Cracker Barrel's fried apples are legendary. That sweet, cinnamon-spiced, perfectly caramelized taste is enough to make anyone crave a trip to their nearest location. But what if you could recreate that magic at home? You absolutely can! This recipe will guide you through making Cracker Barrel-style fried apples, capturing that same delicious flavor and texture you love.
What Makes Cracker Barrel Fried Apples So Special?
The secret to Cracker Barrel's fried apples isn't just one ingredient, but a combination of factors:
- The Apple Variety: They likely use a blend of tart and sweet apples, creating a balanced flavor profile. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn are excellent choices to mimic this.
- The Cinnamon: A generous amount of cinnamon is key, providing warmth and spice.
- The Butter: Real butter adds richness and depth of flavor. Don't skimp on this!
- The Caramelization: The apples are cooked slowly, allowing the sugars to caramelize and create that beautiful golden-brown color and intense sweetness.
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe aims to replicate the deliciousness of Cracker Barrel's fried apples. Feel free to adjust sweetness and spice levels to your preference.
Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 medium apples (a mix of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn), peeled, cored, and sliced about 1/4 inch thick
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 cup apple cider (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
- Melt the Butter: In a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Sauté the Apples: Add the sliced apples to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Spices and Sugars: Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to create a slightly thickened sauce.
- Simmer the Apples: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened. If using apple cider, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Caramelize (Optional): For a deeper caramelization, remove the lid during the last few minutes of cooking and increase the heat slightly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve the fried apples warm, either on their own or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or biscuits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen apples?
While fresh apples are best for optimal flavor and texture, you can use frozen apples. However, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture from making the apples watery.
What other spices can I add?
Experiment with other warm spices like cardamom, ginger, or cloves. A pinch of salt can also enhance the sweetness of the apples.
How can I make them even sweeter?
Increase the amount of sugar or add a touch of maple syrup or honey during the last few minutes of cooking.
How do I store leftover fried apples?
Store leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the apples ahead of time, but it's best to cook them just before serving to maintain their optimal texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.
By following this recipe and adjusting it to your taste, you can enjoy delicious Cracker Barrel-style fried apples anytime you want, right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Enjoy!
