Prepare the Cake Layers

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, then add the buttermilk, molasses, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
6. Divide the Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake the Layers: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each layer comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Make the Filling: While the cake layers cool, mix the apple butter (or applesauce) with cinnamon, honey (or brown sugar), and the finely chopped apple (if using). Stir until well combined and smooth.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness or spice level to your liking. Add more honey or cinnamon if needed.

Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the Cake: Once the cake layers have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of the apple filling on top, covering it evenly.
2. Stack the Layers: Repeat with the second and third layers, spreading apple filling between each layer of cake.
3. Final Layer: For the top, spread the remaining apple filling evenly on the top layer. You can optionally garnish with extra chopped apples or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a pretty finishing touch.
4. Let it Set: Let the cake sit for at least an hour before serving so the flavors have time to meld together and the cake softens from the filling.