Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Pork Tenderloin

This Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Pork Tenderloin is the kind of dinner that makes busy weeknights feel like a celebration. The sweet and savory apple butter glaze transforms tender pork into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic fall when I needed something impressive but easy.

There’s something wonderful about coming home to the aroma of pork tenderloin slowly cooking with apple butter and warm spices. This slow cooker pork recipe combines the convenience of hands-off cooking with the impressive results of a carefully prepared entrée. The apple butter glaze caramelizes beautifully on the meat, creating layers of flavor that make this pork tenderloin recipe perfect for family dinners or entertaining. I’ve made this countless times, and it never fails to earn compliments. The balance between tangy Dijon mustard and sweet apple butter creates a glaze that’s truly special.

What You’ll Need to Make This Dish

I always recommend using a pork tenderloin that’s between 1 to 1.5 pounds for the best results in your slow cooker. Pro tip: look for meat with a light pink color and minimal marbling for the most tender outcome.

• 1 (1 to 1.5 pound) pork tenderloin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
• 1/2 cup apple butter (I prefer organic or homemade for richer flavor)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark both work)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (grainy Dijon adds nice texture)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds brightness to the glaze)

My personal recommendation: If your apple butter is store-bought and very sweet, reduce the brown sugar slightly. I’ve found that different brands vary in sweetness, so taste your glaze before adding it all to the pork.

How to Make Apple Butter Glazed Pork Tenderloin

I prefer starting with a good sear on the pork because it locks in flavor and creates a beautiful crust that holds up well during slow cooking. You’ll need a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.

Step 1: Pat the pork tenderloin completely dry using paper towels. This ensures better browning. Season all sides generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until deep golden brown with some darker caramelized spots, about 2-3 minutes per side. You should hear a nice sizzle when the meat hits the pan. This browning step is crucial for developing deep flavor in your Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Pork Tenderloin.

Step 3: Transfer the beautifully seared pork directly to your slow cooker.

Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until completely smooth. The mixture should be glossy and pourable. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water.

Step 5: Pour approximately half of the apple butter glaze over the pork in the slow cooker, making sure to coat the top surface. Reserve the remaining glaze in a covered bowl in the refrigerator for later use.

Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours. The pork is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 145°F (63°C). Start checking the temperature at 3 hours on low or 1.5 hours on high. Warning: don’t overcook or the pork will become dry and tough.

Step 7: Once the internal temperature reaches 145°F, carefully remove the pork from the slow cooker using tongs and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a full 10 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Step 8: Brush the reserved apple butter glaze (the portion you refrigerated in Step 5) generously over the rested pork tenderloin, creating a shiny coating.

Step 9: Slice the pork into medallions about 1/2-inch thick. Arrange on a serving platter and spoon the cooking liquid from the slow cooker over the slices for extra moisture and flavor.

Best Sides for Apple Butter Pork Tenderloin

The sweet and tangy flavors of this pork pair beautifully with both classic and creative side dishes.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth, buttery texture balances the glazed pork perfectly and soaks up the delicious apple butter sauce.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the apple butter glaze while adding nutritional value and fall flavor.

Steamed Green Beans: The crisp texture and fresh flavor provide a light contrast to the rich, tender pork tenderloin.

Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness and caramelized edges create an ideal counterpoint to the sweet glaze.

Fluffy White Rice or Quinoa: These neutral grains absorb the flavorful cooking juices and make the meal more filling.

Simple Garden Salad: A crisp, acidic salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds freshness to your plate.

More Easy Slow Cooker Dinners You’ll Love

This Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Pork Tenderloin fits perfectly into a rotation of easy, hands-off meals that deliver impressive results. For another sweet and savory slow cooker option, try the Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken, which uses a similar flavor profile with chicken. The Cranberry Orange Pork Tenderloin offers a festive twist on pork with bright citrus notes that complement the fruit-forward glaze.

For comforting meals to serve alongside this pork recipe, consider pairing it with hearty sides like Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes or serving the sliced pork over a bed of Crockpot Mac and Cheese. If you enjoy fruit-glazed meats, the Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs brings similar fall flavors to beef for an equally tender result.

Keeping Your Pork Fresh

Store leftover Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Pork Tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I recommend keeping some of the cooking liquid with the sliced meat to maintain moisture.

For reheating, gently warm the pork slices in the microwave with a splash of the reserved glaze or cooking liquid, or reheat in a covered skillet over low heat for 3-5 minutes. Avoid high heat, which can dry out the meat. Pro tip: add a tablespoon of water or broth when reheating to keep everything moist.

You can also freeze the cooked and sliced pork in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The glaze freezes beautifully and actually helps protect the meat from freezer burn.

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