Start by washing the apples thoroughly. Give them a good rinse under cold water. Next, core the apples to remove the seeds and stem but leave the skins on for added texture and flavor. In a surprising twist, I like to slice the apples into thick wedges. This way, instead of turning to mush, they maintain a delightful consistency throughout the cooking process.

Once your apples are prepped, add them right into the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. Now it’s time to sweeten and spice things up! In a mixing bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and chopped nuts if you’re using them. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples evenly. The sugars will blend nicely with the natural juices of the apples as they cook.

Cut the butter into small slices and distribute them on top of the apple mixture. They’ll melt and help create a luscious sauce that's simply divine.

Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW. Here’s the trick: leave the lid slightly ajar to let some moisture escape. This allows the apples to concentrate in flavor, making them even more irresistible as they cook. Let them simmer for about 6 hours. I recommend stirring the mixture halfway through so that all the apples are equally coated with that delicious sugary goodness.

Once the cooking time is up, and your home is filled with a delectable aroma, it’s time to serve. I love to scoop the warm apples into bowls and drizzle them with the fantastic juices. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream doesn’t hurt either!