Some recipes are fancy, some are complicated—and then there are recipes like 2-Ingredient Crockpot Apple Butter Pork. This is the kind of meal you make on a busy day when you want something warm, comforting, and homemade without spending time in the kitchen.
With just pork and apple butter, you can create a sweet, savory dish that tastes like you spent hours cooking. The slow cooker does all the work, turning simple ingredients into tender, flavorful comfort food your whole family will love.
Why This Recipe Is So Good
Apple butter and pork are a classic pairing. The natural sweetness and spices in apple butter perfectly complement the rich flavor of pork. As the pork cooks low and slow, it becomes incredibly tender while the apple butter melts down into a thick, flavorful sauce.
What makes this recipe even better is how effortless it is. There’s no chopping, no seasoning, and no complicated steps. It’s truly a “dump and go” meal.
This recipe is perfect for:
- Busy weeknights
- Meal prep days
- Cozy family dinners
- When you just don’t feel like cooking
The Only 2 Ingredients You Need
Yes—really just two!
- Pork (pork loin, pork tenderloin, pork shoulder, or thick pork chops)
- Apple butter (store-bought or homemade)
That’s it. No extra sauces, no packets, no long ingredient list.
Tip: Pork shoulder will give the most tender, shreddable results, while pork tenderloin cooks faster and slices nicely.
How to Make 2-Ingredient Crockpot Apple Butter Pork
Step 1: Add the Pork
Place the pork directly into the bottom of your crockpot. You can use a whole pork loin, tenderloin, or thick pork chops.
Step 2: Add the Apple Butter
Spoon apple butter generously over the pork, spreading it evenly across the top. As it cooks, the apple butter will melt into a rich, sweet, slightly spiced sauce.
Step 3: Cook
Cover and cook on:
- Low for 6–8 hours, or
- High for 3–4 hours
The pork is ready when it’s tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
Step 4: Serve
Slice or shred the pork and spoon the warm apple butter sauce over the top.
Helpful Tips for Best Results
- No need to add water or broth—the apple butter creates plenty of moisture
- Don’t overcook lean cuts like tenderloin
- Stir near the end to coat the pork fully in sauce
- Shred pork shoulder for easy serving
Easy Serving Ideas
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many simple sides:
- Over rice or quinoa
- With mashed potatoes
- Alongside roasted vegetables
- With buttered noodles
- On buns as pulled pork sandwiches
The mild sweetness makes it very kid-friendly and great for family meals.
Optional Add-Ins (If You Want a Little Extra)
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, but if you’d like to add a little more flavor, you can try:
- A pinch of salt and pepper
- A dash of garlic powder
- A spoonful of Dijon mustard for tang
- A splash of apple cider vinegar for balance
These are completely optional—the recipe works wonderfully with just the two ingredients.
Storage and Leftovers
This recipe reheats beautifully.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days
- Freezer: Freeze cooked pork and sauce for up to 2 months
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a spoonful of extra apple butter if needed to freshen up the sauce.
A True “Set It and Forget It” Meal
What makes 2-Ingredient Crockpot Apple Butter Pork so special is how stress-free it is. It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on when you need dinner to be easy but still taste like a real home-cooked meal.
With almost no prep and just two simple ingredients, it’s a perfect example of how slow cooking can turn basic foods into something comforting and delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you love simple crockpot recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal effort, this one is a must-try. 2-Ingredient Crockpot Apple Butter Pork proves that you don’t need a complicated recipe to make something your family will enjoy.
Easy, cozy, and delicious—this is comfort food at its simplest.