Ingredients:
• 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
• Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Make sure to slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
2. Combine Ingredients:
• In your slow cooker, add the sliced apples along with the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and vanilla extract.
3. Add Liquid:
• Pour the water and lemon juice into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. The lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the apples and prevents them from browning too much.
4. Cook:
• Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened into a caramel-like consistency. If you want softer apples, cook for a longer period. If you prefer them to retain a little more texture, check at the 4-hour mark.
5. Serve:
• Once the apples are done, give them a final stir. Serve warm as a side dish with your favorite comfort meals like pork chops, roast chicken, or even on top of pancakes or waffles for breakfast.
Tips:
• You can easily double the recipe if you’re serving a larger crowd.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, uncover the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce.
• For extra indulgence, serve the apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Enjoy your warm, sweet, and spiced Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples!