangy, but Golden Delicious also works)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional — but worth it)
• ½ stick butter (4 tablespoons)
• ¼ cup apple cider or apple juice (water works in a pinch, but don’t tell anyone I said that)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for a thicker sauce)

Pro tip: Don’t skimp on the butter. Or the sugar. Or the apples. Basically, don’t skimp at all.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Fried Apples Like a Pro

This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps and you’ll have fried apple heaven in no time.

Step 1: Slice Your Apples

Wash and peel your apples. Core them, then slice into wedges about ½-inch thick. Not too thin — we’re not making chips here.

Step 2: Melt That Butter

In a large skillet (cast iron if you’ve got one, because #aesthetic), melt the butter over medium heat. Let it get all bubbly and golden.

Step 3: Add the Apples

Toss those apple slices in and stir to coat them with the butter. Cook for about 5 minutes, just until they start to soften.

Step 4: Sweeten the Deal

Sprinkle in your brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Smell that? Yeah, you’re welcome.

Step 5: Add the Liquid

Pour in the apple cider or juice and bring it all to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Thicken (Optional)

If you want a thicker, more caramel-y sauce, mix your cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the skillet. Cook another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Spoon those gorgeous apples into a bowl, over pancakes, with ice cream — whatever your heart desires. And don’t forget to grab a spoon for the sauce, because that stuff is liquid gold.

Tips & Tricks for Next-Level Fried Apples

You know I can’t let you go without a few pro tips. Because why make good apples when you can make amazing apples?

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If you’re doubling the recipe (and let’s be real — you probably should), cook in batches.
• Use firm apples. Softer apples like Red Delicious turn to mush faster than you can say “oops.”
• Adjust sweetness to taste. If you’re not into super-sweet things, cut back the sugar a little.
• Play with spices. Cloves, allspice, even a tiny pinch of cayenne (yes, really) can kick things up.

Ever thought about adding a splash of bourbon? No? Well, you should. 😉

How to Serve Fried Apples (Because Options Matter)

You made them — now what? Good question. These fried apples are basically the Swiss Army knife of desserts.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• With breakfast: Pile them onto pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Add whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.
• As dessert: Warm over vanilla ice cream. Don’t even think about skipping the sauce.
• On pork chops: Sweet + savory = perfection.
• On toast: Basically like apple pie on bread. No regrets.
• Straight from the skillet: Because who needs plates, really?

Why This Recipe Works (aka The Science-y Bit)

Ever wondered why this recipe just works? Here’s the secret:

• The sugar draws out the apples’ natural juices, creating a syrupy sauce.
• Butter helps everything caramelize and adds richness.
• The acids in the apple cider enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness.

Boom. That’s your culinary TED Talk for the day.

FAQs: Because Someone’s Gonna Ask

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They reheat beautifully on the stove or in the microwave.

What’s the best apple to use?

Granny Smiths for a tart bite, Golden Delicious for a softer, sweeter vibe. Honestly, any firm apple works.

Can I freeze fried apples?

You sure can. Let them cool, then freeze in a container or bag. They’ll keep for about 2–3 months.

My Personal Story With These Apples

Okay, confession time: The first time I made these, I accidentally left the lid off and burned half the pan. The good news? Even the “burnt” apples tasted good. 😂

Now, it’s my go-to comfort dish — the one I pull out when I need a little pick-me-up or want to impress someone without breaking a sweat. There’s just something deeply nostalgic about that warm, cinnamon smell filling your kitchen.

And yeah, I’ve been known to eat them straight from the skillet at midnight. Don’t judge.

Related Recipes

• Hawaiian Butter Mochi Recipe
• Easy Lemon Curd Recipe
• Vampire Fudge Recipe

Final Thoughts: Time to Channel Your Inner Southern Grandma

So there you have it — everything you need to whip up Cracker Barrel’s famous fried apples at home. They’re easy, they’re delicious, and they might even earn you a few compliments (or at least some envious glances from your roommates).

Why wait until your next road trip to Cracker Barrel when you can have these any time you want? Go grab some apples, channel your inner Southern grandma, and get cooking already.

Oh — and don’t forget to save me a bite. Or don’t. Whatever. 😏

TL;DR: Quick Recipe Recap

• Slice and peel 6 large apples.
• Melt 4 tbsp butter in a skillet.
• Add apples and cook 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle with ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup white sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and optional nutmeg.
• Pour in ¼ cup apple cider and simmer 10–12 minutes.
• Thicken with cornstarch if desired.
• Serve hot over… pretty much anything.

So — what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, some apples, and let’s make some magic happen. Trust me, your kitchen (and your stomach) will thank you.

If you’ve got your own twist on the recipe, drop it in the comments or shoot me a message. I’m always down to talk apples.

Now go forth and fry, my friend. ✨