Name: Southern Fried Apples (Cracker Barrel Copycat)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 4 large Golden Delicious apples, cored and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges (unpeeled); 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup granulated white sugar; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp cold water, optional for thicker syrup)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There is something undeniably nostalgic about a warm plate of fruit simmered in butter and sugar. My journey to perfecting this southern fried apples recipe began on long family road trips down South.

We would often stop at rustic country stores where the aroma of cinnamon seemed to be part of the foundation. I remember begging my parents for just one more scoop of those tender, glossy apples that tasted like pie filling without the crust.

While I love baking complex treats like cherry coconut magic bars, sometimes simple stovetop comfort is best. This dish captures that exact feeling without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Recreating that specific texture at home became a personal mission of mine. You need the apples to be soft enough to melt in your mouth, yet firm enough to hold their shape.

Why you’ll love this Southern Fried Apples (Cracker Barrel Copycat) with Southern Fried Apples Recipe

It is an authentic southern fried apples recipe that tastes exactly like the popular restaurant version you know and love.
The dish comes together in just one skillet, meaning you have very little cleanup to worry about after cooking.
These apples are incredibly versatile, serving perfectly as a savory side dish for dinner or a sweet topping for breakfast.
You get the comforting flavor of apple pie in less than 40 minutes without the hassle of making a crust.
Leaving the skins on adds a beautiful color contrast and prevents the fruit from turning into applesauce.

Ingredients

4 large Golden Delicious apples, cored and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges (unpeeled)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp cold water, optional for thicker syrup)

Directions

Step 1

Start by washing your Golden Delicious apples thoroughly under cold water. Core them carefully and slice each apple into uniform 1/2-inch wedges. It is crucial to leave the skins on, as this provides the signature texture and color found in the classic restaurant version.

Step 2

Place the apple wedges into a large mixing bowl immediately after slicing. Toss them gently with the lemon juice to coat them evenly. This step is important because it prevents the apples from oxidizing and turning brown before they hit the pan.

Step 3

Place a large cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. Wait until the butter becomes bubbly and fragrant, then add the apple slices, spreading them out to ensure even cooking.

Step 4

In a separate small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well blended. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the apples in the skillet.

Step 5

Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes. Make sure to stir the apples gently halfway through the cooking time to ensure they soften evenly.

Step 6

Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes while stirring occasionally. This step allows the excess liquid to reduce into a rich, glossy syrup that clings to the fruit.

Step 7

If you prefer a much thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last two minutes of cooking. Once the syrup reaches your desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat. Let the apples sit for 5 minutes to thicken further before serving warm.

Variations, pairings, and serving ideas

Variations

While Golden Delicious is the standard, you can experiment with other varieties in this southern fried apples recipe. Granny Smith apples offer a tart profile that cuts through the sugar beautifully. You might need to add a splash more liquid as they are less juicy.

For a deeper flavor profile, try swapping the granulated sugar entirely for maple syrup. The maple flavor pairs exceptionally well with the cinnamon and nutmeg. Just keep an eye on the heat to prevent scorching.

If you enjoy a bit of crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts during the last five minutes of cooking. The nuts will toast slightly in the buttery syrup. This adds a wonderful texture that contrasts with the soft fruit.

Pairings

These apples are a classic accompaniment to savory Southern dinners. They pair beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey breast. The sweetness of the fruit balances the savory, salty notes of the poultry.

For a hearty breakfast, serve these alongside fluffy buttermilk biscuits or scrambled eggs. The syrup acts as a natural sweetener for the biscuits. It creates a sweet and savory morning meal that feels very indulgent.

You can also use these as a topping for other breakfast favorites. Spoon them generously over a stack of pancakes or waffles. It instantly elevates a simple weekend breakfast into a special occasion.

Serving ideas

Presentation is effortless when you use a cast-iron skillet. Bring the skillet directly to the table on a trivet for a rustic, family-style vibe. The dark iron makes the golden color of the apples pop.

Transform this side dish into a simple dessert by serving it warm in small bowls. Top each portion with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast between the hot apples and cold ice cream is irresistible.

For a lighter dessert option, stir these apples into a bowl of warm oatmeal or yogurt. The spiced syrup swirls into the oats perfectly. It is a comforting way to start a cold winter morning.

Storage and make-ahead tips

Storage

Leftovers can be stored easily in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. The syrup may thicken significantly when chilled.

To reheat, simply place the apples back in a saucepan over low heat. You can also microwave them in short 30-second bursts. Add a splash of water if the sauce has become too thick.

Freezing is possible, though the texture of the apples may become softer upon thawing. Place completely cooled apples in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Make-ahead

You can mix the sugar and spice blend several days in advance. Store the mixture in a small jar or ziplock bag until you are ready to cook. This saves you from measuring multiple ingredients during a busy dinner prep.

If you want to prep the apples ahead of time, slice them and toss them heavily in lemon juice. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a few hours. This ensures your southern fried apples recipe comes together quickly.

You can also cook the entire dish a day in advance. The flavors often meld and deepen after sitting overnight. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop before serving to your guests.

Common mistakes when making Southern Fried Apples (Cracker Barrel Copycat)

The biggest mistake is peeling the apples, which causes them to fall apart and turn into mush during the simmering process.
Using a mealy apple variety like Red Delicious will result in a poor texture; always stick to firm baking apples like Golden Delicious.
Cooking at too high of a heat initially can burn the butter and sugar mixture before the apples are tender.
Overcrowding a small pan prevents the syrup from reducing properly, so always use a large skillet with plenty of surface area.
Forgetting to let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking can result in a runny sauce that hasn’t set properly.

Final notes

Mastering this southern fried apples recipe brings a piece of traditional comfort food right into your kitchen. It is a dish that feels special enough for holidays but is easy enough for a Tuesday night. The aroma alone is enough to bring the family running to the table.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your personal preference. Some families love a heavy hand with the cinnamon, while others prefer the buttery notes to shine. Cooking is all about making the recipe your own.

I hope this dish brings as much warmth to your home as it has to mine. Whether served as a side or a dessert, it is sure to become a requested favorite. Enjoy the process of creating this golden, syrup-coated classic.

Comforting Southern Fried Apples Recipe

Why you’ll love this Southern Fried Apples (Cracker Barrel Copycat) with Southern Fried Apples Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Variations, pairings, and serving ideas

Variations

Pairings

Serving ideas

Storage and make-ahead tips

Storage

Make-ahead

Common mistakes when making Southern Fried Apples (Cracker Barrel Copycat)

Final notes

Loved this Southern Fried Apples (Cracker Barrel Copycat)? Try these next

Southern Fried Apples (Cracker Barrel Copycat)

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

Leave a Comment Cancel reply