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Apple Butter Pork Tenderloin Recipe with Perfect Cinnamon Apples

apple butter pork tenderloin - featured image

A cozy, flavorful dish combining tender pork, spiced apple butter, and caramelized cinnamon apples for a sweet-savory perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1/2 cup apple butter
  • 2 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Trim any excess fat from the pork tenderloin and season it generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
  2. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Set them aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork tenderloin and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the seared pork to a baking dish and brush it generously with apple butter. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  5. While the pork is roasting, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced apples and sprinkle with cinnamon. Stir occasionally until the apples are soft and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
  6. Once the apples are caramelized, deglaze the skillet with 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  7. Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with caramelized cinnamon apples and drizzle the pan sauce over the top.

Notes

[‘Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the pork to achieve a golden crust.’, ‘Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness.’, ‘Let the pork rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.’, ‘If your apple butter is very sweet, add a pinch of salt to the caramelized apples for balance.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: apple butter, pork tenderloin, cinnamon apples, sweet-savory, fall recipe, holiday meal, easy dinner