Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 13x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat sugar and oil at medium speed until well combined. Beat in applesauce and caramel. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture, beating just until combined after each addition. Using a spatula, fold in apples, scraping bottom and sides of bowl. Spread batter in prepared pan.
Bake until cake springs back when lightly touched in center and a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, about 55 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.
Spread Cream Cheese Frosting onto cake. Spoon caramel sauce over frosting, and gently swirl into frosting using a spatula. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Recipe by Paula Deen Magazine at https://pauladeenmagazine.com/caramel-apple-spice-cake-recipe/