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Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

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Maybe you enjoy going to Cracker Barrel for their fried apples. However, these copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are going to have you hooked in no time!

Close up view of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples in a clear glass bowl.

Craving something sweet and savory? Why not try making your own copycat version of the classic Cracker Barrel Fried Apples? You can whip up this Southern favorite with just a few simple ingredients in no time. All you need are a few ingredients to make an irresistibly sweet treat that will satisfy your cravings and make your taste buds dance. Surprise your family or friends with this easy-to-make copycat version of Cracker Barrel’s Fried Apples. They won’t know the difference! If you want to know how to make Fried Apples, this recipe is for you!

Overhead view of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples in a clear glass bowl.

Why You’ll Love Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe

  1. Sweet and savory treat: Fresh, tart apples cooked in butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and apple juice combine for an irresistibly sweet flavor that will make your taste buds dance!
  2. Easy to make: All you need is a few simple ingredients, and you can whip up this Southern favorite in no time!
  3. Enjoyed as a side dish or on their own: You can make this dish, and your whole family will love it! You don’t even have to go to Cracker Barrel to enjoy it.
Front view of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples in a clear glass bowl.

Ingredients Needed for Cracker Barrel Apples

  • Salted Butter – This will give your fried apples an irresistibly rich and savory flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar – For a touch of sweetness to balance out the tart apples.
  • Light Brown Sugar – To add even more depth of flavor and sweetness to your apples.
  • Ground Cinnamon – A must for any fried apple recipe, as cinnamon compliments the other flavors perfectly.
  • Golden Delicious Apples – Tart and juicy are the perfect type of apples for frying.
  • Apple Juice – Helps soften the apples while they’re cooking and also adds a bit more natural sweetness.
  • Cornstarch – Used to thicken up the juices and help make it so that the mixture coats each apple slice nicely.
Overhead view of the ingredients needed to complete this recipe.

How to Store

Once cooked, your fried apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Overhead view of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples in a clear glass bowl.

Recipe for Fried Apples – Common Questions

Do I have to peel the apples?

If you don’t want to peel the apples, you can still make them with the peel on. However, Cracker Barrel peels their apples, so we do it for this recipe.

Front view of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples in a clear glass bowl.

Does this Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe taste like the original?

This is a copycat recipe, so if you want an authentic Cracker Barrel flavor, I wouldn’t stray away from it. If you are looking for more depth of flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar or using all brown sugar instead of granulated. You can also add up to a tablespoon of cinnamon.

Close up view of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples in a clear glass bowl.

What other spices can I add to fried apples?

Other spices that would be good in this recipe: are ground nutmeg, ground clove, and ground allspice.

Front view of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples in a clear glass bowl with a silver spoon.

What can I use in place of apple juice?

You can use apple cider in place of apple juice.

What can you serve these fried apples with?

These fried apples are delicious served with vanilla ice cream or warm with a dollop of whipped cream. They can also be enjoyed as a topping on oatmeal, pancakes, or French toast, or even used in pies and cobblers!

Overhead view of a black spoon with a spoonful of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples.

Copycat Cracker Barrel fried apples are absolutely mouthwatering delicious. They are so quick and easy! They are always a favorite side dish or dessert, especially topped with vanilla ice cream!

Overhead view of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples in a black dish.

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Front view of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples in a clear glass bowl with a silver spoon full of fried apples.

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The recipe

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

  • Prep15 minutes
  • Cook25 minutes
  • Total40 minutes
  • Servings6

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.