Cracker Barrel’s fried apples are a signature side dish known for their sweet, buttery, cinnamon-spiced flavor and are popular as a breakfast, brunch, or dessert option. This is a homemade interpretation designed to get close to the original, not the brand’s exact recipe.
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What makes Cracker Barrel’s fried apples with cinnamon special
The hallmark of Cracker Barrel’s fried apples is their balance of sweet, buttery sauce and warm cinnamon spice, all coating tender but intact apple slices. According to the brand’s menu description, the apples are cooked in butter, sugar, and cinnamon until just tender, resulting in a soft texture without turning mushy. Achieving this at home comes down to choosing the right apple variety—Golden Delicious or Granny Smith work well—and precise timing. The copycat method uses a 1:3 ratio of butter and sugar mixture to apples by volume, which helps replicate the richness and sweetness of the original dish. Dissolving cornstarch in apple juice before adding is key to creating the signature glossy, thick sauce.
Ingredients
- 6 cups, sliced apples (such as Golden Delicious or Granny Smith)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup apple juice or water
- to taste pinch of salt
Tools you’ll need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board and sharp knife (for slicing apples)
- Small mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Peeler and corer (optional, for prepping apples)
How to make it
- Prep the apples: Peel, core, and slice apples into wedges. Uniform slices ensure even cooking and help each piece stay tender but not mushy.
- Melt the butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Butter is essential for flavor and helps the apples caramelize gently.
- Coat the apples: Add apple slices to the skillet, tossing to coat them completely in melted butter. This step allows the apples to begin softening and take on buttery richness.
- Add sugar and spice: Sprinkle in 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat the apples evenly. Using both brown and white sugar adds depth and enhances the caramel notes, while cinnamon infuses the apples as they cook.
- Add lemon juice and cook: Pour in 2 teaspoons lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are just tender but not falling apart—about 10 to 15 minutes. Lemon juice helps balance the sweetness and prevents the apples from browning too quickly.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 tablespoons cornstarch in 1/4 cup apple juice or water. Fully dissolving cornstarch before adding prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, glossy sauce.
- Finish cooking: Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 3–5 minutes. This step is crucial—the heat activates the cornstarch, thickening the juices into the signature syrupy coating.
- Rest and serve: Remove from heat and let the apples rest for a few minutes before serving; this allows the sauce to thicken further. Serve warm, spooning the sauce over the apples for best flavor and texture.
For best results, maintain the 1 part butter-and-sugar mixture to 3 parts apples by volume. Avoid overcooking to keep the apples tender and intact.
How close is it to the original?
This recipe comes very close to the flavor, texture, and appearance of the Cracker Barrel original when using the right apple varieties and following the cooking times closely. Most reviewers praise the homemade version for its sweet, buttery, cinnamon-rich taste and soft texture. Some people like to increase the cinnamon for extra warmth, while others caution that overcooking will make the apples too soft. The sauce may be a touch less glossy or thick than the restaurant version if the cornstarch isn’t fully dissolved or if the apples release more juice, but the taste remains nearly identical. See more copycat treats or try other restaurant-inspired drinks for your next brunch.
Troubleshooting
- Apples turn mushy: Overcooking is the main culprit. Cook just until fork-tender, then remove from heat.
- Sauce is thin: Not enough cornstarch or too much liquid. Mix cornstarch thoroughly in apple juice before adding, and let the apples rest briefly after cooking for sauce to thicken.
- Sauce has lumps: Cornstarch wasn’t fully dissolved before adding. Always dissolve completely in liquid first.
- Apples are too tart or too sweet: Apple variety matters. Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balance, or adjust the sugar to taste.
Variations
- Different apple varieties: Substitute Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Jonagold for a distinct texture or flavor. A mix of tart and sweet apples provides balance.
- Extra spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice with the cinnamon for a deeper spice profile.
- Dairy-free: Use vegan butter for a non-dairy version—the texture and flavor stay similar.
- Gluten-free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free as written.
Storage
Store leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
FAQ
- What are the ingredients for Copycat Cracker Barrel cinnamon apples?
Apples (such as Golden Delicious or Granny Smith), butter, brown sugar, white sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, cornstarch, apple juice or water, and a pinch of salt. - What are the ingredients in Cracker Barrel fried apples?
The official menu lists apples, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and a thickened sauce—this copycat version uses cornstarch and apple juice to achieve a similar result. - What is the original recipe for Cracker Barrel fried apples?
The proprietary recipe is not public, but the official profile describes cooking sliced apples in butter, sugar, and cinnamon until tender, with a soft but not mushy texture. This homemade version closely matches that approach. - What kind of apples does Cracker Barrel use for their fried apples?
Cracker Barrel does not specify, but Golden Delicious or Granny Smith are recommended for their balance of sweetness, tartness, and ability to hold shape during cooking. - How many calories are in fried apples from Cracker Barrel?
One serving contains about 210 calories, with 7g fat, 37g carbohydrates, 26g sugar, and 0.5g protein, according to the official nutrition data. - Are Cracker Barrel fried apples still on the menu?
Yes, Cracker Barrel fried apples with cinnamon are a permanent menu item.
Sources
- Official Cracker Barrel fried cinnamon apples menu listing
- Allrecipes: Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
- Feels Like Home: Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
Ingredients
6 cups, sliced apples (such as Golden Delicious or Granny Smith)
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup apple juice or water
to taste pinch of salt
Instructions
Peel, core, and slice apples into wedges.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add apples and toss to coat in melted butter.
Sprinkle in brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt; stir to coat apples evenly.
Add lemon juice and cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are just tender but not falling apart (about 10-15 minutes).
In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in apple juice or water, then pour into skillet.
Continue cooking, stirring gently, until sauce thickens and becomes glossy (about 3-5 minutes).
Serve warm, with sauce spooned over apples.
