If you’ve ever craved a sweet, cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’re going to love these Easy Crockpot Cracker Barrel Apples! This comforting dish is packed with cinnamon-spiced apples that melt in your mouth — all made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
The best part? Your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of baked apples and cinnamon while you relax, sip coffee, or catch up on your favorite show. ☕
✨ Fun fact: The famous Cracker Barrel restaurant is known for its homestyle apple dishes, and now you can recreate that same nostalgic flavor right in your own kitchen — no fancy tools required!
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, planning a cozy weeknight treat, or just indulging yourself, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. If you adore Southern classics, you’ll also enjoy my Southern Cornmeal Hoecakes — another homestyle favorite.
So grab your slow cooker and let’s make this sweet Southern treat!
What Are Cracker Barrel Apples?
Inspired by the iconic Cracker Barrel restaurant, these tender, spiced apples are the epitome of comfort food. Simmered low and slow in butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar, they create a luscious, caramel-like sauce that’s downright irresistible.
They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach — and after one spoonful of these warm, gooey apples, you’ll believe it!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless & Hands-Free: Just toss your ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
Budget-Friendly Comfort: Made with simple pantry staples and fresh apples.
Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Serve as dessert, a side dish, or even over pancakes for breakfast.
Customizable: Adjust sweetness, spice level, or add nuts for crunch.
If you love apple desserts, be sure to try my Caramel Apple Dip next — it’s another fall favorite!
Quick Overview
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⏱ Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 2–5 hours (depending on heat setting)
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Serves: 6
Ingredients
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6 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
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½ cup brown sugar
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1 tbsp ground cinnamon
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¼ cup butter
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¼ tsp nutmeg (optional for warmth)
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
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Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and slice apples into thin wedges. Add them to your slow cooker. -
Mix the Spices
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Sprinkle over the apples. -
Add Lemon & Butter
Drizzle lemon juice over the apples. Melt butter and pour evenly on top. Gently toss to coat. -
Slow Cook
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Cook on Low for 4–5 hours or
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Cook on High for 2–3 hours
until apples are tender and the sauce is thick and syrupy.
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Serve Warm
Spoon into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
What to Serve With Cracker Barrel Apples
These spiced apples are delicious on their own, but you can also:
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Serve over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal
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Pair with pork chops or roast chicken for a sweet-savory twist
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Enjoy with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dessert perfection
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Spoon over cheesecake or pound cake for an indulgent topping
Tips for Success
✅ Use Mixed Apples – A combo of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp) creates the best flavor balance.
✅ Adjust Texture – Shorten the cook time for firmer apples or cook longer for a softer, saucy consistency.
✅ Sweetness Control – Reduce or increase sugar based on your taste.
✅ Add Extras – Try chopped pecans, raisins, or a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth.
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or apple juice to loosen the sauce.
✨ Final Thoughts
These Easy Crockpot Cracker Barrel Apples are the ultimate cozy treat — simple, delicious, and perfect for any season. Whether you serve them as dessert, breakfast, or a sweet side dish, they’ll bring that comforting, homemade touch to your table.
So plug in your slow cooker, gather those apples, and let the magic happen.
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