Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe: A Sweet Taste of Southern Comfort
Few dishes capture the warmth of home-cooked Southern food quite like the Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe. This iconic side dish, made famous by the beloved restaurant chain, combines tender apple slices with buttery cinnamon sweetness for a flavor that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether served for breakfast, alongside dinner, or as a comforting dessert, Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are a classic you’ll want to make again and again.
What Makes Cracker Barrel Fried Apples So Special
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery. The apples are lightly cooked in butter, sugar, and cinnamon until they’re soft and glazed with a golden syrup. The aroma of warm spices and apples fills the kitchen, creating a cozy, homestyle experience reminiscent of Southern dining traditions.
This dish isn’t just for breakfast—it’s versatile enough to complement savory meals or serve as a dessert topping.
Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this comforting recipe:
-
6 medium tart apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Jonathan work best)
-
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
½ cup brown sugar
-
¼ cup granulated sugar
-
½ teaspoon cinnamon
-
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (optional for extra warmth)
-
2 teaspoons cornstarch
-
⅓ cup apple juice or apple cider
-
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
How to Make Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Recreating this Cracker Barrel favorite is simple and quick. Here’s how:
-
Prepare the apples – Peel, core, and slice your apples evenly to ensure even cooking.
-
Melt the butter – In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the apple slices.
-
Add sweetness – Stir in brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let the apples cook for 5 minutes until they start to soften.
-
Make the glaze – In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with apple juice until smooth. Pour it into the skillet and stir well.
-
Simmer and thicken – Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens and the apples are tender, about 10 minutes.
-
Serve warm – Enjoy immediately as a side dish or sweet topping.
Serving Ideas
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are incredibly adaptable and can be enjoyed in many ways:
-
Serve with pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a cozy breakfast.
-
Pair with pork chops or roasted ham for a sweet and savory dinner combination.
-
Use as a dessert topping over vanilla ice cream, cheesecake, or pound cake.
-
Stir into oatmeal or yogurt for a flavorful twist on breakfast.
Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Apples
-
Use firm apples to keep their texture while cooking.
-
For a deeper flavor, add a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of allspice.
-
To make it lighter, reduce the sugar slightly or substitute with honey.
-
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—just reheat gently before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe is beloved because it’s easy, quick, and full of comforting flavor. It brings the signature sweetness of Cracker Barrel right to your kitchen, without any complicated steps or fancy ingredients. Whether you’re craving a cozy breakfast side or a heartwarming dessert, this recipe delivers every time.
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are more than just a side dish—they’re a taste of Southern tradition. With their buttery sweetness, warm cinnamon flavor, and tender texture, these fried apples make every meal feel special. Try this simple recipe at home and enjoy a classic Cracker Barrel favorite anytime you want a comforting touch of the South.
Keywords: Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe, Southern comfort food, fried apples, cinnamon apple recipe, Cracker Barrel copycat, easy apple side dish, homemade fried apples, classic Southern dessert