Crock Pot Pork Loin with Apple Butter

4.16 from 25 votes

This easy Crock Pot Pork Loin with Apple Butter combines lean pork loin, fresh apples, onions and a sweet-tangy sauce made with apple butter, Dijon mustard and cider vinegar. A simple slow cooker dinner that's perfect for fall.

Prep Time20

Cook Time6

Total Time6 20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: autumn slow cooker pork loin, crock pot pork loin, slow roasted pork with apple butter

Servings:

Author: Martha McKinnon | Simple Nourished Living

Equipment

Ingredients

3 apples peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 pound pork loin roast
1 cup apple butter
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Instructions

Ideal slow cooker size: 4-Quart.
Spray your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
Place the apples and onion in the crock pot. Place the pork loin on top of the apples and onions.
In a mixing bowl, stir together the apple butter, mustard, vinegar, dried cranberries, salt and pepper, until well blended.
Spread apple butter mixture over the pork.
Cover and cook on LOW until the pork loin reaches an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part. Begin checking after about 3 to 4 hours, as cooking times vary depending on the size of the roast and your slow cooker. Avoid overcooking, since lean pork loin can become dry.
Remove the pork from the crock pot and cover it with foil to keep it warm while it rests for 10 minutes.
Slice the pork and top with the apple mixture.

Notes

Serving size: 3 ounces pork + 1/3 cup apple mixture

WW Points: 4

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7 PointsPlus (Old plan)

Tips for Tender Slow Cooker Pork Loin

Use pork loin, not pork tenderloin. These are different cuts and require different cooking times. Pork tenderloin is much smaller and can dry out quickly in a slow cooker.
Don't overcook it. Pork loin is lean, so it can become dry if cooked too long. Start checking the internal temperature before the end of the original cooking time.
Choose apples you enjoy. Tart apples create a nice contrast with the sweet apple butter. Sweeter apples work, too, but the finished sauce will be sweeter.
Adjust the sweetness. Apple butter varies by brand. If yours is especially sweet, you may want to add a little extra Dijon mustard or cider vinegar.
Let the pork rest before slicing. A short rest helps the meat retain its juices.

Easy Variations and Substitutions

This is a flexible recipe that's easy to adapt.

Use pork chops. Thick boneless pork chops would also work, although they'll cook faster than a whole roast.
Skip the cranberries. They're optional, so leave them out if you prefer a simpler sauce.
Try a different mustard. Whole-grain mustard would add a nice texture and slightly different flavor.
Use pears instead of apples. Firm pears would make an interesting variation, especially with the apple butter sauce.
Make it a little less sweet. Choose unsweetened apple butter if you can find it, or use a little less and adjust the sauce to taste.

Nutrition