Easy Cinnamon Fried Apples: Better than Cracker Barrel!
Ever wanted to make Cracker Barrel’s famous apple dish at home? Our Easy Cinnamon Fried Apples are here to help. They taste just like Cracker Barrel’s… but are even better because they’re homemade.
It only takes 5 minutes to prepare and 18 minutes to cook. This recipe makes four servings. It’s perfect as a side dish or dessert, thanks to its sweet and spicy flavors.
Try it with pork chops, or as a side dish for Thanksgiving Dinner — or even for dessert, even on its own or with ice cream. It’s sure to make your meal special. Impress your loved ones with these tasty homemade fried apples!
Introduction to Cinnamon Fried Apples
Cinnamon Fried Apples are a favorite in American cooking, especially in the South. They are loved at family gatherings and holidays. This dish mixes buttery apples with cinnamon, making it perfect as a side or dessert.
Granny Smith apples are used because they are tart. This makes the dish taste like home. Every bite is gooey, adding to the comfort of any meal.
Recipes for Cinnamon Fried Apples have changed over time. Yet, they still bring warmth and comfort, especially during the holidays. They show how tradition and new ideas come together in American food.
Why This Recipe Beats Cracker Barrel’s Version
This homemade version of Cracker Barrel Fried Apples is special. It uses fresh ingredients for a better taste. You can adjust the sweetness and spice to your liking.
It’s made with just seven ingredients, like Golden Delicious apples and cinnamon. It’s ready in 40 minutes. You can make it for a quick dessert or side dish.
This dish is great for family gatherings or special events. It tastes as good as Cracker Barrel’s. Plus, you can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to five days or freeze them for three months.
For more homestyle recipes, try this Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread. It’s perfect for many occasions.
| Feature | Cracker Barrel Fried Apples | Homemade Version |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Standard ingredients | Freshly sourced, adjustable ingredients |
| Cooking Time | Varies | 40 minutes total |
| Customization | Limited | Full control over sweetness & spice |
| Leftover Storage | Not specified | Up to 5 days refrigerated, 3 months frozen |
Must-Have Ingredients for Cinnamon Fried Apples
To make the best cinnamon fried apples, you need key ingredients. They make the dish sweet and warm. Start with 1 ½ pounds of Golden Delicious apples. They are soft and mild, perfect for cooking.
Other good apples are Granny Smith, Fuji, and Pink Lady. Each adds something special to the dish. Make sure you have these ingredients for a tasty treat:
- 1 ½ pounds of Golden Delicious apples
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup of light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon of kosher salt
- ½ cup of apple juice or cider
The butter and sugar mix well with spices. They make a sweet, warm flavor. The nutmeg adds a nice nutty taste. Apple juice or cider makes the apples taste even better.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cinnamon Fried Apples
Making cinnamon fried apples is easy. Just follow these steps to make a tasty dish.
Preparing the Apples
Start by picking 1 ½ pounds of apples, like Golden Delicious. Core and cut them into 1-inch slices. Keep the peel on for extra texture.
To stop the apples from browning, squeeze lemon juice on them. Get all your ingredients ready before you start cooking.
Cooking the Apples
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a big skillet over medium heat. You can use salted butter or coconut oil instead. Add the apple slices, ¼ cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of white sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Toss everything to coat the apples well. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes. Check them often until they’re soft.
Thickening the Sauce
After the apples are soft, thicken the sauce. Mix ½ teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of apple juice in a bowl. Pour it into the skillet while whisking.
This will make the sauce thick and syrupy. It adds to the yummy flavors of your cinnamon fried apples.
Perfect Apple Varieties for a Delicious Dish
Choosing the right apples is key for Cinnamon Fried Apples. Golden Delicious apples are sweet and hold their shape well. They taste like honey.
Granny Smith apples are tart and firm. They stay crunchy when fried. McIntosh apples are soft and a bit tangy.
Here’s a quick guide to apple varieties for cinnamon dishes:
| Apple Variety | Flavor Profile | Texture | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Delicious | Sweet, honey-like | Firm | Cinnamon Fried Apples |
| Granny Smith | Tart | Firm | Cinnamon Fried Apples |
| McIntosh | Sweet-tart | Soft | Blended in dishes |
| Honeycrisp | Sweet, crisp | Crisp | Raw or cooked dishes |
| Pink Lady | Sweet-tart | Firm | All-purpose |
| Empire | Sweet-tart | Crisp | All-purpose |
These apples add flavor and texture to your dish. Use 4 medium to large apples, peeled and sliced. This makes about four servings. It’s quick to make, ready in just 15 minutes. Try these apples to make your Cinnamon Fried Apples perfect!
Serving Suggestions for Holiday Meals
Serving cinnamon fried apples at your next family gathering can make any meal better. They add sweetness that goes well with savory dishes. These fried apples are sure to be a favorite, especially when paired with the right main dishes.
Pairing with Main Dishes
These tasty apples go great with roasted meats, ham, and turkey. They add a special touch to your meal. The mix of flavors makes everyone want more.
Here are some great dishes to serve with fried apples:
- Roast Chicken
- Glazed Ham
- Herb-Crusted Turkey
- Pork Loin
- Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
Serving as a Festive Side Dish for Thanksgiving
Cinnamon fried apples are perfect for Thanksgiving. They fill the room with a warm, sweet smell. This makes the holiday feel even more special.
They go well with many classic dishes, like:
| Classic Dishes | Flavor Complement |
|---|---|
| Stuffing | Sweet and Savory Balance |
| Glazed Carrots | Enhanced Sweetness |
| Cranberry Sauce | Tartness to Contrast |
| Mashed Potatoes | Rich Creaminess |
| Green Bean Casserole | Earthy Flavor Addition |
Adding cinnamon fried apples to your holiday meal is unforgettable. Their delicious taste and festive vibe make any gathering better.
Transforming Cinnamon Fried Apples into a Decadent Dessert
Cinnamon fried apples make any meal special. Serving them with ice cream is a great idea. It mixes warm spiced apples with cold, creamy ice cream.
This mix turns a simple dish into a stunning dessert. It will wow your guests.
Serving with Ice Cream
For a treat, pair warm cinnamon fried apples with vanilla ice cream. This mix is unforgettable. The ice cream’s sweetness goes well with the apples’ cinnamon and sugar.
It’s perfect for any event.
Adding Toppings for Extra Flavor
Customize your cinnamon fried apples with toppings. Here are some favorites:
- Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream or vegan alternatives
- Additional cinnamon or nutmeg
- Chocolate syrup
These toppings can make your dessert even better. They let everyone enjoy their own special version.
| Topping | Description |
|---|---|
| Chopped Nuts | Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. |
| Caramel Sauce | Provides a rich, sweet contrast to the apples. |
| Whipped Cream | Offers a light, creamy element to balance the spices. |
| Additional Cinnamon | Intensifies the warm, comforting spice of the dish. |
| Chocolate Syrup | Brings a decadent chocolate flavor to the dessert. |
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftover Fried Apples
After enjoying your delicious cinnamon fried apples, it’s important to store them right. Keep them in an airtight container. This way, they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. If you have leftover apple slices, these tips will keep them tasty.
There are a few ways to reheat your fried apples. You can use the microwave. Just heat them in 30-second bursts until they’re warm. Or, you can warm them gently in a skillet over low heat. This keeps their texture and flavor good.
Adding a splash of apple juice while reheating can make them even more moist and sweet.
Here are some key tips for storing cinnamon fried apples:
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Reheat in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
- Add a bit of juice for moisture when reheating.
By following these tips, you’ll enjoy your leftover fried apples even more. You can savor their delicious taste many times during the week.
Health Benefits of Eating Fried Apples
Fried apples are a tasty treat that’s good for you. They are a great dessert that also gives you important nutrients. An apple has about 4.5 grams of fiber. This helps your body digest food slowly and keeps your blood sugar steady.
The fried apples nutritional value is also great. One serving has about 302 calories and 53 grams of carbs. They also have 5 grams of fiber, which is good for you. Using Brown Swerve instead of sugar makes the recipe safe for people with diabetes.
- Rich in antioxidants, apples help protect the body from oxidative stress.
- Low in calories, averaging around 60 calories per apple, making them a guilt-free option.
- Composed of 85% water, encouraging hydration when included as part of a meal.
- Promotes heart health by supporting cholesterol management and blood pressure control.
Adding spices like cinnamon makes the apple recipes health benefits even better. These spices add anti-inflammatory properties. They also help boost your metabolism, making fried apples a smart dessert choice.
| Nutrient | Per Serving of Fried Apples |
|---|---|
| Calories | 302 |
| Carbohydrates | 53g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Water Content | 85% |
Fried apples can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. They can also be frozen for about three months. This makes it easy to enjoy them whenever you want.
Variations on the Classic Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe
Looking to make cinnamon fried apples even better? Try adding bourbon or rum for a grown-up twist. You can also play with spices like cardamom, nutmeg, or allspice. This turns the classic recipe into something amazing.
Want a healthier version? Use honey instead of brown sugar and coconut oil instead of butter. This keeps the taste great but is a bit lighter. You can slice or chop the apples to change the dish’s texture. Granny Smith apples are great, but Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Fuji are tasty too.
Want to try something new? Add cranberries or orange zest for extra flavor. A little vanilla or brandy can also make a big difference. You can even add seasonal fruits to make it even more special.
Every change keeps the cinnamon fried apples special but lets you get creative. This way, every dish is unique and can please anyone. Serve it warm as a side or with ice cream for dessert. These changes make it fun to enjoy all year long.
