Recreate cracker barrel's cinnamon apples in just 25 minutes

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A taste of home: bringing cracker barrel to your kitchen

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As someone deeply passionate about creating harmonious living spaces, I believe that Food plays a vital role in that experience. There's something incredibly comforting about recreating a beloved dish from a favorite restaurant. That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe for Cracker Barrel's famous fried cinnamon apples! You can enjoy this classic country side dish, filled with warm spices and tender apples, without ever leaving your home. It's a simple recipe, taking only about 25 minutes from start to finish – perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

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Why this copycat recipe works so well

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The key to achieving that authentic Cracker Barrel flavor lies in the apple selection. The BHG Test Kitchen recommends a blend of varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Gala, Jazz, and Golden Delicious. This combination provides a wonderful balance of tartness and sweetness, ensuring the apples retain a pleasant texture even after cooking. Using a mix also adds depth to the overall flavor profile, mirroring the restaurant's experience.

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The ingredients you'll need

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This recipe calls for just six simple ingredients, making it incredibly accessible. You’ll need: salted butter, apples (about 6 cups, peeled, cored, and sliced), apple juice, packed brown sugar, cornstarch, and apple pie spice. The simplicity of the ingredients underscores how you can create something truly delicious with just a few quality components. Don't be afraid to experiment with the spice blend to suit your personal preference!

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Step-by-step instructions: a simple guide

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The preparation is straightforward. First, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apple slices and toss to coat them evenly. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, approximately 8 minutes. While the apples are cooking, whisk together the apple juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, apple pie spice, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. This creates the flavorful sauce that will coat the apples.

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Bringing it all together: the cooking process

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Once the apples are slightly softened, pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble, about 1 minute. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer the apples, stirring occasionally, until they are tender, which usually takes between 5 and 10 minutes. The simmering allows the flavors to meld and the apples to fully absorb the delicious sauce.

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Important notes & disclaimer

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Please note that while this recipe aims to replicate the taste of Cracker Barrel's cinnamon apples, it’s an independently created copycat recipe. Restaurant names and trademarks are included solely for reference and do not indicate any endorsement or approval by the restaurant owners. Enjoy this homemade version and bring a little bit of that comforting country charm to your own dining table! A little extra apple pie spice never hurt anyone, so feel free to add a touch more based on your preference.

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Recipe summary

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