Weigh out the ingredients
I
You'll need brown sugar, apples, vanilla, molasses, apple cider, spices, and salt.
Combine the ingredients
II
In a large heavy bottomed pot, add all ingredients except vanilla. You can either peel the apples or leave the peels on.
Place over low-medium heat and cook for one hour, stirring occasionally until the juices are simmering and the apples are very soft.
Cook over stovetop
III
Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender) to blend the apple mixture until it becomes a smooth puree. Continue cooking for an additional hour, stirring occasionally until thick and a deep shade of brown.
Blend
IV
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the tablespoon of vanilla. To get an extra smooth apple butter, pour it through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl until it reaches your desired consistency.
Add vanilla
V
Transfer the apple butter to glass jars and chill in the fridge. Enjoy with toast, biscuits, muffins, or by the spoonful!
Chill
VI