Cozy Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Apples
This maple glazed pork tenderloin with apples is the perfect weeknight dinner or cozy fall meal. Juicy pork pairs beautifully with caramelized apples and a sticky-sweet maple glaze. It’s simple, quick, and always impresses.
Recipe Summary
- Step-by-step method to roast a juicy pork tenderloin with a glossy maple apple glaze, including the exact internal temperature and timing to guarantee perfect doneness and caramelized apples.
- Clear use cases and serving ideas for weeknight family dinners, cozy date nights, or holiday menus, plus easy side dish and wine pairing recommendations.
- Practical tips to avoid common mistakes like overcooking, under-seasoning, or a watery glaze, along with quick fixes if things start to go wrong.
- Straightforward answers to FAQs about ingredient swaps, make-ahead and storage instructions, reheating without drying the meat, and simple variations to scale the recipe.
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If you are looking for other cozy dinner ideas, you will love Cozy Roasted Apple Sage Chicken , Easy and Tender Instant Pot Pot Roast, or if you are looking for something with a little spice and zest, you would like my recipe for Instant Pot Pork Carnitas with Mexican Corn Salsa!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is one of my favorites because it feels special without being complicated:
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy nights
- Sweet and savory: Maple syrup glaze balances perfectly with tender pork and slightly tart apples
- Minimal cleanup: One skillet is all you need
- Crowd-pleaser: Looks fancy enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights
The aroma alone will draw everyone into the kitchen before it’s even done cooking.
Ingredient Notes and Measurements
- 1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed and patted dry: Lean, tender, and quick-cooking
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Creates a rich glaze and natural sweetness.
- 2 firm apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and sliced: Add sweetness and complement the pork beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil: is used for searing the pork and helps develop that golden-brown crust on the outside before roasting.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: brings a warm, cozy spice that ties everything together and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and maple syrup.
- 1 tablespoon butter: adds richness and helps create a silky glaze as it melts into the maple syrup and pan juices. It also helps the apples caramelize slightly as they cook.
Instructions for Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Season the pork with salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Patting it dry first helps get a golden crust.
- Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Brush the pork with maple syrup.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté apples for 3-4 minutes until edges start to caramelize.
- Nestle the pork back in with the apples and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or a meat thermometer shows an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with pan juices spooned over the pork and apples.
Juicy Maple Apple Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed and patted dry
- 2 TBSP pure maple syrup
- 2 firm apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and sliced
- 1 TBSP olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 TBSP butter
- 1 bag baby carrots *optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Season the pork with salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Patting it dry first helps get a golden crust.
- Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Brush the pork with maple syrup. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté apples and carrots for 3-4 minutes until edges start to caramelize.
- Nestle the pork back in with the apples and carrots and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with pan juices spooned over the pork and apples. Enjoy with creamy mashed potatoes.
Substitutions & Recipe Variations
One of the things I love about this maple glazed pork tenderloin is how flexible it is! You can easily adjust it based on what you have on hand or the flavors your family enjoys most.
Swap the apples
If you don’t have apples or want to change things up, try:
- Pears for a softer, slightly floral sweetness
- Peaches for a brighter, summery twist to this recipe
- Cherries for a rich, slightly tart sweetness that balances the savory pork
Try a different sweetener
Maple syrup gives this dish its signature cozy flavor, but you can also substitute:
- Honey for a lighter, floral sweetness
- Brown sugar + a splash of water for a deeper caramel-style glaze
- Apple cider syrup for an extra seasonal twist
Add vegetables to the pan
To make this a full one-pan meal, add:
- Sliced onions for savory depth
- Sweet potatoes for a hearty, comforting side
- Carrots or parsnips for natural sweetness and color
Change up the herbs and spices
This recipe is very forgiving when it comes to seasoning:
- Add fresh rosemary or thyme for an earthy, rustic flavor
- A pinch of nutmeg can enhance the cozy, fall-inspired profile
- A little extra cinnamon will lean it more into warm, sweet comfort food territory
Make it a more savory version
If you prefer a less sweet dish, simply:
- Reduce the maple syrup slightly
- Add an extra pinch of salt and black pepper
- Increase herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more savory roast flavor
Tips for Perfect Pork Tenderloin
- Pat pork dry before seasoning for a better sear
- Don’t move the pork while searing
- Resting the meat ensures juicy slices
- Add a splash of apple cider if apples brown too quickly
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with roasted carrots, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple side of crusty bread to soak up the juices. Slice the pork on a slight diagonal and arrange over the apples for a beautiful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven with a splash of apple cider or water to keep it juicy.
FAQ
Can I use pork chops instead?
Yes, use 1-inch thick chops and roast 10-12 minutes.
How do I avoid overcooking?
Use a meat thermometer. Pull pork at 140°F, it will reach 145°F as it rests.
Why did my apples get mushy?
Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
Can I prep ahead?
Sear pork and apples up to 2 hours before roasting.
In Closing
As the pork tenderloin rests and the maple apples turn golden, the whole kitchen fills with that comforting aroma that feels like fall itself. This recipe is more than a weeknight dinner. It is a small celebration of the season. Whether you serve it with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple salad, it is sure to bring everyone around the table with grateful hearts and full plates. I hope you enjoy this maple apple pork tenderloin as much as we do in our home and that it brings a little cozy joy to your kitchen too!
XO Bri
More Cozy Dinner Ideas to Try Tonight
If you loved this tender, flavorful pork, you’ll enjoy these easy, comforting dinners that make any night feel special.
Sweet Endings for a Cozy Dinner
After a comforting meal, a simple fall dessert is the perfect way to end the evening. Here are a few ideas that celebrate the flavors of the season.
Let’s Stay Connected!
If you love cozy recipes, seasonal home inspiration, and little everyday joys, I would love to have you follow along. You can find me on social media for behind-the-scenes glimpses of what I am cooking in our homestead kitchen, renovation projects at Our Manor, and all the little moments that make life feel fun! Come join our cozy corner of the internet. I can’t wait to share it with you!
