slow cooker recipes are perfect for hands-off cooking, and this cinnamon apple pork shoulder is no exception.
The combination of cinnamon and apples infuses the pork with warm, comforting flavors that are ideal for cooler weather.
This recipe requires minimal prep and yields a juicy, tender pork dish ready to impress with its fragrant aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Slow cooking the pork shoulder results in tender, juicy meat that easily pulls apart.
- Cinnamon sticks and tart apples introduce sweet and spicy notes that complement the pork beautifully.
- Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe approachable for home cooks of all levels.
Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Pork Shoulder
This slow cooker cinnamon apple pork shoulder is tender, fragrant, and perfect for cozy fall dinners, combining warm spices and tart apples for a delicious meal.
- Prep time
- 15 minutes
- Cook time
- 360 minutes
- Servings
- 6
- Yield
- 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 lb (1.4 to 1.8 kg) boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat
- 2 large tart apples (such as Granny Smith), cored and sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider or apple juice
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Shoulder Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. Rub salt, pepper, and minced garlic all over the meat.
- Sear the Pork Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This step adds depth of flavor but can be skipped.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker Place the sliced onion and apple slices in the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the pork shoulder on top. Tuck the cinnamon sticks around the pork.
- Mix the Sauce and Cook In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Pour over the pork and apples in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook the Pork Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or until pork is tender and reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) with a rest time of 3 minutes according to USDA guidelines.
- Rest and Serve Remove the pork from the slow cooker, tent with foil and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice or shred the pork, spoon apples and sauce on top, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Fuji that hold shape during cooking.
- Make sure the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) internally and allow it to rest to ensure it is safe and juicy.
- You can thicken the sauce by transferring it to a saucepan and simmering for 5–10 minutes if preferred.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store leftover pork and apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
This dish is not recommended for freezing due to the soft texture of cooked apples and pork shoulder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in pork shoulder for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in pork shoulder can be used; just increase the cooking time slightly and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
What sides pair well with cinnamon apple pork shoulder?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad complement this dish nicely.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prep the ingredients the day before and store them separately in the fridge, then combine and cook on the day of serving.
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