Scrumptious applesauce cake that tastes like eating caramel apples! That's because this one has caramel sauce in the batter. Made with a delicious apple cider buttercream frosting. This is perfect for holidays, company and special occasions.
Grease and flour three (8 or 9 inch) round cake pans and set aside.
In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar, oil, applesauce, caramel sauce, vanilla, eggs, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and buttermilk together with an electric mixer until well combined, about 30 seconds.
Add wheat flour and unbleached all purpose flour and stir (DO NOT MIX WITH MIXER) until well combined.
(Over stirring with an electric mixer causes a tough cake).
Pour batter into prepared cake pans and bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle of each cake comes out clean, about 30-40 minutes.
Cool cakes completely before spreading with frosting.
APPLE CIDER FROSTING:
Put powdered sugar, butter, apple cider, cinnamon and salt into a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
Arrange one cake on a large plate and spread about 1 cup of the frosting evenly over the top.
Arrange second cake on top then spread another cup of frosting over top of the second later.
Secure layers with toothpicks.
Frost top and sides of entire cake with remaining frosting.
Drizzle caramel sauce over top of cake.
Place pecan halves in the center of the cake and around the edge for decoration.