Step 1

Easy Caramel Sauce (can be made ahead): Place all caramel sauce ingredients in a large glass bowl and stir to combine. Fill a saucepan with about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil. Turn it to a low simmer. Set glass bowl over the saucepan (or use a double boiler) and simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour. Pour into a jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 3

Wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until well blended. Add the eggs and mix well. Stir in the big pile of freshly grated apple.

Step 4

Dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the dry ingredients. 

Step 5

Combine: Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix, just until incorporated.

Step 6

Bake in a greased 9×13 inch pan for 45-60 min, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Step 7

Serve warm with caramel sauce and whipped cream or ice cream.