Southern Comfort Fried Apples
Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of Southern Comfort Fried Apples, a dish that evokes sweet memories of family gatherings and cozy breakfasts. Inspired by the beloved recipe from Cracker Barrel, this version captures the essence of perfectly cooked apples, bathed in a luscious apple juice sauce. The combination of tender, sweet apples and fragrant apple pie spice creates an irresistible dish that can be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or a delightful dessert. Best served warm, these fried apples offer a touch of nostalgia and are sure to become a favorite in your home. And although the recipe allows for freezing, be warned - they're so delicious you may find there's never any left to store!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
apple juice
2 cups (fresh, for simmering)
apple juice
1/2 cup (fresh, for blending)
golden delicious apples
4 large (with peel, cut into 1/2 inch wedges)
cornstarch
3 tablespoons (for thickening)
apple pie spice
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
sugar
4 tablespoons (for sweetness)
Instructions
1
In a medium skillet, pour the 2 cups of apple juice and add the apple wedges.
2
Gently simmer over medium heat, turning the apples frequently, until they are fork-tender but still hold their shape (about 8-10 minutes).
3
Carefully remove the apple wedges using a slotted spoon and transfer them to an oven-safe dish; set aside.
4
In a blender, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of apple juice, cornstarch, apple pie spice, and sugar. Blend for a few seconds until you achieve a smooth consistency.
5
Return the skillet with the remaining apple juice to medium-high heat. Whisk in the blended mixture and cook, stirring constantly until the sauce begins to bubble and thickens (approximately 2-3 minutes).
6
Once thickened, pour the warm sauce over the cooked apple wedges, ensuring they are well-coated.
7
Serve warm, and enjoy the wonderful taste of Southern comfort!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Southern Comfort Fried Apples?
Southern Comfort Fried Apples is a warm, sweet dish inspired by Cracker Barrel's famous recipe, featuring Golden Delicious apples simmered in a spiced apple juice sauce.
What type of apples should I use?
This recipe specifically calls for large Golden Delicious apples because they hold their shape well during the simmering process.
Do I need to peel the apples?
No, the recipe recommends leaving the peel on the apples and cutting them into 1/2 inch wedges.
Is there alcohol in Southern Comfort Fried Apples?
No, despite the name, this recipe uses apple juice and spices to create its flavor and does not list any alcohol in the ingredients.
How long does it take to cook the apples?
The apple wedges should be simmered for approximately 8 to 10 minutes until they are fork-tender but still hold their shape.
What is in the sauce for these fried apples?
The sauce is made from apple juice, cornstarch, sugar, and apple pie spice, which is thickened in a skillet.
Can I freeze Southern Comfort Fried Apples?
Yes, the recipe allows for freezing, though the description notes they are so delicious there are rarely any leftovers to store.
Is this recipe similar to Cracker Barrel?
Yes, this version is specifically inspired by the beloved fried apples served at Cracker Barrel.
How should I serve these apples?
They are best served warm and can be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast side or a sweet dessert.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent to turn the apple juice and spices into a luscious, bubbling sauce.
How much apple juice do I need in total?
You will need a total of 2.5 cups of apple juice: 2 cups for simmering the apples and 1/2 cup for blending with the starch and spices.
What spices are used in this dish?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice to provide a fragrant, warm flavor profile.
Can I use a blender for this recipe?
Yes, a blender is used to combine 1/2 cup of apple juice, cornstarch, apple pie spice, and sugar to ensure a smooth consistency for the sauce.
How thick should I cut the apple wedges?
The apples should be cut into 1/2 inch wedges to ensure they cook evenly without becoming too mushy.
What is the best way to remove the apples from the skillet?
The recipe suggests using a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the tender apple wedges to an oven-safe dish.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, with only 6 ingredients and simple simmering and blending steps, it is considered an easy recipe.
Can I serve these for breakfast?
Absolutely, they are described as a great addition to a cozy breakfast.
Can I serve these for dessert?
Yes, they make a delightful dessert, especially when served warm.
How do I prevent the apples from falling apart?
Frequently turn the apples gently while simmering and only cook them until they are fork-tender.
What should the sauce look like when it is finished?
The sauce should be smooth, bubbling, and thickened after whisking the blended mixture into the hot juice for 2-3 minutes.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Based on the ingredient list (apples, juice, starch, sugar, spice), this recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, cornstarch is typically gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of sugar to add sweetness to the sauce.
Should I use fresh apple juice?
The recipe recommends fresh apple juice for both the simmering and the blending steps.
What kind of dish should I put the cooked apples in?
The recipe recommends an oven-safe dish to hold the apples while you prepare the sauce.
How many apples are required?
The recipe calls for 4 large Golden Delicious apples.
Do I cook the sauce and apples together?
The apples are simmered first and removed; the sauce is then thickened in the remaining liquid before being poured over the apples.
Is the apple pie spice necessary?
It is the primary source of flavor for the sauce, providing the warm fragrance characteristic of the dish.
Can I use a medium skillet for this?
Yes, the instructions specifically suggest using a medium skillet for the simmering and sauce-making process.
Does this recipe have a nostalgic feel?
Yes, the description notes that it evokes sweet memories of family gatherings and offers a touch of nostalgia.