Is it fall yet? Fall is the perfect season for cozying up with a warm and hearty meal.
Nothing beats the feeling of coming home to the enticing aroma of slow-cooked comfort food that’s been simmering in your crockpot all day long.
Whether it is or not, this Crock-Pot Apple Pork Tenderloin will fill your need for an amazing comfort food dinner.
One dish that never fails to deliver flavor and satisfaction is the Apple Cinnamon Crockpot Pork Loin.
I love a good crock pot pork tenderloin, and the seasoning on this has made it a fan favorite with our girls!
This dish combines the sweetness of apples with savory pork loin, creating a delicious and aromatic meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: Low – 8 hours; Medium – 6 hours
- Main Ingredients: Pork tenderloin, apples, onion, cinnamon, maple syrup, and more
- Servings: 6
- Extras: Add more veggies (carrots especially!) to the pot with broth to make this into a roast-style meal.
- Tips: Serve this slow cooker pork tenderloin with roasted veggies and a creamy polenta for a hearty meal
Delicious Crock-Pot Apple Pork Tenderloin
Slow cooker pork tenderloin can come in so many flavors, but sweet and savory is the way to go!
Apples, cinnamon, and maple syrup all work together for a great, sweet, and savory meal.
I thought about using brown sugar for the sweetness, but I figured maple syrup would be better for a couple of reasons.
One, it’s maple syrup, which is awesome. And two, you always need a bit of liquid to start a roast off in the crockpot, so this helps.
Not too many ingredients. Note that I used only 2 apples in the end, not all 3.
By the way, do you have an apple slicer? If not, get one; it will change your life in the fall!
Each apple is perfectly peeled, sliced, and cored, and it takes about 15 seconds per apple.
Here is the one I used making this slow cooker pork tenderloin and apples recipe, and I LOVE how easy it is to use.
Next, cut several slits in the pork. This is where you will place the apples.
Just shove a bunch of them in there. It doesn’t need to be pretty, and you won’t use all of them at this step.
Then simply top with everything else, including the remaining apple slices.
Cook on medium for about 6 hours or low for 8. Remove the meat from the slow cooker, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice and serve.
And if you like this one, you might be interested in my crockpot pulled pork recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 - 2.5 lbs pork loin
- 2 apples peeled and sliced
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 onion sliced
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Cut several slits into pork loin.
- Stuff with some of the apple slices.
- Place pork into slow cooker.
- Add all other ingredients on top.
- Cook on medium for 6 hours, or low for 8 hours.
Recipe Swaps
For those looking to experiment with different flavors or dietary preferences, this recipe offers room for creative substitutions that can transform the dish entirely.
The Meat
You can swap the pork tenderloin for pork chops or another cut of pork.
If pork isn’t your choice of protein, you can try a different meat, like chicken thighs or breasts. They absorb flavors well and stay tender during the slow cooking process.
I’m not sure if beef would go well with cinnamon and maple syrup, but if you have a dish like that to recommend, I’m all ears!
For a vegetarian option, consider a hearty root vegetable like butternut squash or sweet potatoes as your base.
When cooked with the same aromatic spices and sweet maple syrup, these ingredients make for a satisfying alternative.
The Seasonings
In terms of seasonings, there are plenty of ways to customize this pork tenderloin recipe.
If you want sweet and savory but aren’t a fan of cinnamon, try nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a fall twist.
As I said, I was originally thinking of using honey instead of maple syrup, which would go so well with the cinnamon and pork.
If you’re looking for a more savory profile, consider swapping it out for rosemary or thyme. These herbs complement the sweetness of the apples and maple syrup with a fragrant earthiness.
For an extra layer of flavor, a splash of balsamic vinegar can introduce a subtle tanginess that enhances the overall depth of the dish.
Serving It Up
When it comes time to serve this crock pot pork tenderloin, this recipe pairs well with a wide range of sides.
I served this up with roasted butternut squash, buttered rice with garlic and herbs, and some apple sauce for dipping- I highly recommend it, yum!
But you have so many options for delicious sides that go well with pork tenderloin with apples.
A simple arugula salad dressed in olive oil and lemon juice offers a fresh contrast to the dish’s hearty warmth.
For a more filling meal, roasted vegetables or a creamy polenta can round out the meal, making it a comforting and complete dining experience for any time of year.
I think this would so tasty with loaded sweet potatoes- pork tenderloin and potatoes are classic, but the apple cinnamon taste would go so well with sweet potatoes!
Other Slow Cooker Recipes
You can also check out these 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!
FAQs
Can I use different cuts of pork for this slow cooker recipe?
Yes, you can use different cuts of pork and swap them in pork tenderloin recipes, such as pork chops, loins, ribs, and more. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the cut of meat you choose.
You could even potentially make this into a sweet and savory slow cooker pot roast with potatoes and carrots if you add some broth and more seasoning.
What apples would go best with crock pot pork tenderloin?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith apples are all great options for this recipe.
They hold up well during the cooking process while still offering a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook pork tenderloin recipes on high for 4-5 hours if needed. Just make sure to check the internal temperature of the pork to ensure it is fully cooked before serving.
Is it safe to put raw pork tenderloin into the slow cooker?
Yes, it is safe to put raw pork into the slow cooker.
Most recipes will call for raw meat directly into the crock pot. If you worry about it being totally raw, you can brown the meat before adding it to the pot.
Will cooking the pork on Low dry it out?
Cooking the pork on low for 8 hours should not dry it out, as long as there is enough liquid in the pot.
If you’re concerned about overcooking, I recommend checking on the meat halfway through and adjusting your cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a crock pot?
Yes, you can bake this dish in the oven at 375°F for 30-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Make sure to baste the pork with the juices and flip it halfway through cooking.
Final Thoughts
My Delicious Crock-Pot Apple Pork Tenderloin recipe has become a cherished favorite in our home, especially among my daughters.
Its sweet and savory flavors, combined with the tenderness of the pork, make for a comforting meal that brings warmth to any family dinner.
What truly makes it special, though, is seeing the joy on my daughters’ faces with each bite—they absolutely love it.
It’s recipes like these that remind us of the power of cooking to bring families together, making every effort in the kitchen truly worth it. And the crock pot did most of the work for me!
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[…] is the perfect dessert to serve after eating my apple cinnamon pork loin for dinner. In fact, this pork loin is included in one of my ALDI meal plans. Want to try a free […]
Would it have been better if i rubbed the spices on the loin and browned the meat before i put it in the slow cooker?
Hi Jenny – in the slow cooker, I honestly don’t think it makes much of a difference. All the flavors kinda mix together no matter how you put them in.
What kind of apples were used?
This was super easy to prep & great results. Very tasty meal…this recipe is a keeper.
Hi there – my slow cooker only has high or low… do you happen to have a time estimate for the high setting?
Thank you!
Maybe 4 that’s what I see on most recipes
Can you freeze this in the freezer and then use it at a later time? Like a crockpot freezer meal?
Yes, I do it all the time 🙂
It’s cooking, fingers crossed!
Hello! My crock pot has low and high, I see someone suggested 4 hours for high, did that work?
I would do 8 hours on low if possible. Pork is better cooked low and slow, but if you have to cook 4 hours on high it will still be delicious!