Cracker Barrel’s fried apples are the quintessential Southern side dish — tender apple slices simmered in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until they are glazed in a sticky, sweet sauce. They are served as a side at Cracker Barrel, but they are equally at home spooned over pancakes, biscuits, or vanilla ice cream. This recipe is incredibly quick and easy.
Why This Recipe Works
Granny Smith apples are essential because they are tart enough to balance all the sweetness from the brown sugar, and they hold their shape when cooked instead of turning to mush. The cornstarch slurry thickens the cooking juices into that signature glossy glaze that coats every slice. The butter is not just a cooking medium — it adds richness and helps the spices adhere to the fruit.
Pro Tips
- Do not overcook the apples. They should be tender with a slight bite, not applesauce.
- Slice the apples to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness so they cook evenly.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of bourbon or apple cider to the sauce.
- These reheat well in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. They are also delicious served cold the next day.
More Cracker Barrel Copycat Recipes
Fried apples are one piece of a bigger Cracker Barrel breakfast — here’s the rest of the spread:
- Cracker Barrel Buttermilk Pancakes — spoon the warm fried apples directly over thick, fluffy buttermilk pancakes for the full Cracker Barrel breakfast experience.
- Cracker Barrel Biscuits — flaky buttermilk biscuits served alongside the warm apples are a classic Cracker Barrel pairing that requires no explanation.
- Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole — the savory counterpart on the breakfast table; cheesy baked hashbrowns that balance the sweetness of the fried apples perfectly.
See all Cracker Barrel copycat recipes →
