Description
A foolproof, slow-cooker dinner featuring tender pork loin coated in a sticky cinnamon-brown sugar glaze and served with caramelized apples. This easy, dump-and-go meal is perfect for busy weeknights and yields juicy, flavorful leftovers.
Ingredients
- 3–4 pounds boneless center-cut pork loin roast
- 3–4 medium firm apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith), cored and sliced into half-inch wedges
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
Instructions
- Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels and season all sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Core the apples and slice them into half-inch wedges.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until it resembles wet sand.
- Place the apple slices in the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker to create a bed.
- Pour the apple cider or juice over the apples.
- Place the seasoned pork loin on top of the apples.
- Spread the brown sugar glaze mixture evenly over the top of the pork loin.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F-150°F for slicing or 160°F+ for shredding.
- Remove the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Slice the pork into thick medallions and serve with the apples and pan juices.
Notes
Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith to prevent them from turning to mush. Resting the pork for 10 minutes is crucial for juiciness. If the glaze is too runny after cooking, remove the meat and reduce the liquid on HIGH for 15-20 minutes. Pork shoulder can be substituted but requires longer cooking time (8-10 hours on LOW) and results in a shreddable texture rather than slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice of pork loin
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: slow cooker pork, crockpot dinner, apple pork loin, easy weeknight meals, cinnamon brown sugar glaze, family friendly recipes