Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe is easy to make at home and so delicious. This copycat recipe is perfect for breakfast, dinner or dessert.

Fried apples in a skillet.
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With just a few ingredients, you can easily whip up a batch of these delectable Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples. The combination of cinnamon and sugar adds a delightful sweetness to the soft, succulent apples.

You might also want to try this Baked Apples Recipe for another tasty way to use apples. Our family also enjoys Deep Fried Apples.

This recipe for fried apples is a keeper once you see how easy it is. Your family will love being able to enjoy this recipe at home any day of the week. Not only will you save money, but the convenience factor is definitely worth it.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • An easy copycat recipe anyone can make at home.
  • You only need a few ingredients to make this.
  • The entire recipe takes just minutes to put together.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Fried apples - butter, apples, brown sugar, lemon.
  • Butter. Always use real butter.
  • Tart Apples. I like to use Granny Smith apples. You can also try fuji, honeycrisp or braeburn.
  • Brown Sugar. Homemade Brown Sugar Recipe is easy to make.
  • Lemon. Fresh lemon juice is best.

Skip to the bottom of the page for the entire ingredients list.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

Sliced apples on cutting board.

Step 1. Prepare the apples. Peel, core and slice the apples into wedges.  Mix together in a large bowl with lemon juice.

Apples in skillet with brown sugar and cinnamon.

Step 2. Melt the butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Next, pour the sliced apples in the pan in the melted butter.  Season the apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. 

Apples in skillet cooked and being stirred.

Step 3. Stir to combine. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the apples are tender. 

Apples in skillet.

Step 4. Serve and enjoy this fried apple recipe.

Storage

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container. They will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.  When ready to reheat, place in the microwave and heat in intervals 30 seconds at a time. If you prefer to use the stove top, place in a medium saucepan using medium heat until warmed through.

You can also freeze the apples up to 3 months using an airtight freezer safe container. Allow thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to serve. Then reheat and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

Any of these options would be wonderful served with these tasty fried apples. However, they are also delicious served alone. I love to eat these in a bowl for a snack any time of day.

Fried apples in a skillet.

Expert Tips

  • Tart apples are best. This variety will balance the tartness of the sweetness of the apples.
  • Toss the apples in lemon juice. Make sure all of the apples have been thoroughly coated in lemon juice.
  • Double the recipe. You might consider doubling the recipe. Everyone is going to love fried apples!
  • Chili powder for heat. Add a sprinkle of chili powder to the apples to spice things up.
  • Apple Pie Spice. Change things up and use apple pie spice instead of cinnamon in this recipe.
  • Leftovers. If you have leftover apples and want to do something different, make apple pie or apple crisp with the apples. The flavor of the apples is perfect for this.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of apples are best for fried apples?

Tart apples are best to make fried apples. They aren’t overly sweet. Apples that are firm are another good choice, so they don’t get mushy.

This variety holds their shape best during the cooking process.

We suggest Granny Smith Apples, but Golden Delicious Apples are another good choice. Other choices include Pink Lady or Honey Crisp apples.

Do you have to peel the apples?

This is based on personal preference. We like to peel the apples but you do not have to. If you like the taste and texture of the apples with the peelings, leave them on the apples.

Can you make this recipe in the slow cooker?

Line the slow cooker with a liner or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare the apples as directed and place in the crock pot. Add the spices and other ingredients.
Cover and cook the apples on low for 2 hours.

The slow cooker option is perfect if you plan to be away from the kitchen and need the apples to cook.

Give this easy copycat recipe a try. It is so delicious and effortless to make. Anyone can make this at home and enjoy one of the most popular Cracker Barrel recipes at home. It is so easy and tasty.

Can you thicken Fried Apples?

If you find that the apples are not thick enough, add cornstarch. Combine a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water.

Mix this together really well and add to the apples. Bring to a boil and for 1 to 2 minutes. This should thicken the apples perfectly.

We love this copycat cracker barrel version as is and do not feel the need to thicken it. However, this is certainly an option for those that prefer it thicker.

More Easy Apple Recipes

Give this copycat recipe a try. Then come back and leave a comment and star recipe rating.

Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

5 from 4 votes
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe is easy to make at home and so delicious. This copycat recipe is perfect for breakfast, dinner or dessert.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 276

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Peel, core and slice the apples into ½ inch wedges.  Place the apple wedges in a large bowl.  Top with the lemon juice and gently toss to coat the apples with the juice.
  • Melt the butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat.
  • Place the apples in the pan in the melted butter.  Season the apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon and salt.  Stir to coat the apples in the seasoning mixture.
  • Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes (stirring occasionally) until the apples are soft and tender.
  • Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 276kcal, Carbohydrates 47g, Protein 1g, Fat 12g, Saturated Fat 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 3g, Trans Fat 0.5g, Cholesterol 30mg, Sodium 169mg, Potassium 286mg, Fiber 6g, Sugar 37g, Vitamin A 477IU, Vitamin C 18mg, Calcium 37mg, Iron 0.5mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Desserts on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you create delicious desserts on a budget and do not require a ton of time. Together, we are going to make something sweet that the entire family will love!

5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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