Name: Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Loin with Applesauce – Sweet, Tangy, and Hands-Off!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Ingredients: 3 lbs pork loin roast; 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce; ½ cup apple cider vinegar; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 large onion, sliced

Deliciousness doesn’t have to be complicated, and this slow cooker pulled pork loin with applesauce is proof. Ditch the fuss and let your crockpot do the heavy lifting while you enjoy the mouthwatering aroma of tender pork, sweet apples, and savory spices. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Why This Recipe Works

Pork loin stays juicy: Unlike tougher cuts that need fat to stay moist, pork loin thrives in the slow cooker when paired with applesauce, which adds natural sweetness and keeps the meat tender.
Sweet and savory balance: Brown sugar, mustard, and cider vinegar create a tangy-sweet glaze that clings perfectly to every shred of pork.
Set-it-and-forget-it ease: No babysitting required—just dump, cook, and come back to fall-apart perfection.
Versatile serving options: Pile it on buns, stuff it in tacos, or serve it over rice—this pulled pork plays well with anything.
Meal-prep friendly: Makes a big batch that reheats like a dream, so you’ll have leftovers for days (if they last that long).

Ingredients

3 lbs pork loin roast (trimmed of excess fat)
1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce (homemade or store-bought)
½ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 large onion (thinly sliced)

Equipment Needed

6-quart slow cooker
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs or meat forks for shredding
Small mixing bowl
Sharp knife and cutting board

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pork and Onions

Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick better. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice blend all over the pork, covering every nook and cranny. Thinly slice the onion and spread it in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a flavorful bed that prevents the pork from sticking and adds depth to the sauce.

Tip: If you’re short on time, skip the onion slicing and use frozen diced onions—they’ll soften perfectly during cooking.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In the same small bowl (less cleanup!), combine the applesauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. This tangy-sweet sauce will penetrate the pork as it cooks, infusing every bite with flavor. Pour about half of the sauce over the onions in the slow cooker, reserving the rest for later.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Place the seasoned pork loin on top of the onions and sauce in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. The pork is done when it reaches 145°F internally and shreds easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking, or the loin can dry out—stick to the lower end of the time range if your slow cooker runs hot.

Tip: For extra flavor, baste the pork with the reserved sauce halfway through cooking.

Step 4: Shred and Sauce the Pork

Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large fat pockets. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir it into the remaining sauce and onions. Let it sit for 15 minutes on the WARM setting to soak up all the delicious juices.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Pile the pulled pork onto toasted buns for classic sandwiches, or get creative—tacos, loaded nachos, or even stuffed baked potatoes are fair game. Drizzle with extra sauce from the slow cooker for added moisture.

Tips and Tricks

Boost the apple flavor: Add 1 peeled, diced apple to the slow cooker with the onions for extra texture and sweetness.
Make it spicy: Stir in 1 tsp chipotle powder or a diced jalapeño to the sauce for a smoky kick.
Crisp it up: For texture, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 3–5 minutes until the edges caramelize.
Freeze for later: Portion cooled pork into freezer bags (with sauce) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Double the batch: This recipe scales easily—use a larger slow cooker and increase ingredients proportionally for a crowd.

Recipe Variations

Carolina-Style Twist: Swap the applesauce for 1 cup barbecue sauce + ½ cup cider vinegar for a tangier, Southern-inspired version.
Asian Fusion: Replace the applesauce with hoisin sauce, add 1 tbsp grated ginger, and garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
Breakfast Hash: Use leftovers in a skillet with diced potatoes, onions, and a fried egg on top.
Apple-Bourbon Glaze: Stir 2 tbsp bourbon into the sauce and add a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy fall twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pork shoulder instead of loin?
Absolutely! Pork shoulder has more fat, so it’s harder to overcook, but it’ll need 8–10 hours on LOW. The texture will be richer, though the flavor profile stays the same.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
Transfer the liquid to a saucepan, simmer over medium heat until reduced by half, or mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on HIGH pressure for 45 minutes with a natural release. The pork will be fall-apart tender, though slightly less shreddable than the slow-cooked version.

Summary

This slow cooker pulled pork loin with applesauce is a foolproof way to enjoy tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. Sweet, tangy, and endlessly versatile, it’s a weeknight hero or party superstar.