Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples: Your Ultimate Guide to Sweet, Homemade Comfort

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting taste of Cracker Barrel’s famous fried apples. That perfectly tender texture, the sweet and tangy flavor, and the rich, spiced sauce – it’s a side dish that often steals the show! If you find yourself craving this beloved Southern staple, but a trip to Cracker Barrel isn’t on the cards, then you’re in luck. This ultimate copycat recipe brings all that delightful flavor directly to your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy a taste of country cooking anytime you wish. Forget the drive; get ready to whip up a batch of these perfectly spiced, tender, and sweet fried apples with a thick, luscious sauce that rivals the original.

Making your favorite restaurant dishes at home is a rewarding experience, and these fried apples are no exception. They’re incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with breakfast classics like pancakes, complementing savory entrees such as pork chops or chicken, or even transforming into a simple yet decadent dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Once you master this recipe, you’ll be able to bring the nostalgic flavors of Cracker Barrel right to your family’s table, creating new memories with every delicious bite. And if you love recreating restaurant favorites, you’ll also adore my Cracker Barrel Coca-Cola Cake and Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Fried Apple Recipe

There are countless reasons why this copycat Cracker Barrel fried apples recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. First, it captures the authentic taste of the restaurant’s famous dish, delivering that perfect balance of sweet, tender, and cinnamon-spiced goodness. It’s remarkably easy to make with readily available ingredients, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and beginners. You have full control over the sweetness and spice levels, allowing you to customize it to your preference. Plus, nothing beats the aroma of cinnamon and apples simmering on your stovetop, filling your home with a cozy, inviting scent. Whether it’s apple season or you’re simply craving a taste of Southern comfort, this recipe is a must-try.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Creating these delectable fried apples requires a few simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that signature Cracker Barrel flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why:

• Butter: Salted butter is highly recommended here, as the salt enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish, creating a more balanced taste. If you only have unsalted butter, simply add about 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the recipe. Butter is key for frying the apples and creating a rich base for the sauce.
• Granulated Sugar: This provides a clean, straightforward sweetness that complements the natural sugars in the apples. It helps in caramelizing the apples slightly during cooking.
• Brown Sugar: A critical ingredient, brown sugar adds a deeper, more complex sweetness with its characteristic molasses notes. Light brown sugar is used for a classic taste, but dark brown sugar can be substituted for an even richer, more intense flavor. Packed brown sugar ensures accurate measurement.
• Ground Cinnamon: This warm spice is what gives these fried apples their iconic, comforting, almost apple-pie-like aroma and flavor. It’s non-negotiable for that authentic taste. If you happen to have apple pie spice blend on hand, you can use that for an even more layered spice profile.
• Apples: The star of the show! Golden Delicious apples are an excellent choice due to their sweet flavor and ability to hold their shape well without becoming mushy during cooking. Other fantastic options include Granny Smith (if you prefer a tarter apple), Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Aim for apples that are firm and crisp.
• Apple Juice: This liquid is essential for creating the thick, luscious sauce. It adds another layer of apple flavor and, when combined with cornstarch, forms the perfect slurry to thicken the dish.
• Cornstarch: The secret to that beautifully thick, gooey sauce. Cornstarch is a thickening agent that, when mixed with apple juice (or water) and added to the simmering apples, transforms the liquid into a silky glaze, coating each apple slice perfectly.

Essential Equipment for Stovetop Cinnamon Apples

Gathering your tools before you start will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to make these homemade fried apples:

• Vegetable Peeler: For easily removing the apple skins. While optional for this recipe, peeling helps achieve the authentic Cracker Barrel texture.
• Apple Corer and Slicer: This handy tool makes quick work of coring and uniformly slicing apples, ensuring even cooking. A sharp knife can also be used.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For precise measurements of sugars, spices, and liquids, which is crucial for consistency.
• Large Skillet with Lid: A key piece of equipment. The large surface area allows apples to cook evenly, and the lid helps trap steam, tenderizing the apples to perfection. A Dutch oven also works.
• Rubber Spatula: Ideal for gently stirring the apples without breaking them apart and for scraping down the sides of the skillet.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For whisking together the apple juice and cornstarch to create the thickening slurry.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Fried Apples from Scratch

Ready to create some magic on your stovetop? Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to achieve perfectly tender, sweet, and spiced fried apples, just like Cracker Barrel’s. The full, printable recipe with exact measurements is available in the recipe card below.

1. Prepare the Syrup Base: Begin by placing a large skillet with a lid over medium heat. Add the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir these ingredients constantly with a rubber spatula until the butter is completely melted and the sugars are fully dissolved and incorporated, forming a fragrant, syrupy base. This initial step creates the foundation of flavor for your apples.



2. Simmer the Apples to Tender Perfection: Add the peeled and uniformly sliced apples to the skillet. Gently toss and coat them thoroughly in the buttery sugar mixture. Once coated, place the lid on the pan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat slightly to maintain a steady simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the apples are tender-crisp. Remember to stir them GENTLY every few minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent them from breaking apart. The goal is soft, yet still slightly firm, apple slices.



3. Thicken the Sauce and Serve: While the apples are simmering, in a small bowl, whisk together the apple juice and cornstarch until a smooth slurry forms with no lumps. Once the apples are tender, slowly stream this cornstarch slurry into the simmering apple mixture in the skillet, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for just one minute, allowing the sauce to thicken beautifully into a glossy, irresistible glaze. Remove from heat and serve immediately to enjoy them at their best!

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Fried Apples

Cracker Barrel’s fried apples are renowned for their versatility, serving as a delightful accompaniment to almost any meal. But don’t limit yourself! Here are some creative ways to enjoy your homemade batch:

• Classic Side Dish: Serve them warm alongside breakfast dishes like pancakes, waffles, French toast, or scrambled eggs and bacon for a true Southern comfort breakfast. For dinner, they make an excellent sweet-savory side with roasted pork tenderloin, grilled chicken, or even cornflake chicken tenders.
• Decadent Dessert: Elevate these fried apples into an indulgent dessert. Top a generous scoop of hot fried apples with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, a rich drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, and a swirl of whipped cream. A sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a nice crunch.
• Easy Apple Pie: Short on time but craving apple pie? Pour a batch of these fried apples directly into a pre-made pie crust, top with a second crust or streusel, and bake until golden brown. You’ll have the easiest, most flavorful apple pie ever!
• Oatmeal Topping: Stir warm fried apples into your morning oatmeal or yogurt for a comforting and nutritious start to your day.
• On Toast or Biscuits: Spread them over warm buttered toast or freshly baked biscuits for a simple, sweet treat.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

One of the best things about these fried apples is that they store wonderfully, making them perfect for meal prep or enjoying later.

• Refrigerator: Store any leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They are delicious reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze them! Transfer the cooled fried apples to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pro Tips and Tricks for Perfect Fried Apples

Achieve the best possible results with these expert tips and tricks for your homemade Cracker Barrel fried apples:

• Prevent Browning: If you’re prepping your apples ahead of time, toss the peeled and sliced apples with a little lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon per 2-3 pounds of apples) to prevent them from browning. This keeps them looking fresh and appealing.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your fried apples a little less sweet, consider using a slightly tart apple variety like Granny Smith. You can also slightly reduce the amount of granulated sugar.
• Double the Recipe: These apples are so good, they disappear quickly! Consider doubling the recipe, especially if you plan to freeze some for later. They reheat beautifully, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.
• Amp Up Apple Flavor: For an even more intense apple flavor, substitute apple cider (not hard cider) for the apple juice. The richer, more concentrated flavor of cider really shines through.
• Skip Peeling for Time-Saving: While Cracker Barrel’s version typically uses peeled apples, you can certainly leave the skin on if you want to save a little time and add some extra fiber. Just ensure they are thoroughly washed.
• Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer a hands-off approach, these fried apples can also be made in a slow cooker! Check out this slow cooker fried apple recipe for an alternative method.

Delicious Additions and Variations to Try

While this copycat recipe is spot on, don’t hesitate to experiment with these delicious additions and variations to customize your fried apples:

• All Brown Sugar: For an even deeper, more complex molasses flavor, try using all dark brown sugar instead of a mix of granulated and light brown sugar. This will yield a richer, darker sauce.
• Boost the Cinnamon: If you’re a true cinnamon lover, feel free to add more! You can increase the ground cinnamon up to a full tablespoon; it will still be incredibly delicious and fragrant.
• Explore Other Spices: Introduce other warm spices for a different flavor profile. Ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground allspice are all excellent choices that pair wonderfully with apples, either individually or in a small blend.
• Add a Touch of Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract (about 1 teaspoon) added at the end of cooking can enhance the sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts during the last few minutes of cooking, or sprinkle them on top when serving, for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Make Hand Pies: For a delightful treat, spoon the cooled fried apples into crescent roll dough (brushed with butter and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar), fold, seal, and bake until golden. They make incredibly easy and delicious apple hand pies.
• Sweet and Spicy Kick: For an adventurous twist, add just a tiny pinch of chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. The subtle heat can surprisingly complement the sweetness of the apples.

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Copycat Recipe FAQ

More Amazing Apple Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve fallen in love with these homemade fried apples, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delightful apple-inspired recipes:

• Homemade Apple Pie Filling – The ultimate foundation for any classic apple pie or dessert.
• Apple Pie Cookies – Adorable mini apple pies in cookie form, perfect for sharing.
• Apple Dump Cake – An incredibly easy dessert requiring only three simple ingredients.
• Soft Apple Cookies – Chewy, soft, and spiced cookies topped with a sweet glaze.
• Apple Pie Egg Rolls – A fun and unique way to enjoy apple pie, especially with caramel dipping sauce.
• Caramel Apple Crumb Cake – A stunning dessert, perfect with coffee or tea, featuring layers of apple, caramel, and a buttery crumb topping.