Description
A stress-free slow cooker pork loin recipe featuring tender meat, caramelized apples, and a sticky cinnamon brown sugar glaze. Perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 pounds boneless center-cut pork loin
- 3 medium apples (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup pineapple jam
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional: 3-4 whole cloves, 2-3 fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. Mix salt, black pepper, and half of the cinnamon, then rub this spice mix all over the pork loin.
- Slice apples into half-moons. Place half of the apple slices in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Place the seasoned pork loin on top of the apples, then layer the remaining apple slices around and on top of the pork.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, pineapple jam, soy sauce, apple cider, minced garlic, and remaining cinnamon until smooth. Pour evenly over the pork and apples.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 4-5 hours, until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Remove pork from the crockpot, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes.
- While pork rests, thicken the glaze by simmering the liquid in a saucepan or mixing a cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker on High for 15 minutes. Stir in butter if using.
- Slice pork into thick medallions, arrange on a platter with apples, and spoon the glaze over the top.
Notes
Do not overcook the pork loin as it is lean and can dry out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F. Letting the meat rest is crucial for juiciness. For a thicker glaze, reduce the liquid on the stovetop or use a cornstarch slurry. Avoid Red Delicious apples as they turn to mush.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice of pork with
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: pork loin, crockpot recipes, slow cooker, apple glaze, cinnamon brown sugar, dinner party, easy dinner, fall recipes