Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Pork Tenderloin began on a cool morning when the house felt calm and unhurried. My husband stood by the window with his coffee while I set the slow cooker on the counter, and one of the grandchildren worked quietly at the table, stopping now and then to ask questions. The day moved gently, leaving room for a meal that could take its time.
As the pork was seasoned, my daughter stopped by with a bag of apples from the market. We talked through the week ahead while apple butter and mustard came together in the bowl, their scent warm and inviting. Once the pork settled into the slow cooker, the lid closed and the rest of the day opened up, the steady heat doing its work in the background.
By late afternoon, a soft aroma filled the kitchen and drew everyone closer. My grandson checked in first, eager for dinner, while my husband set the table without a word. When the pork was sliced, the glaze clung to each piece, glossy and fragrant. Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Pork Tenderloin was shared simply, with quiet conversation and an easy sense of togetherness.
Short Description
Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Pork Tenderloin is a tender pork dish slow cooked in a sweet and tangy apple butter glaze, resulting in juicy slices with deep, comforting flavor.
Key Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 cup apple butter homemade or store bought
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh sage or thyme for garnish optional
Tools Needed
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the pork
Season the pork tenderloin evenly with salt and pepper on all sides. This helps build flavor from the start and keeps the meat well seasoned throughout cooking.
Step 2: Mix the glaze
In a bowl, combine apple butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and well blended. The glaze should taste balanced between sweet and tangy.
Step 3: Slow cook the pork
Place the seasoned pork into the slow cooker. Pour the apple butter glaze over the top, using a spoon to coat the meat evenly. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours.
Step 4: Monitor doneness
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The pork is ready at 145°F. Halfway through cooking, spoon some of the glaze over the pork to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 5: Rest and serve
Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to settle, keeping the meat tender. Spoon extra glaze over the slices and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tender pork with rich apple flavor
Hands off cooking method
Simple ingredients with big payoff
Ideal for busy days
Comforting without being heavy
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overcooking the pork
Long cooking times can dry the meat.
Solution: Use a thermometer and remove once it reaches 145°F.
Skipping the resting time
Cutting too soon releases juices.
Solution: Rest the pork for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Uneven glaze coverage
Dry spots reduce flavor.
Solution: Spoon glaze over the pork halfway through cooking.
Too sharp vinegar flavor
Excess acidity can overpower.
Solution: Measure vinegar carefully and taste glaze before cooking.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes
Pair with green beans or sautéed spinach
Add crusty bread to soak up glaze
Plate family style for relaxed meals
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat gently on the stovetop with extra glaze
Microwave in short intervals to avoid drying
Slice before reheating for even warmth
FAQs
1. Can I use pork loin instead of tenderloin?
Yes, but cooking time may increase and texture will be firmer.
2. Is apple butter the same as applesauce?
Apple butter is thicker and more concentrated in flavor.
3. Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the pork can be cooked a day ahead and reheated gently.
4. Do I need to sear the pork first?
No searing is required, though it can be done for added color.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze sliced pork with glaze for up to 2 months.
Tips & Tricks
Use a liner for easy slow cooker cleanup
Double the glaze if you enjoy extra sauce
Slice against the grain for tenderness
Recipe Variations
Maple Apple Pork: Replace half of the apple butter with pure maple syrup for deeper sweetness.
Spiced Apple Pork: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the glaze for warmth.
Herb Forward Pork: Stir in 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme before cooking.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Pork Tenderloin fits easily into days when the kitchen stays busy but unhurried. The steady pace of slow cooking allows time for family conversations and quiet moments alike. Each slice carries familiar flavors that feel welcoming and grounded.
Sharing Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Pork Tenderloin often turns dinner into something unspoken but meaningful. The ease of preparation leaves room for connection, laughter, and rest. These are the meals that stay with me, simple yet deeply satisfying, long after the table is cleared.
Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 cup apple butter homemade or store bought
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh sage or thyme for garnish optional
Instructions
- Season the pork tenderloin evenly with salt and pepper.
- Stir together apple butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Place pork in the slow cooker, coat with the glaze, cover, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F and baste once during cooking.
- Let the pork rest 10 minutes, then slice and serve with extra glaze.
