Ah, the memories of sitting at a cozy booth in Cracker Barrel, the smell of warm cinnamon and sweet apples wafting through the air! I can still picture the first time I tried their famous fried apples—each bite was like a delicious hug. It’s that perfect blend of tender, juicy apples coated in a sweet cinnamon syrup that really makes my heart sing. Now, I can’t keep this delightful treat just for those special restaurant visits, so I’m thrilled to share my version of Cracker Barrel fried apples with you! Trust me, you’ll want to make this recipe a staple in your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced (I love using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of sweet and tart!)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (This adds that rich, creamy flavor that makes everything better!)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (The brown sugar gives it that deep caramel-like sweetness—so good!)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (A must for that warm, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.)
- 1/4 cup water (Just enough to help the apples soften and create a delicious syrup.)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (This brightens up the flavors and helps keep the apples fresh!)
How to Prepare Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by peeling and slicing your 4 medium apples. I recommend cutting them into even slices so they cook uniformly. This is where that beautiful mix of sweet and tart flavors will shine!
- Next, grab a skillet and melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. You want it nice and bubbly, but don’t let it brown too much—it’s all about that rich buttery goodness!
- Once the butter is melted, add the sliced apples to the skillet. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to start softening up but not completely mushy yet—just a little bit tender!
- Now, it’s time to sweeten the deal! Stir in 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. The aroma will be amazing, and I promise you’ll want to dive right in!
- Pour in 1/4 cup of water and 1 tbsp of lemon juice. This will create a luscious syrup that coats the apples perfectly.
- Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on them—you want the apples to be tender but still hold their shape. The syrup should thicken up beautifully!
- Once they’re done, serve your fried apples warm. They’re delightful on their own, but feel free to get creative with toppings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make—perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
- The flavor is out of this world! Sweet, cinnamon-infused apples that create a warm, comforting experience.
- Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a quick go-to dessert or side dish for any meal.
- Versatile enough to enjoy on its own or as a delightful topping for pancakes, ice cream, or even yogurt.
- Minimal ingredients mean you can whip it up anytime with things you probably already have on hand!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Cracker Barrel fried apples turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips I swear by! First, don’t shy away from mixing different types of apples—using a blend of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith and Fuji gives your dish a fantastic depth of flavor. Also, be sure to melt the butter completely before adding the apples; this helps them cook evenly and ensures that lovely buttery taste is infused throughout.
Keep an eye on the cooking time! You want the apples to be tender but not mushy, so stir them occasionally and taste as you go. If you find the syrup isn’t thickening to your liking, you can let it simmer a bit longer—just keep stirring to prevent sticking. Lastly, don’t forget to serve them warm for the best experience; there’s nothing quite like that cozy, comforting warmth wrapping around your taste buds!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for my Cracker Barrel fried apples! These estimates are based on standard ingredient usage, so keep in mind they may vary slightly depending on the specific apples you use or any tweaks you make. Each serving (which is about a quarter of the recipe) contains:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Sugar: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
These sweet, cinnamon-infused apples are not only delicious but also bring a bit of comfort food goodness to your table without too much guilt! Enjoy every bite knowing you’re treating yourself to something special.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a big batch of those delicious Cracker Barrel fried apples, and now you’re wondering how to store the leftovers? No worries! Just transfer any uneaten apples to an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy them again soon!
When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of options. The microwave is super quick—just pop a serving in a bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking to make sure they’re warmed through. Alternatively, you can warm them up in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until they’re hot and that wonderful aroma fills your kitchen again. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like enjoying these sweet, warm apples a second time around!
Serving Suggestions
These Cracker Barrel fried apples are so versatile, and they can elevate so many meals! One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is simply over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm, spiced apples paired with the cold creaminess is just heavenly—talk about a dessert that feels like a cozy hug!
If you’re looking for a delightful breakfast twist, try serving them over fluffy pancakes or waffles. Drizzle a little maple syrup on top, and you’ve got a breakfast that will impress anyone! You can also add them as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt for a quick and easy morning treat.
Feeling adventurous? These apples also make a fantastic side dish alongside savory dishes like roasted pork or chicken. The sweetness and cinnamon flavor can really complement the savory notes of your main dish. Honestly, any way you serve them, they’re bound to be a hit!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! I love using a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor. You can also try Fuji or Gala apples for a sweeter taste, but the key is to find a combination that you enjoy!
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses for a similar flavor. Just mix 1 tablespoon of molasses with 1 cup of white sugar to make a quick brown sugar substitute. It works wonders in this recipe!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the apples a few hours in advance and keep them warm in a covered dish until you’re ready to serve. Just give them a quick stir before serving to redistribute that delicious syrup!
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover Cracker Barrel fried apples are fantastic! You can add them to your morning oatmeal or yogurt, or even use them as a filling for pies or pastries. They also make a delightful topping for ice cream or pancakes!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free! Just make sure to check the labels on any packaged items you use, like butter or sugar, to ensure they haven’t been processed in a facility that handles gluten.
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples: 7 Sweet Comforts to Savor
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This dish features tender apples cooked in a sweet cinnamon syrup, inspired by the classic Cracker Barrel recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Peel and slice the apples.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced apples and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Add the water and lemon juice.
- Cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for best flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cracker barrel fried apples, fried apples, apple dessert
