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.
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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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 firm apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter
Substitutions & Notes: Honey works instead of maple syrup (use less because it’s sweeter). Pears can replace apples. Use a firm variety of apples to prevent them from turning mushy.
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 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.
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
f 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!
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