Make the cake: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cloves, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
3. Step
Add the eggs, applesauce, vanilla extract, light brown sugar, and vegetable oil, and whisk until the batter is thick and smooth.
4. Step
Make the topping: In a medium bowl, use a fork to cut together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
5. Step
Cut the tops off the apples and use a spoon to hollow out the centers, making sure to remove all seeds. Place the apples in baking pan with tall sides. Brush the rims of the apples with lemon juice.
6. Step
Fill the apples with cake batter to ¼-inch (6-mm) below their rim. Sprinkle the topping over the batter.
7. Step
Bake for 30 minutes, until the tops are crisp and golden brown and the cake is baked all the way through.
8. Step
Remove the apples from the oven and serve with ice cream and caramel sauce.
