Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, sugar, 1 tsp vanilla and 0.5 cup caramel. Beat the ingredients together on medium to high speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until the eggs are well beaten.
• In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Sift the dry ingredients into the cake batter. Mix the flour into the batter on low speed for about 1 minute, just until it's incorporated.
• Dice the apples into small, pea-sized pieces and place into a bowl. Add the cornstarch and cinnamon and toss the apples until they're well coated.
• Add two-thirds of the diced apples into the cake batter and fold them in. Transfer the cake batter into a prepared pan and then top the cake with the remaining apples.
• Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and onto a wire rack to cool completely.
• Make the whipped cream: whisk 1 cup chilled heavy cream, 0.33 cup confectioners sugar, and 0.5 tsp vanilla extract for 3 to 4 minutes until stiff peaks form.
• To assemble the cake, first spread about 0.5 cup to 0.75 cup of prepared apple butter onto the cooled cake. Spread it evenly to the edges.
• Next, add the prepared whipped cream, creating a heaping pile on top of the cake. Sprinkle the cream with a bit of ground cinnamon and drizzle caramel sauce over the top.