Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C
In a mixing bowl, cream the shortening and sugars together. Stir in the vanilla, eggs and water until smooth.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice in a small mixing bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the shortening mixture. Fold in apples.
Evenly divide batter between two prepared 8-in. cake pans (buttered and floured).
Combine the pecans and brown sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the nut mixture over the cake batter evenly between the two pans.
Bake for 30 - 40 minutes or until a toothpick into the center of the cake come out clean.