Fried Apples (Cracker Barrel) Style

Seven simple ingredients are all you need for this fried apples recipe. This is a copycat Cracker Barrel fried apples recipe, that is loaded with brown sugar, cinnamon, tender apples, and more. Dive in fork first to an dessert.

Spiced apples are paired with apple pie spice, brown sugar, white sugar, butter, apple cider, and cornstarch. Simple, but.

This pan-fried apples, cinnamon-spiced apples is a Cracker Barrel apples recipe that you will want to make over and over. Give this cinnamon apples a try.

Why To Make This Recipe…

Plus, it’s one of those recipes that can be easily doubled or halved depending on how hungry you are.

• Apples are tender and flavorful
• Good for topping French Toast
• Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream
• Eat as a dessert
• Uses a mix of apples for optimal flavor
• So simple to make
• Quick cook time
• Kid-friendly

Ingredients Needed

Make sure your apples are fairly firm so they hold their shape instead of turning into mush.

• Apples
• Apple pie spice
• Brown sugar
• Granulated Sugar
• Apple cider or Apple Juice
• Butter
• Cornstarch

How to Make

Full directions and measurements are in the printable recipe below. Scroll down to see.

Step 1: Slice and prep your apples. Place them in a bowl and mix with brown sugar, white sugar, and apple pie spice.

Step 2: Add butter to the skillet and melt, and then add your apples. Cook until apples are softened.

Step 3: Whisk together the cornstarch and apple cider, then stir it into the skillet.

Step 4: Allow to thicken. Once apples are tender and thickened, you can serve them up with ice cream, whipped cream, etc.

Expert Tips: If your apples are thick‐sliced, give them an extra minute or two so each bite is tender.

Storing

This spiced apple recipe is best when served fresh! They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

You will find the baked apples will soften even more as they are stored in the refrigerator.

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until just bubbly — this helps maintain their shape and stops them from turning too runny.

Expert Tips

• Use a mix of apple varieties: a tart apple, such as Granny Smith or Cortland, and a sweeter one, like Golden or Fuji, for the best flavor.
• If you don’t have apple pie spice, use ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp nutmeg — just as good.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: leave enough space so the apples are in contact with the pan and can caramelize a little.
• Serve hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dessert, or alongside pancakes or waffles for a breakfast treat.
• Want a savory twist? Try adding a pinch of sea salt or a splash of maple syrup before serving.

Practical notes

Here are some helpful tips on how to make fried apples on the stovetop.

What are the best apples for fried apples?

You are more than welcome to use one variety or mix it up. Granny Smith, Golden, Fuji, Cortland, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, etc. All are great apples.

How to thicken fried apples?

The cornstarch mixed with cold apple cider is what will thicken. The cornstarch is the thickening agent. Once you mix with apple cider and pour into pan stir occasionally to help the mixture thicken. It will take just minutes.

What to serve with fried apples?

Waffles, French toast, pancakes, ice cream, whipped cream, etc. All of these items are great contenders, or eat your fried apples plain.

Can we freeze apples?

You are more than welcome to freeze your apples if you need. You will find that apples that are frozen are best cooked in pies, fried, etc.

What goes with fried apples?

Cracker barrel cooked apples are served as a dessert. But you can pair with ice cream, whipped cream, or top waffles, pancakes and more. The options are endless.

Can we use frozen apples?

Yes — but be aware frozen apples release more water, so your sauce may be thinner; you might need slightly more cornstarch or a little extra cook time to reach the right consistency.

Can we make this in the slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! If you’d rather hands-off, cook the apples in the slow cooker on LOW for 2 hours, or in the Instant Pot on “Sauté” then “Manual” for a few minutes — just adjust the liquid to avoid them becoming watery.

More apple-loving recipes you’ll enjoy

• Check out our Air Fryer Baked Apples Stuffed With Oats for a single-serving twist on a sweet treat.
• For a quicker dessert, try EASY Instant Pot Apple Pie Filling that you can keep on hand in the fridge.
• And if you’re stretching apples into the fall season, you’ll love The Best Almond Apple Pie Recipe for a full-blown dessert.

Final note

This skillet fried apple recipe gives you that warm, cozy comfort you remember from Cracker Barrel — but you get to make it at home, control the sweetness, and serve it exactly how you like. Whether it’s breakfast, a side dish or dessert, it’s simple, satisfying and repeatable. Enjoy!

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tablespoon apple pie spice
• 3 apples, mixture of sweet and tart (we used Cortland and Golden Delicious)
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider, or more as needed
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch

Equipment

• Allphone Apple Cutter
• Measuring Spoons

Method

1. Wash and slice your apples. If you want you can peel the apples. In a bowl, you will add your apple pie spice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and sliced apples.
2. In a skillet or cast iron add butter to the pan. Heat on medium. Once butter is melted add apples.
3. Cook your apples in the mixture for a few minutes until your apples begin to soften. This all depends on how thick or thin you slice the apples.
4. Now you will add apple cider in a cup and then pour in the cornstarch. Stir well then pour into the apple mixture, until thickened.
5. Once apples reach the desired consistency serve and enjoy. This fried apple recipe is so simple.

Kitchen notes

We recommend using a tart than sweet apple so you get dimension. Make sure it is a baking apple that way it holds up as it is cooked on the stove. Otherwise, it can become mushy. If you don’t want to use apple pie spice you can use just cinnamon and nutmeg to mix. Double the recipe if you would like to serve a larger crowd. Store leftover fried apples in the fridge for a few days. Know they will soften in texture once reheated. Serve your fried apples alone, with ice cream, waffles, pancakes, etc. There are so many ways to enjoy these apples with other food, or serve with ice cream or whipped cream as a simple dessert.