Cracker Barrel Apples Best CopyCat Recipe

There are certain comfort foods that just stick with you, and for me, one of those is Cracker Barrel apples. If you’ve ever sat down at the restaurant and ordered them as a side dish, you know how good they are. Sweet, tender, buttery apples with just the right amount of spice - it’s the kind of simple recipe that instantly makes you feel at home.

The best part is you don’t have to wait for a trip to Cracker Barrel to enjoy them. This copycat recipe is super easy to make right in your own kitchen. With just a few apples, some juice, sugar, and spices, you’ll have a side dish that goes with breakfast, dinner, or even dessert.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cracker Barrel apples hit that sweet spot between cozy and versatile. They’re soft but not mushy, perfectly sweet without being over the top, and the buttery cinnamon flavor makes your whole kitchen smell amazing.

I love that this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s one of those dishes that tastes like you spent all day simmering, but really it’s quick enough to whip up on a weeknight. Plus, you only need a handful of pantry staples to make it happen.

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These apples are always a crowd-pleaser. My kids devour them, guests always go back for seconds, and if I’m being honest, I sometimes eat them straight out of the pan with a spoon. They’re that good. Trust me, I'm basically a doctor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Cracker Barrel apples are simple and straightforward. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup apple juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon butter

That’s it. You probably already have most of these on hand, and once you’ve made them once, you’ll want to keep apples stocked just so you can make this dish again.

Choosing the Right Apples

The apples make all the difference in this recipe. Cracker Barrel apples should be tender but still hold their shape, so I like using firm, slightly tart apples. I like Granny Smith as they are a great choice if you want more bite from tartness - my preference to balance out the sweet in the recipe, while Honeycrisp or Fuji will give you extra sweetness.

Honestly, you can use whatever you have on hand, but I find a mix of tart and sweet apples gives the best balance. Slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate, and don’t worry if the slices aren’t perfect - once the sauce thickens, everything comes together beautifully.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Apples

This recipe couldn’t be simpler. It’s basically just cooking apples until tender, then mixing in the spiced, buttery sauce. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Peel, core, and slice your apples.
2. Place the apple slices in a saucepan with the apple juice. Cover and cook over medium-high heat until the apples start to soften, about 5–7 minutes. Stir a couple of times while cooking.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Stir the dry mixture into the apples and keep cooking until the sauce thickens, about 10 more minutes. Add the butter and stir until melted and glossy.
5. Let cool for about 10 minutes, then serve warm.

That’s it. In about 25 minutes total, you’ll have a pan of Cracker Barrel apples that taste just like the ones at the restaurant.

How to Serve Cracker Barrel Apples

One of my favorite things about this dish is how many ways you can serve it. At Cracker Barrel, it usually comes as a side dish, and it pairs beautifully with pork chops, chicken, or roast turkey.

I also love them with breakfast. Spoon them over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a quick upgrade that feels like a special treat. They’re also perfect on top of oatmeal or yogurt if you want something a little lighter.

Of course, Cracker Barrel apples can absolutely be dessert too. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got an easy apple sundae. If you want to go the extra mile, use them as a filling for hand pies or spoon them over cheesecake. The possibilities are endless.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Apples

Here are a few things I’ve learned making Cracker Barrel apples at home:

• Don’t skip the cornstarch - it gives the sauce that thick, glossy finish.
• Use real butter for the best flavor. Margarine just doesn’t cut it.
• If you like more spice, add a pinch of cloves or allspice. It makes the apples taste like fall in a bowl.
• Double the recipe if you’re serving a crowd. These go fast, and leftovers are always welcome.

Storing and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers, Cracker Barrel apples store well. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of apple juice if the sauce has thickened too much.

They also freeze surprisingly well. Just let them cool completely, store in freezer bags, and reheat when you’re ready. It’s like having your own Cracker Barrel side dish ready whenever you want it.

Why This Copycat Recipe Works

I’ve tried a lot of copycat recipes over the years, and this one nails it. The apple juice gives the right base of flavor, the brown sugar and cinnamon bring the warmth, and the butter ties it all together.

It’s sweet but balanced, rich without being heavy, and has that perfect sticky-smooth texture you remember from the restaurant. Every bite tastes like nostalgia, and that’s exactly what Cracker Barrel apples should be.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort food, this recipe delivers. Cracker Barrel apples are simple, quick, and always a hit no matter how you serve them. Whether you want a side for dinner, a topping for breakfast, or an easy dessert, this dish checks all the boxes.

The next time you’ve got apples on the counter, skip the plain slices and make this copycat version instead. I promise once you’ve tried them, you’ll be making Cracker Barrel apples on repeat.

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