Cracker Barrel Fried Apples: My Sweet and Comforting Southern Favorite

Name: Cracker Barrel Fried Apples: My Sweet and Comforting Southern Favorite
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 4 teaspoons nutmeg; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 4 cups apple juice or water; 4 cups sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

March 21, 2025

Recipes

I’ve always been a fan of Cracker Barrel’s homestyle cooking, and their fried apples have a special place in my heart. There’s something about warm, spiced apples with just the right amount of sweetness that instantly feels like home. Whether served with breakfast or as a dessert, this recipe delivers all the comfort and flavor of the restaurant classic — and maybe even better.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make in your own kitchen. I love making these apples on cozy weekends or when I’m hosting brunch with friends. The smell of cinnamon and apples bubbling away on the stovetop is pure happiness.

Why This Recipe Works

Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients
Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish
Pairs beautifully with breakfast favorites, pork chops, or as a standalone dessert
Customizable with extra spices if you want more warmth or a richer flavor

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 large apples (I like using Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and sliced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup apple juice or water
Pinch of salt

How I Make Cracker Barrel Fried Apples at Home

1. Prep the apples

I start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into thick wedges. I like them about 1/2 inch thick so they hold their shape while cooking but still get nice and tender.

2. Melt the butter

In a large skillet, I melt the butter over medium heat until it’s nice and bubbly, filling the kitchen with that delicious buttery aroma.

3. Cook the apples

I add the sliced apples to the skillet and stir to coat them in the butter. I let them cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften.

4. Make the sauce

While the apples are cooking, I mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch together in a small bowl. I then sprinkle this mixture over the apples and stir to combine.

5. Add the liquid

Next, I pour in the apple juice (or water if that’s what I have on hand). I stir well and let everything simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and the sauce thickens beautifully.

6. Serve

I remove them from the heat and serve warm. These fried apples are perfect just as they are or alongside pancakes, waffles, or even with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

My Tips for the Best Fried Apples

Go for tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
For extra richness, you can swap apple juice with apple cider.
Don’t rush the cooking — letting them slowly simmer allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
If you like a little more spice, a pinch of cloves or allspice can give it that extra warmth.

What I Serve These Apples With

Fluffy pancakes or waffles
Buttery biscuits
Pork chops or roast pork (trust me on this one — it’s a perfect match)
Vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert
On top of oatmeal for a cozy breakfast bowl

FAQs From My Kitchen

Q: Can I store leftovers?
A: Yes! I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q: Can I use canned apples?
A: I recommend fresh apples for the best texture and flavor, but canned apples can work in a pinch — just cut down on the cooking time.

Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative, like plant-based butter or coconut oil.

Why You’ll Want to Make These Again and Again

This recipe captures that down-home Southern flavor with very little effort. It’s one of those dishes that makes the house smell incredible and tastes like something your grandmother would have made. Whether you’re making breakfast, brunch, or an easy dessert, these fried apples fit right in. The combination of buttery, spiced, sweet apples is one of life’s simple joys.