Irish Apple Cake with Whiskey Hard Sauce

FOR THE CAKE:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Mist an 8-inch diameter cake pan with non-stick spray, and line with a circle cut from parchment.
2. Place the cake flour, ¾ cup of sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, cloves, and grated nutmeg in a large mixing bowl, and whisk to combine.
3. Add the butter, and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles damp sand.
4. Stir in the eggs, one at a time, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula after each addition.
5. Add the buttermilk, and mix on medium-high speed for 60 to 90 seconds, to aerate the batter and build the cake's structure.
6. Fold in the chopped apples, and transfer the batter to the prepared pan.
7. Top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the thickest part of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Serve with Whiskey Hard Sauce (optional).

FOR THE SAUCE:

1. Place the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a small pot and whisk to combine.
2. Slowly drizzle in the cream, while continuing to whisk.
3. Stir in the whiskey, if using.
4. Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally, until boiling and thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.