Name: Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Ingredients: 6 large apples: Choose Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Golden Delicious for a sweeter profile, peeled and sliced.; 1 cup packed brown sugar: This adds moisture and rich sweetness; you can substitute with coconut sugar if desired.; 1 tsp ground cinnamon: A warming spice that pairs perfectly with apples.; ½ tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a cozy depth of flavor to the dish.; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: It enriches the dish; you can use vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.; 1 tbsp cornstarch: This helps to thicken the juices; substitute with arrowroot powder for a gluten-free option.; 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the dish and helps to balance the sweetness.; ½ cup apple juice or cider: Adds additional apple flavor; adjust with water or a low-sugar apple juice if less sweetness is desired.; Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors in the dish.

Description

Enjoy Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples—tender, sweet apples cooked in cinnamon and sugar. A delightful side dish or dessert for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

6 large apples: Choose Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Golden Delicious for a sweeter profile, peeled and sliced.
1 cup packed brown sugar: This adds moisture and rich sweetness; you can substitute with coconut sugar if desired.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: A warming spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
½ tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a cozy depth of flavor to the dish.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted: It enriches the dish; you can use vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
1 tbsp cornstarch: This helps to thicken the juices; substitute with arrowroot powder for a gluten-free option.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the dish and helps to balance the sweetness.
½ cup apple juice or cider: Adds additional apple flavor; adjust with water or a low-sugar apple juice if less sweetness is desired.
Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors in the dish.

Instructions

Prep the Apples: Start by peeling and slicing 6 large apples. Granny Smith apples will give a delightful tartness, while Golden Delicious offers sweetness. Place the sliced apples in the slow cooker.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sliced apples in the slow cooker.
Prepare the Sauce: In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and ½ cup apple juice or cider. Pour this mixture over the apples in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well coated.
Cook the Apples: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 3-4 hours until the apples are tender. You can occasionally stir the mixture gently to help combine the flavors, but it’s not necessary.
Serve: Once cooked, gently stir the apples to combine, and serve warm. These can be enjoyed on their own or paired with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.