Maple-Cinnamon Pork Shoulder with Apple Slices

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork shoulder slow-cooked with maple and cinnamon, complemented by sweet apple slices for a naturally balanced, fall-inspired meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 505 minutes pairs trimmed of excess fat pork shoulder, maple syrup, ground cinnamon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs trimmed pork shoulder, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup apple cider, 2 medium diced apples, 1 medium diced onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper into a slow cooker. Stir to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is fork-tender.
  3. Step 3: Remove the pork and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid.
  4. Step 4: Return the sliced pork to the slow cooker, stir to coat, and serve garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Cinnamon Pork Shoulder with Apple Slices take to make?

Total time is about 505 minutes (25 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Maple-Cinnamon Pork Shoulder with Apple Slices?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep maple syrup from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Cinnamon Pork Shoulder with Apple Slices?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Maple-Cinnamon Pork Shoulder with Apple Slices for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Maple-Cinnamon Pork Shoulder with Apple Slices?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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