Easy Cracker Barrel Fried Apples (Print version)
Tender skillet apples in a buttery cinnamon brown sugar sauce, made copycat-style in about 30 minutes.
# Ingredients:
For the apples
01 -
5 medium apples, about 2 lb (900 g), preferably 4 Golden Delicious and 1 Granny Smith
02 -
1 tablespoon lemon juice
03 -
4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter
04 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider or apple juice
05 -
1/2 cup (105 g) packed light brown sugar
06 -
1/8 teaspoon fine salt
For the spice finish
07 -
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
08 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 -
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 -
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Wash, core, and slice the apples into 1/2-inch wedges. Toss with lemon juice while you set up the skillet.
02 -
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apple cider, brown sugar, and salt, then stir until the sugar starts to dissolve.
03 -
Add the apple slices and turn them gently to coat. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the apples are just fork-tender.
04 -
Stir the cornstarch and cold water again, then pour it into the skillet. Cook uncovered for 1-2 minutes, gently folding, until the sauce looks glossy and lightly thickened.
05 -
Turn off the heat. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla if using. Let the apples rest for 3 minutes before serving so the sauce clings to the slices.
# Good to know:
01 -
Serve warm as a side dish, dessert topping, or breakfast topping.
02 -
For the closest copycat texture, use mostly Golden Delicious apples.
03 -
Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.