Prepare an 8” square glass baking dish or pie plate with butter, oil, or nonstick spray.
Peel and core the apples. If leaving the skin on, wash and dry apples thoroughly.
Cut apples into slices. Discard seeds and core. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine spices, syrup, and vanilla, everything but apples and butter.
Spread the apples out in the greased baking dish.
Cube the butter into 1/4-inch cubes and drop onto the apples.
Pour the vanilla/spice/sugar mixture over top the apples and butter.
Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil from the dish and bake for another 15 minutes or until the apples are fork tender. If the apple slices aren't quite done, leave foil on and let it rest on the counter for an additional six minutes.
Notes
Be sure to wash and dry the apples if cooking with the peels on.