Baking the Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• In a separate bowl, combine sugar, applesauce, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the warm water.
• Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before poking holes all over the top with a fork or skewer.
• Pour caramel sauce over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting with whipped cream and sprinkling with chopped pecans.