Begin by peeling and slicing the apples, then place them in a slow cooker that is at least 4 quarts in size.
Add the lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, ground cloves, vanilla, salt, and cornstarch to the slow cooker, and stir everything together to ensure the apples are well coated with the mixture.
Cut the butter into pieces and distribute it evenly on top of the seasoned apples.
Carefully pour ½ cup of water into the slow cooker, aiming to pour it down the side so that it reaches the bottom without washing away the spices from the apples.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid, set it to high heat, and let it cook for two hours.
After the initial cooking time, give the apples a good stir, replace the lid, and continue cooking for an additional hour before serving hot.
