🍎🍂 Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel-Style Fried Apples
🧂 Ingredients (Serves 6–8):
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6–8 large apples, peeled, cored & thickly sliced
(use firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji) -
½ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1½ tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
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¼ cup butter (half a stick), sliced
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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2 tbsp apple juice, water, or apple cider
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1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions:
✅ 1. Prep the Apples:
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Peel, core, and thickly slice the apples. Too-thin slices will get mushy during slow cooking.
✅ 2. Mix the Glaze:
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In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and apple juice (or water) until smooth.
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Stir in brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla (if using).
✅ 3. Layer & Cook:
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Place apples in the slow cooker. Pour the glaze mixture over the top. Dot with sliced butter.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, or until apples are fork-tender but not falling apart.
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Stir gently once or twice during cooking.
✅ 4. Thicken (If Needed):
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If the sauce is too thin near the end, remove the lid and cook uncovered on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
🍴 How to Serve:
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Serve warm as a side with pork chops, pancakes, or fried chicken
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Or spoon over ice cream, pound cake, or oatmeal
🔄 Tips & Variations:
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Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for deeper spice flavor.
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For a Cracker Barrel twist, serve with warm biscuits or butter biscuits on the side.
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Use a mix of apple varieties for sweet-tart depth.
Want a stovetop version, or a sugar-free twist using honey or maple syrup? Just let me know!