Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 2 cups peeled, diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp sea salt

For the Frosting (Optional):

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp caramel sauce (from above)
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish (Optional):

• Thin apple slices
• Crushed pecans
• Extra caramel drizzle