I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready once everything is assembled.

I peel, core, and slice the apples into thick wedges, then spread them evenly in a lightly greased baking dish so they bake uniformly.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, I add apple juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I stir until the butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth and fragrant.

I pour the warm sauce over the apples, cover the dish tightly with foil, and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the apples to soften and absorb all that flavor.

I uncover the dish, stir in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little water), and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the apples are fork-tender. I finish by stirring in vanilla extract and letting it rest before serving.