Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Pork Tenderloin Recipe
This Slow Cooker Apple Butter Glazed Pork Tenderloin is a flavorful and tender dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. The pork is rubbed with a savory and sweet spice blend, then slow-cooked with a rich apple butter glaze that adds a lovely balance of sweetness and tanginess. The result is melt-in-your-mouth pork that pairs wonderfully with sides like cheesy grits and crispy bacon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pork Tenderloin
- 2 lbs pork tenderloin
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp thyme
For the Glaze
- 3/4 cup apple butter
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and thyme until well combined. This spice blend will season the pork tenderloin and enhance its flavor.
- Season the Pork: Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the pork tenderloin, ensuring the meat is fully coated with the flavorful blend. This helps to build a delicious crust and seasoning base during cooking.
- Place in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seasoned pork tenderloin into the slow cooker, placing it on the bottom of the pot.
- Make the Glaze: In another bowl, whisk together the apple butter, apple cider vinegar, and whole grain mustard until smooth. This glaze will infuse the pork with a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor.
- Pour the Glaze: Pour the apple butter mixture evenly over the pork tenderloin inside the slow cooker, covering the meat well.
- Slow Cook the Pork: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the pork on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shreddable.
- Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Serve the tender, glazed pork alongside creamy cheesy grits and crispy bacon for a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- For best results, choose a pork tenderloin that is evenly sized to ensure consistent cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can remove the pork after cooking and reduce the glaze in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad if you prefer lighter sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 6 oz cooked pork)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: slow cooker pork tenderloin, apple butter glazed pork, easy pork recipe, slow cooker dinner, pulled pork tenderloin
