Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 1-quart baking dish, such as an 8-inch cast-iron skillet or an 8-inch square baking dish.
Stir together the doughnut crumbs with the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cloves. Stir the vanilla into the applesauce. Taste and adjust seasonings on both if desired.
Working in layers, first take 1 cup of the crumbs and spread along the bottom of the baking dish. Spread over it half the applesauce then evenly top with another cup of crumbs. Add the remaining applesauce and finish the layering with the crumbs.
Pour over the crumbs the butter then evenly top with the brown sugar.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, whip the cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks are formed.
Serve warm topped with whipped cream. Though if you prefer, you may chill it for a few hours and serve it cold. Both are traditional!