Preheat oven to 350°. Spray 2 (8-inch) round cake pans with baking spray with flour. Line bottom of pans with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, baking soda, allspice, nutmeg, and ginger.
In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla; stir in sugars. Add flour mixture, and whisk until just combined. Divide batter between prepared pans, leveling as needed.
Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Level cooled cakes, if desired. Place 1 cake layer on a cake board or serving dish. Spread 1 1⁄2 cups Vanilla Bean Buttercream on top. Top with remaining cake layer; spread remaining Vanilla Bean Buttercream on top and sides of cake as desired, creating a slight border along top edge. When ready to serve, spoon Spiced Apple Topping on top of cake. Top with candied pecans.
Recipe by Paula Deen Magazine at https://pauladeenmagazine.com/apple-spice-cake/