Noble Pig

Never Miss A Recipe

Home » Slow Cooker Cranberry-Pineapple Pork

· 43 Comments

Slow Cooker Cranberry-Pineapple Pork

Jump to Recipe

This slow cooker cranberry-pineapple pork is made with pantry staples and just five minutes of prep – easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights.

Tender shredded pork with cranberry-pineapple sauce served on a white plate.

Pantry-Friendly Pork Loin Recipe for the Slow Cooker

Slow cooker recipes are my saving grace on busy days, and this cranberry-pineapple pork is one of my favorites. The combination of sweet and tangy cranberry sauce with juicy pineapple gives the pork so much flavor. I can throw it together in no time with ingredients I usually have on hand (I’ve usually got a hidden pork loin stashed in my freezer).

I love how the slow cooker transforms a lean pork loin into a tender, fall-apart dinner. It’s hands-off, low effort, and the end result feels like I put way more work into it. This is one of those meals that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even roasted veggies, making it super versatile.

The sauce is the main attraction here – it’s rich, savory, and just the right amount of sweet, soaking into every bite of pork. Whether you’re tackling a hectic weeknight or just want something cozy and delicious, this recipe has you covered.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • I love that I can make this with items I usually have on hand – no last-minute grocery trips!
  • Five minutes of prep, and the slow cooker does the rest.
  • The cranberry-pineapple sauce gives the pork so much flavor, and there’s only one pot to clean.

Juicy pork slices topped with sweet cranberry-pineapple sauce.

Ingredients

Here’s what goes into this slow cooker pork and fruit dinner:

  • Pork loin – stays tender and juicy through the long cook.
  • Whole cranberry sauce – sweet-tart and rich, forms the base of the sauce.
  • Crushed pineapple – brings brightness and soft sweetness that balances the cranberries.
  • Salt – sharpens every flavor in the sauce.
  • Black pepper – adds a little bite against the fruit.
  • Garlic powder – gives a savory edge.
  • Ground cloves – a warm spice that plays well with the fruit.
  • Nutmeg – rounds everything out with mellow sweetness.

Ingredients for making pork, including pork loin, cranberry sauce, pineapple, and spices, arranged on a countertop.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cranberry-Pineapple Pork

Find the complete printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the BOTTOM OF THE POST.

  • Step One (prep the pork)
    Pat the pork dry with paper towels and season all over with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, getting into every crease. Place it in the slow cooker.
  • Step Two (mix the sauce)
    In a bowl, stir together the crushed pineapple, cranberry sauce, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch more salt until it looks blended and deep red.
  • Step Three (slow cook it)
    Pour the sauce over the pork, cover, and cook on low for about 8 hours. The sauce thickens as it cooks and the pork becomes fork-tender.
  • Step Four (shred and serve)
    Pull the pork apart with two forks and spoon the sauce over the top. It’s sweet, savory, and built for mashed potatoes or sandwiches.

Step-by-step process of seasoning pork, mixing sauce ingredients, pouring sauce over pork, and slow cooking it.

Recipe Tips

Here are a few tips and notes when it comes to slow-cooking this pork:

  • Pork loin stays tender and slices clean, but pork shoulder works too if you want more of a shredded texture.
  • Season the pork well, every side and edge. It matters later.
  • For less sweetness, try unsweetened pineapple or use a little less cranberry sauce.
  • To thicken the sauce, simmer it for a few minutes on the stove after cooking.
  • Serve it with my Instant Pot mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies so nothing goes to waste.

Overhead view of a full pork loin in a slow cooker topped with cranberry-pineapple sauce.

Storage and Freezing

Here are some tips for storing, freezing, and using up leftovers for your slow cooker cranberry-pineapple pork:

  • Keep the pork with its sauce in a covered container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months, thaw in the fridge, and reheat gently.
  • Leftovers are great over rice, baked potatoes, or on Hawaiian rolls.

For another fall dinner recipe, try my vanilla cider pork with caramelized pears.

Detailed close-up of pork with cranberry-pineapple sauce on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What if I don’t have crushed pineapple?
    You can substitute diced pineapple or pineapple tidbits. Just give them a quick mash to break them down a bit before mixing.
  • Can I make this without a slow cooker?
    Yes. You can cook it in a Dutch oven or a covered baking dish in the oven at 300°F for about 3-4 hours until the pork is tender.
  • Can I make this ahead of time?
    Yes. This recipe reheats great. Cook it fully, store it with the sauce, and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Pork with cranberry-pineapple sauce, served on a dish.

More Slow Cooker Pork Recipes

If you’re looking for more ways to turn pork into an easy, slow cooker dinner, check out more of my recipes:

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

slow cooker cranberry pineapple pork
Print Recipe
5 from 12 votes

Slow Cooker Cranberry-Pineapple Pork

This Slow Cooker Cranberry-Pineapple Pork is a tender and flavorful dish made with pantry staples like cranberry sauce and crushed pineapple. With just five minutes of prep, the slow cooker creates a savory-sweet pork loin perfect for weeknight dinners, game day spreads, or budget-friendly family meals. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting and easy dinner.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time8 hours
Total Time8 hours 5 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Slow Cooker Cranberry-Pineapple Pork
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 298kcal
Author: Cathy Pollak

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Remove any strings tying the pork, and pat the roast dry. Season the roast with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder, making sure to get the seasoning into any crevices. Place the pork loin in the slow cooker.
    1 4-5 lb whole, boneless pork loin , 1 tbsp. plus 1/2 a tsp. kosher salt, 2 tsps. fresh ground pepper, 2 tsps. garlic powder
  • In a large bowl, mix together the pineapple, cranberry sauce, nutmeg, cloves, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Pour the mixture over the pork in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
    1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, 1 can (14 oz.) whole berry cranberry sauce, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • The pork should easily pull apart with two forks. Serve with the sauce spooned over the top.

Video

Notes

Using Pork Shoulder Instead of Pork Loin: If you want to use a Boston butt roast (pork shoulder), you’ll need to handle it slightly differently due to its higher fat content. After cooking, remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board or large bowl. Shred the meat with two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat as you go. Once the meat is fully shredded and free of excess fat, return it to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce to keep warm before serving. The sauce will have some extra grease since shoulder is not lean like pork loin.
For optimal outcomes when preparing this slow cooker cranberry-pineapple pork, it's recommended to refer to the recipe details within the post. The recipe post commonly includes valuable notes, expert tips and frequently asked questions, that are not presented in the recipe card, often including how to make this recipe dairy-free, gluten free or vegan and ideas for healthy ingredient substitutions or variations.
The provided nutrition information is merely an approximation, as variations can arise depending on the specific ingredients/brands you select.
© noblepig.com. All content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing this recipe is encouraged and appreciated, but copying and/or pasting the full recipe to social media or other platforms is strictly prohibited.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Slow Cooker Cranberry-Pineapple Pork
Amount Per Serving (250 g)
Calories 298 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 1.8g11%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.5g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 42.5mg14%
Sodium 151.7mg7%
Potassium 734.3mg21%
Carbohydrates 32.6g11%
Fiber 1.4g6%
Sugar 28g31%
Protein 18.2g36%
Vitamin A 77IU2%
Vitamin C 15mg18%
Calcium 2.8mg0%
Iron 6.3mg35%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let me know how it turned out.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Never Miss a Recipe

Subscribe by Email

Comments

    5 from 12 votes

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Barbie with a T says

    YUM. I had a similar meal today and it was also delicious. That crockpot comes in handy so many days of the week! Pineapple and pork just seem to go together. Reminds me of a Hawaiian luau!

    Reply

  2. KathyB. says

    This recipe is one I will most definitely be trying very soon ! I love crock-pot meals that allow me to get a lot done outside and enjoy a yummy meal after I come indoors after a hard day’s work with the sheep and our gardens.Plus, the aroma of darn good cooking filling the house just leaves me with a sense of well-being and knowing I will have a full tummy very soon.

    Reply

  4. Carole Resnick says

    5 stars
    This looks so good!!! Have all the ingredients on hand. Tomorrow’s dinner is now planned. May be good with a beef roast but then again it may be too sweet. In either case going to serve over cooked rice.

    Reply

    • Karen V says

      5 stars
      I made this last Sunday – it was “leaves” day and I did not want to come in exhausted a nd have to think about dinner. I had a boneless piece of pork shoulder in the freezer which was perfect. It was a one pot, press start and go” type of meal. It came out delicious – the salt/pepper/garlic powder coating is a must. I added rec pepper flakes – we like a tad of a kick. I served it over egg noodles and a salad made from greens from the garden. Delicious and fully recommend this one.

      Reply

  18. Suzy says

    5 stars
    We loved it! It was so easy to throw together and really hands off! Perfect for when I didn’t have a lot of time in the evening for cooking! The flavor is so good!

    Reply

    • Cathy says

      There is no perfect substitute for pineapple,but the elements you want will be fruity, sweet, and sour. Experiment to find the flavor you desire. Mandarin oranges maybe….I would try it, it definitely won’t ruin it.

      Reply

  20. Arlene McCoy says

    My slow cooker is making this meal right now! I’ve been trying to eat healthy meals and I do count my calories. Difficult to do when it says “One serving is 298 calories”. I understand that’s probably 1/8 of the meal but using weight or a measuring cup would help me be more precise with my count using my kitchen scale. However, with something this tasty, I will settle for a guesstimate!

    Reply

  26. Nanci says

    I do not have a crock pot/ slow cooker do you have any other suggestions for cooking this , it sounds amazing as all your recipes are excellent. Our all time favorite is your Chile Colorado, we have it at least every few weeks.We LOVE it, And served with your Mexcian Beans makes a great Supper .

    Reply

Never Miss a Recipe

Menu