1. Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
2. Place the apples in a slow cooker. Add both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the apples are very soft.
4. Once the apples are tender, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. (Alternatively, transfer in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.)
5. Stir in the vanilla extract and cook uncovered on low for an additional 1-2 hours or until the mixture has thickened to your liking.
6. Once done, let the apple butter cool. Transfer it to jars or airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or can it for longer storage.
Variations & Tips
For a slightly different flavor, try adding a splash of apple cider or apple cider vinegar during the cooking process. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can reduce the amount or substitute it with honey or maple syrup. Feel free to experiment with spices—ginger and cardamom add a nice twist. For a bit of texture, you can also leave some apple pieces chunky instead of blending the entire mixture smooth.