Eight-Layer Apple Stack Cake

Ingredients

• 16 ounces dried apples, chopped
• 5 cups water
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Confectioners' sugar, optional