If you’ve ever dined at Cracker Barrel, you know their Fried Apples are a beloved side dish that perfectly balances sweetness and warmth. Now, you can recreate this classic recipe at home with just a few simple ingredients. These tender, cinnamon-spiced apples are perfect as a side dish, a topping for pancakes or ice cream, or even as a dessert on their own. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Sweet and Comforting: A perfect blend of cinnamon, sugar, and tender apples.

2. Easy to Make: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal ingredients.

3. Versatile: Great as a side dish, dessert, or topping.

4. Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.

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Ingredients for Cracker Barrel Fried Apples

• 4 large apples (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work well)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup water or apple juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges or chunks.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, cinnamon, and sugar. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Apples

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the sliced apples and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

1. Sprinkle the cornstarch mixture over the apples and stir to coat evenly.

2. Pour in the water (or apple juice) and stir gently. The mixture will thicken as it cooks.

Step 5: Simmer

1. Reduce the heat to low and let the apples simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and the sauce is thick and glossy.

2. Stir in the vanilla extract (if using) during the last minute of cooking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the fried apples warm as a side dish, dessert, or topping.

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Tips for the Best Fried Apples

1. Use Firm Apples: Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp apples hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.

2. Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less sugar depending on your preference and the sweetness of the apples.

3. Add Spices: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom.

4. Make It Ahead: Prepare the fried apples ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.

5. Serve with Toppings: Pair with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

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Serving Suggestions

• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted pork, chicken, or pancakes.

• For Dessert: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

• As a Topping: Use as a topping for oatmeal, waffles, or French toast.

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Final Thoughts

These Cracker Barrel Fried Apples are a sweet, comforting, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a side, a dessert, or a topping, they’re sure to bring warmth and joy to your table. So, grab your ingredients, heat up that skillet, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Cracker Barrel at home.

Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!