Growing up, I used to love visiting Cracker Barrel Fried Apples with my family. One of my favorite dishes was their Fried Apples. There’s something so comforting about warm, buttery apples mixed with sugar and cinnamon. It feels like a warm hug on a plate! These apples are perfect for Sunday brunch or a sweet side dish any day of the week.
Fried Apples are not only delicious but also super easy to make. They can brighten up any meal with their beautiful golden color and sweet aroma. It’s a delightful treat that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation
- Perfect balance of sweet and cinnamon flavors
- Great as a side dish or dessert
- A comforting classic that brings back warm memories
These apples bring out the best in fresh fruit, making them a standout recipe.
How To Make Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
This recipe is straightforward and full of flavor. The combination of butter, sugar, and apples creates a delicious treat that will impress your family and friends with ease.
Star Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the sugar.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness that pairs perfectly with apples.
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds a deeper sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives that warm, comforting flavor that makes these apples special.
- 2 1/2 pounds Golden Delicious apples (peeled and cored, 1/2 inch slices): The star of the dish, they are sweet and hold up well when cooked.
- 1/2 cup apple juice: Enhances the apple flavor and adds moisture.
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the mixture for a syrupy finish.
Simple Assembly
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter, sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir constantly until the butter and sugars are melted.
- Add the apples and coat them in the mixture. Place a lid on the pan and bring it to a simmer. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender-crisp. Gently stir every few minutes to avoid breaking up the apples.
- In a bowl, mix together the apple juice and the cornstarch. Slowly stream this into the simmering apples, stirring constantly. Cook for one minute until thickened and serve immediately.
You Must Know
Make sure to choose sweet apples like Golden Delicious for the best flavor. Adjust the sugar according to your taste. If you want a bit more spice, add a dash of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
How To Serve Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Serve these apples warm, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair well with pancakes or waffles. A drizzle of maple syrup takes it to the next level!
How To Store Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving again. These apples can lose their texture if stored too long, so enjoy them fresh!
Tips To Make Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Use fresh apples for the best flavor and texture. Cut them evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. For a twist, try adding chopped nuts or a splash of bourbon for an adult version.
Playful Variations
For a fun twist, mix in some dried cranberries or raisins while cooking. You could also add a splash of lemon juice for a tangy contrast. Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of apples are best for frying?
Golden Delicious apples are ideal for frying due to their sweetness and firmness. Other great options include Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which add a nice tartness.
Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Yes, you can use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit. Adjust the amounts according to the product’s sweetness level to achieve your desired taste.
How do I know when the apples are done?
The apples are done when they are tender but still hold their shape. Test them with a fork; they should pierce easily but not fall apart.
Can these fried apples be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the fried apples! Allow them to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
What can I serve with Cracker Barrel Fried Apples?
These fried apples pair wonderfully with pork chops, pancakes, or even over vanilla yogurt. They make a versatile side for both breakfast and dinner!
Print
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish/Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are a delicious treat! Perfect for Sunday brunch or a sweet side any day. You’ll love how easy they are to make, just like I do with my family!
Ingredients
4 tablespoons salted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 1/2 pounds Golden Delicious apples (peeled and cored, 1/2 inch slices)
1/2 cup apple juice
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter, sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir constantly until the butter and sugars are melted.
2. Add the apples and coat them in the mixture. Place a lid on the pan and bring it to a simmer. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender-crisp. Gently stir every few minutes to not break up the apples.
3. In a bowl, mix together the apple juice and the cornstarch. Slowly stream this into the simmering apples, stirring constantly. Cook for one minute until thickened and serve immediately.
Notes
Perfect Apple Variety: Golden Delicious apples are recommended for this recipe because of their balance of sweetness and tartness. Their soft texture also ensures they cook to tender perfection without turning mushy.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The combination of both granulated and brown sugar gives these apples a caramelized depth. Feel free to adjust the sugar levels depending on your desired sweetness.
Cornstarch for Smooth Texture: The cornstarch slurry helps to thicken the apple juices into a syrupy sauce that coats the apples, creating a luxurious, smooth finish.
Serving Suggestions: These fried apples are perfect as a side dish to complement savory meals like pork chops or fried chicken, or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (about 1/2 cup)
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Cracker Barrel Fried Apples, fried apples, comfort food, apple dessert, cinnamon apples, easy apple recipe, stovetop apples, homemade fried apples, sweet apples, side dish, fall recipe, apple juice recipe, golden delicious apples.