Easy Cracker Barrel Apples Recipe – Sweet & Cinnamon-Spiced!

If you’ve ever visited a Cracker Barrel restaurant, you’re likely familiar with their famous cinnamon apples.

This dish has been a staple on their menu for years, delighting customers with its sweet, buttery flavor and tender apple texture.

The Cracker Barrel apples recipe brings together a perfect blend of fresh apples, spices, and syrup, making it an irresistible side dish that pairs wonderfully with so many meals.

Whether you’re serving it as a comforting side dish to complement a hearty dinner or as a sweet treat to enjoy on its own, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for something warm, delicious, and familiar.

One of the things that makes this dish so special is its versatility.

The soft, caramelized apples, bathed in a sweet cinnamon syrup, can be enjoyed at any time of the day—whether with pancakes for breakfast, served alongside fried chicken for dinner, or even as a dessert topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the magic of Cracker Barrel’s signature apples right in your own kitchen.

In this blog, I’ll guide you through the steps of making this easy yet incredibly satisfying recipe.

By the end, you’ll have the perfect balance of tender apples and flavorful syrup, ready to enjoy and share with family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cracker Barrel Apples Recipe

The beauty of this Cracker Barrel apples recipe lies in its simplicity.

You don’t need a long list of ingredients—just a few key items that come together to create the perfect blend of sweetness and spice.

Here’s everything you’ll need:

Fresh Apples

The star of the show! For this recipe, you’ll want to select apples that hold their shape and don’t turn mushy too quickly during cooking.

Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice, as their tartness contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the sugar.

However, you can also use Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples, depending on your preference for sweetness and texture.

Aim for about 4 medium apples to create a generous serving.

Sweeteners

To achieve that signature sweet and syrupy flavor, you’ll need a combination of sugar and brown sugar.

Granulated white sugar will help dissolve quickly into the syrup, while brown sugar adds a deeper, caramelized flavor that enhances the richness of the dish. Y

ou’ll also need a tablespoon or so of maple syrup or honey if you’d like to add a touch of natural sweetness.

Spices & Flavors

The warm spices are what make this dish so comforting and aromatic. Ground cinnamon is a must, along with a pinch of nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile.

A few drops of vanilla extract will also round out the sweetness and add a fragrant undertone.

You can adjust the quantity of these spices to your taste, but be sure not to overpower the apples.

Butter

Butter is essential for creating that rich, smooth syrup that coats the apples beautifully. Use unsalted butter for the best flavor control.

It’s what gives the apples a silky texture and allows the spices and sugars to melt into a cohesive sauce.

Additional Ingredients

• Lemon juice (Optional): A small splash of lemon juice will help balance the sweetness and prevent the apples from browning too quickly.
• Cornstarch (Optional): If you prefer a thicker syrup, a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water can be added toward the end of cooking to help achieve a more velvety texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cracker Barrel Apples Recipe

Making Cracker Barrel apples at home is easier than you might think.

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a dish that rivals the restaurant version in no time!

Step 1: Preparing the Apples

Start by washing your apples thoroughly. Once clean, peel each apple using a vegetable peeler.

After peeling, cut them into quarters, remove the core, and slice them into uniform wedges.

This ensures even cooking. The thickness of your slices can vary based on preference, but aim for about ½-inch slices for the perfect texture.

If you’re concerned about the apples browning, squeeze a little lemon juice over them to keep them fresh and vibrant.

Step 2: Making the Cinnamon Sugar Syrup

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

As the butter begins to melt, add in 1 cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of brown sugar.

Stir to combine, ensuring the sugar begins to dissolve into the butter.

Once the sugar has dissolved, add in 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg.

Stir until the spices are fully incorporated, releasing a warm, fragrant aroma.

To deepen the flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue to cook the syrup for another 2–3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Cooking the Apples

Now, add the sliced apples into the saucepan, carefully stirring them into the cinnamon syrup.

Coat each apple slice with the syrup, ensuring they’re fully submerged.

Let the apples cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

You’ll notice the apples beginning to soften after about 5 minutes.

Continue to cook for 15–20 minutes until the apples are tender but still hold their shape, and the syrup has thickened to a rich, caramel-like consistency.

Taste the syrup at this stage—if you’d like it sweeter, you can stir in a little extra brown sugar or maple syrup.

Step 4: Final Touches & Adjustments

If you prefer a thicker syrup, create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then add it to the cooking apples.

Stir well and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the syrup thickens. Once done, remove the apples from the heat, and give them a final taste.

If you feel they need a little more spice or sweetness, feel free to add a pinch more cinnamon or sugar.

Serving Suggestions for Cracker Barrel Apples Recipe

Now that your Cracker Barrel apples are perfectly cooked and ready to go, here are a few serving suggestions to elevate this dish for any occasion:

Serve as a Side Dish

Cracker Barrel apples make a perfect side dish to accompany savory meals.

They pair exceptionally well with roasted meats like pork chops, fried chicken, or even grilled steaks.

The sweetness of the apples complements the savory flavors, creating a delightful balance.

Serve them alongside mashed potatoes or biscuits for a comforting, down-home meal.

Top Your Pancakes or Waffles

For a breakfast treat or brunch indulgence, spoon the warm cinnamon apples over a stack of fluffy pancakes or crispy waffles.

The apples will melt slightly into the pancakes, creating a deliciously sweet and spiced topping that adds both flavor and texture.

Add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of syrup for the ultimate indulgence.

Enjoy with Ice Cream

Cracker Barrel apples are also an excellent dessert option.

Serve them warm in a bowl, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The hot apples and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast of temperatures, while the cinnamon-spiced syrup enhances the sweetness of the dessert.

Pair with Oatmeal

For a wholesome and cozy breakfast, top your morning oatmeal with the cinnamon apples.

The warm apples mixed with the creamy texture of the oats create a satisfying and comforting dish to start your day off right.

You can even add a handful of nuts like walnuts or pecans for some extra crunch.

Make an Apple Crisp

If you’re looking to take things up a notch, use the Cracker Barrel apples as a base for a delicious apple crisp.

Simply pour the cooked apples into a baking dish, top with a crumbly mixture of oats, butter, and sugar, and bake until golden and bubbling.

Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

Tips for Perfect Cracker Barrel Apples

To ensure your Cracker Barrel apples turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while preparing the recipe:

Choose the Right Apples

The type of apple you use is crucial to achieving the right texture and flavor.

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold up well during cooking, ensuring that your apples stay tender but not mushy.

Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the syrup, while Honeycrisp apples offer a sweeter, juicier bite.

Try different varieties to see which one you like best, but avoid using soft apples like Red Delicious, as they’ll break down too quickly.

Peel and Slice Evenly

For uniform cooking, make sure to slice the apples evenly.

If the slices are too thick, they may take longer to cook through, and if they’re too thin, they could become mushy.

Aim for about ½-inch slices for a perfect balance of tenderness and structure. Use a sharp knife or an apple corer to get clean, consistent cuts.

Adjust the Sweetness to Your Taste

The sweetness of the apples and syrup can be adjusted based on your personal preference.

If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of sugar or opt for a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.

Conversely, if you like a sweeter flavor, add a bit more brown sugar or maple syrup.

Don’t forget to taste the syrup before adding the apples to ensure it’s to your liking.

Thicken the Syrup for a Richer Texture

If you prefer a thicker syrup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) towards the end of cooking.

This will create a smooth, velvety syrup that coats the apples beautifully. Be sure to stir the mixture thoroughly to avoid any lumps.

Let the Apples Rest Before Serving

Once your apples are cooked and the syrup has thickened, give the dish a few minutes to rest off the heat.

This will allow the syrup to fully absorb into the apples, making the dish even more flavorful.

Plus, it gives you time to prepare any side dishes or to set the table!

Variations of the Cracker Barrel Apples Recipe

While the classic Cracker Barrel apples recipe is delicious on its own, there are several fun variations you can try to put your own spin on this dish.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Add Nuts for Extra Crunch

For a delightful texture contrast, consider adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to your Cracker Barrel apples.

Simply toss the nuts into the pan during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing them to warm through and absorb some of the syrup.

This addition will give the dish a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft, tender apples.

Make It a Crumble or Crisp

Transform your Cracker Barrel apples into a dessert by turning them into an apple crisp!

After cooking the apples, transfer them into a baking dish and top with a mixture of oats, butter, brown sugar, and flour.

Bake until the topping is golden and crispy, then serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.

The crunchy topping adds a new layer of texture that elevates the dish to a decadent treat.

Spice It Up with More Flavor

While cinnamon and nutmeg are classic spices for this dish, you can experiment with other spices to add complexity.

A pinch of ginger or allspice can complement the cinnamon’s warmth and give your apples a more unique flavor profile.

Try adding a splash of orange zest for a citrusy twist, or a dash of clove for a deeper, spiced note.

Try an Apple and Pear Mix

For a more diverse flavor, mix apples with pears in this recipe.

Pears cook similarly to apples and offer a sweet, juicy alternative that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon syrup.

Use a combination of different apple varieties and pears like Bartlett or Bosc for a more nuanced taste and texture in the dish.

Caramelize the Apples

For a richer, caramelized flavor, cook the apples with a little extra brown sugar and let them cook longer over low heat until the sugar begins to caramelize.

The result will be a darker, richer syrup that coats the apples in a luscious, almost toffee-like glaze.

This variation is perfect for those who love deep, caramelized flavors.

Make It a Low-Sugar Version

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can make a low-sugar version of this recipe by using a sugar substitute like Stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol.

You can also reduce the amount of sugar used and rely more on the natural sweetness of the apples.

Consider adding a few extra spices like cinnamon and vanilla to compensate for the lack of sweetness from traditional sugar.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Cracker Barrel Apples

There’s something about the comforting combination of tender apples, warm cinnamon syrup, and a touch of sweetness that makes Cracker Barrel apples a beloved dish.

Whether you’re enjoying them as a side dish, topping them on pancakes, or turning them into a dessert, this recipe is versatile, simple to make, and perfect for any occasion.

With just a few easy ingredients, you can recreate the rich flavors of Cracker Barrel right in your own kitchen.

These apples have the ability to elevate a meal and satisfy your sweet tooth all at once.

The recipe is not only delicious but also adaptable, allowing you to make adjustments based on your personal taste.

Whether you prefer a thicker syrup, a dash more spice, or a crunchy topping, the possibilities for customizing your Cracker Barrel apples are endless.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a warm, cozy dish that will become a new favorite in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

While fresh apples provide the best texture and flavor for this recipe, you can use frozen apples in a pinch.

Keep in mind that frozen apples may release more liquid during cooking and could become a bit mushier.

If you do use frozen apples, be sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before cooking.

2. How do I make the apples less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet version of Cracker Barrel apples, simply reduce the amount of sugar and brown sugar in the recipe.

You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, or opt for apples that are naturally less sweet, such as Granny Smith apples, which will provide a tangy contrast to the cinnamon syrup.

3. Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the recipe?

Yes! Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries, can enhance the texture and flavor of the dish.

Stir them in towards the end of cooking so they warm through without losing their crunch or texture.

4. How can I store leftover Cracker Barrel apples?

If you have any leftovers, store the apples and syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until hot.

You may need to add a small splash of water to help loosen the syrup as it reheats.

5. Can I make Cracker Barrel apples ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Cracker Barrel apples in advance! Prepare the apples and syrup, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the apples on the stove or in the microwave.

This makes it a great dish to prepare ahead of time for busy weeknights or holiday meals.