Roast Pork With Apple Topping

Prep: 45 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Juicy roast pork topped with a sweet and spiced apple glaze, combining savory and fruity flavors—perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. dry mustard
  • 1 tsp. caraway seed
  • 1/2 tsp. sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. rubbed sage
  • 1 (4 to 5 lb.) pork loin roast
  • 1 1/2 c. applesauce
  • 1/2 c. packed brown sugar

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, dry mustard, caraway seed, sugar, pepper, and rubbed sage.
  2. Rub the mixture over the pork loin roast.
  3. Cover the roast and let stand for 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat oven to the appropriate temperature (not specified, estimate 350°F).
  5. Place the roast in a roasting pan and cook until done (internal temperature of 145°F), approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
  6. Meanwhile, prepare the apple topping by combining applesauce, brown sugar, and ground mace in a saucepan.
  7. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
  8. Remove the roast from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  9. Serve slices topped with the warm apple mixture.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more pronounced flavor, consider marinating the pork loin in the spice mixture overnight. If you don't have caraway seeds, celery seeds or fennel seeds can be used as substitutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F for optimal juiciness. This roast can also be made using a pork shoulder for a different texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the roast pork with the warm apple topping over a bed of mashed potatoes or alongside roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A crisp green salad or steamed green beans pairs beautifully with this dish. For a heartier option, consider serving it with Hearty Baked Potato Salad.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover roast pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the pork and warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it on low power for a few minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Roast Pork With Apple Topping contains roughly 225 calories, with 3g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 909mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).

225 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.4g 7% DV
Total Fat 14.8g 19% DV
Carbs 25.2g 9% DV
Fiber 9.6g 34% DV
Sugar 0.7g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 909.5mg 40% DV
Potassium 233.6mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 0.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 18.3mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 11.9mg 13% DV
Calcium 121mg 9% DV
Iron 6.4mg 36% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of applesauce for the topping?

Yes, you can use unsweetened applesauce or flavored varieties such as cinnamon or spiced applesauce for added depth. Just adjust the sugar in the recipe according to the sweetness of the applesauce you choose.

How do I know when the roast is done?

The best way to check if your pork loin roast is done is by using a meat thermometer. It should read 145°F in the thickest part of the meat. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can roast the pork ahead of time and reheat it before serving. The apple topping can also be made in advance and warmed up before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep or holiday gatherings.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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