You know those nights when you need something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly why I fell in love with this applesauce pork tenderloin recipe. It’s become our family’s go-to weeknight miracletender pork with that perfect sweet-savory balance that even my picky kids devour. The best part? It’s ready in about 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients. I swear, the way the applesauce caramelizes over the juicy pork will make you feel like a gourmet chef, even on your busiest evenings. Trust me, once you try this combo, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation too!
Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Pork Tenderloin
Let me tell you why this recipe is my secret weapon for stress-free dinners:
- Weeknight lifesaver: From fridge to table in under 35 minutesperfect when you’re rushing between soccer practice and homework
- Magic flavor combo: The applesauce caramelizes beautifully, creating this gorgeous sweet-savory crust that’ll have everyone asking for seconds
- Pantry-friendly: Just 7 basic ingredients (I bet you have most already!)no fancy grocery runs required
- Foolproof tender pork: That applesauce blanket keeps the meat juicy while roastingno more dry pork disasters!
Seriously, it’s one of those rare recipes that tastes fancier than it is. The first time I made it, my husband thought I’d spent hours cookinglittle did he know!
Ingredients for Applesauce Pork Tenderloin
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this magical dish – I promise it’s nothing fancy! Just good, simple ingredients that work together perfectly:
- 1.5-lb pork tenderloin (trimmed of silverskin – trust me, taking those few extra minutes makes all the difference in tenderness)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (my favorite brand is Musselman’s, but any will do – just avoid the sweetened varieties unless you want it cloyingly sweet)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (the good stuff for searing – you’ll taste the difference)
- 1 tsp salt (I use kosher – it seasons more evenly than table salt)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (freshly cracked makes a world of difference)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (not garlic salt – we’ve already got enough salt!)
- 1 tsp onion powder (this is my secret weapon for depth of flavor)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (rub it between your fingers first to wake up those oils)
See? Nothing crazy – just pantry staples that come together to make something spectacular. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Applesauce Pork Tenderloin
Alright, let’s dive into making this beauty! Don’t let the fancy results fool you – the process couldn’t be simpler. Just follow these steps and you’ll have restaurant-quality pork tenderloin with minimal effort.
Seasoning and Searing the Pork
First things first – preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, pat your pork tenderloin dry with paper towels (this is crucial for getting that perfect sear). Mix all your spices together in a small bowl – I like to rub them between my fingers to really wake up those flavors. Generously coat the entire tenderloin with your spice blend – don’t be shy!
Heat your olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the pork – listen for that satisfying sizzle! Here’s my pro tip: don’t overcrowd the pan – if your tenderloin is too big, cut it in half. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until you get that gorgeous golden-brown crust. Resist the urge to move it around – let it develop that beautiful color!
Baking with Applesauce
Now for the magic touch – the applesauce! Spoon it evenly over the seared pork, using the back of your spoon to spread it into a nice, even layer. Think of it like frosting a cake – you want every bite to have that sweet-savory goodness.
Transfer the whole skillet to your preheated oven (careful – that handle is hot!). Bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C) – I can’t stress enough how important a meat thermometer is here. The applesauce will caramelize slightly and form this incredible glaze that smells absolutely heavenly.
Resting and Serving
Here’s where patience pays off! When your pork reaches temperature, pull it out and let it rest for a full 5 minutes before slicing. I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but trust me – this lets the juices redistribute so every slice stays juicy and tender.
Slice against the grain into 1/2-inch medallions – you’ll see those perfect pink centers and that gorgeous applesauce crust. Serve it up while it’s still warm and watch those plates get cleaned in record time!
Tips for Perfect Applesauce Pork Tenderloin
After making this recipe dozens of times (my family won’t let me stop!), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks:
- Dry that pork! Patting the tenderloin thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning is the secret to that beautiful sear – water is the enemy of browning!
- Thermometer is key – Pork goes from perfect to dry in minutes. I never trust guesswork – that $10 instant-read thermometer saves dinner every time.
- Sweetness tweak: If your applesauce seems tart, add a pinch of cinnamon to the sauce – it balances everything beautifully without making it dessert-like.
- Slice smart: Always cut against the grain – you’ll see the muscle fibers running lengthwise. Cutting across them gives you that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Follow these simple tricks, and you’ll get perfect pork every single time – pinky promise!
Applesauce Pork Tenderloin Variations
Oh, the fun you can have with this recipe! Here are my favorite twists when I’m feeling adventurous:
- Honey mustard magic: Mix 2 tbsp Dijon with 1 tbsp honey into your applesauce – that tangy-sweet combo is unreal!
- Apple upgrade: Toss in some thinly sliced apples (I love Honeycrisp) around the pork before baking – they caramelize beautifully.
- Chicken swap: Works great with boneless chicken too! Just reduce baking time to 15-20 minutes.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the rub for a subtle kick that plays so nicely with the sweetness.
The beauty of this recipe? It’s like your favorite little black dress – perfect as-is, but so easy to accessorize! If you are interested in other flavor profiles, check out this strawberry lassi drink for a refreshing side.
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this beauty! My family goes crazy when I pair it with garlic mashed potatoes – that creamy texture soaks up the applesauce glaze perfectly. For veggie lovers, roasted Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of balsamic add the perfect crispy contrast. And on lighter nights? A simple apple walnut salad makes everything feel fresh and balanced. Honestly though? This pork is so good it’ll shine with just about anything – even straight from the pan (no judgment here!).
Storing and Reheating Applesauce Pork Tenderloin
Leftovers? No problem! This pork keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days – just store it in an airtight container with any extra applesauce glaze. When reheating, skip the microwave (unless you like rubbery pork!). Instead, pop slices on a baking sheet and warm gently in a 275°F oven for about 10 minutes. Pro tip: Add a splash of apple juice or chicken broth to keep it moist. The glaze might thicken in the fridge – just stir in a teaspoon of warm water to bring it back to saucy perfection!
Applesauce Pork Tenderloin FAQs
I answer those burning questions I always get about this recipe – because trust me, I’ve tried every variation!
“Can I use pork chops instead?” Absolutely! Thick-cut chops (about 1-inch) work beautifully. Just reduce the baking time to 12-15 minutes – keep that thermometer handy! The applesauce creates the same gorgeous glaze, though you might want to spoon extra sauce over each chop before serving.
“Can I prep this ahead?” You bet! Here’s my time-saving trick: Sear the seasoned pork up to a day in advance, let it cool, then refrigerate. When ready, add the applesauce and bake straight from the fridge (add 5 extra minutes to the cooking time). The sear holds up perfectly!
“Does it freeze well?” Honestly? The pork alone freezes fine, but that luscious applesauce glaze turns watery when thawed. If you must freeze, do the pork separately and make fresh applesauce when reheating. Your taste buds will thank you!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what you’re getting with each serving (about 1/4 of the tenderloin): roughly 280 calories, 12g of that good fat (only 3g saturated), and a whopping 30g of protein to keep you full. The applesauce adds about 8g of natural sugar – nothing crazy! Remember, these numbers can shift based on your exact ingredients (I’m looking at you, extra-generous applesauce pourers!). But hey, when something tastes this good and fuels you right? That’s what I call a win-win dinner. For more healthy meal ideas, check out this guide on 7 day smoothie detox.
Print
35-Minute Applesauce Pork Tenderloin Recipe – Juicy Perfection
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A simple and flavorful dish combining tender pork tenderloin with sweet applesauce for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup applesauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season pork tenderloin with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear pork on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Spread applesauce evenly over the pork.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use unsweetened applesauce for a less sweet flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of tenderloin
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: applesauce pork tenderloin, easy pork recipe, baked pork tenderloin