Honey-Caramel Ice Cream Sundaes with Apples

For sauce:

Step 1

Stir sugar, cream, butter, honey, and 3 tablespoons water in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat; bring syrup to boil. Add spices, pinch of salt, and pinch of black pepper, shaking pan to blend. Boil without stirring until sauce coats spoon, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. DO AHEAD:Can be made 1 week ahead. Cool, cover, and chill. Rewarm before using.

For apples:

Step 2

Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add apples; sprinkle with sugar. Sauté apples until tender and brown in spots, about 12 minutes.

Step 3

Scoop ice cream into dishes. Top with sauce, apples, and pecans, if using.