Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter Pork Roast Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can sear the pork loin in a hot skillet with a tablespoon of oil for two minutes on each side before adding it to the slow cooker.

This extra step adds a nice golden crust to the meat and adds complexity to the final sauce, although it is optional. If you choose to do this, ensure the skillet is very hot and that you do not crowd the pan to achieve the best possible browning.

If you find the glaze is too thin after the cooking is complete, you can remove the pork and apples from the slow cooker and transfer the remaining liquid to a small saucepan.

Simmer it over medium-high heat for a few minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency. This simple adjustment ensures that your sauce is perfectly thick and flavorful, clinging beautifully to the pork when you serve it.

Variations

• Savory Herb Twist: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary and thyme to the slow cooker during the cooking process to introduce a more savory, earthy dimension that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the pumpkin butter.
• Spicy Apple Roast: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the pumpkin butter to add a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the pork.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature, but do not leave them out for more than two hours. Once cooled, store the pork and the apple-pumpkin glaze in an airtight container.

This will keep the meat moist and prevent it from picking up odors in the refrigerator. It is best to keep the meat and the sauce together to ensure the pork stays flavorful and does not dry out during storage.

This dish is excellent for make-ahead meal planning. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and keep it in the refrigerator, then simply place it into the base and start the cooking process in the morning. This allows you to have a hot, freshly cooked meal ready at the end of a busy day with almost zero effort during the actual cooking time.

Serving ideas

Serve the pork roast sliced into thick medallions, spooning the warm apple and pumpkin butter glaze generously over the top. This dish pairs beautifully with sides that complement the sweet and savory profile, such as mashed sweet potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a simple green salad with a tart vinaigrette to balance the richness of the glaze.

For a more casual presentation, you can lightly shred the pork using two forks and mix it with the sauce, serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious pumpkin butter sauce.

The combination of the tender meat and the spiced glaze makes for a satisfying and comforting meal that feels perfect for cooler weather or family gatherings.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter Pork Roast

Prep 10 minCook 6 hRest 10 minTotal 6 h 20 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 3 lb boneless pork loin roast
• 3 large fresh apples, sliced
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup pumpkin butter (contains milk)

Instructions

1. Place the boneless pork loin roast at the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure even cooking during the long, gentle heating process.
2. Scatter the sliced fresh apples around the pork roast. Sprinkle the pumpkin pie spice evenly over the meat and the apples to infuse the flavors.
3. Spread the pumpkin butter over the top of the pork roast. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let the roast rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

12 g

Sodium

150 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.