Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened1 cup packed dark brown sugar3/4 cup molasses2 large eggs, room temperature5 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ground ginger1-1/2 cups buttermilkAPPLE & BOURBON SAUCE:4 cups dried apples2 cups packed dark brown sugar1-1/2 cups water1/3 cup bourbon3 tablespoons unsalted butter2 cups apple butter
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of 5 greased 6-in. round baking pans with parchment. In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar and molasses until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition (mixture may appear curdled). In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and ginger; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.
Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 25-30 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely.
For the sauce, in a large heavy saucepan, combine apples, brown sugar, water and bourbon. Cook, covered, over medium-low heat until apples are soft and pliable, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add butter. Cook and stir, uncovered, until sauce is thin and syrupy, 5-10 minutes longer. Remove from heat; cool completely.
Using a long serrated knife, trim tops of cakes if domed. Spread 1 tablespoon apple butter on a rimmed serving plate; top with 1 cake layer. Spread with about 1/3 cup apple butter. Top with 2/3 cup apple and bourbon sauce. Repeat layers. Drizzle any remaining sauce from apple mixture over top of cake. Refrigerate, covered, at least 24 hours before serving.
