Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
4. Mix in dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk until just combined.
5. Fold in diced apples and nuts (if using).
6. Divide batter between pans and bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
7. For frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and cook for 2 minutes. Add milk and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
8. Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and spreadable.
9. Frost cooled cake layers, spreading between layers and on top. Garnish with extra chopped nuts if desired.

Variations:

• Add raisins or dried cranberries for extra bursts of sweetness.
• Swap half the apples for pears for a unique fall twist.
• Use cream cheese frosting instead of brown sugar frosting for a tangy contrast.

Tips:

• For extra depth of flavor, toast the nuts before folding them into the batter.
• Make sure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
• If you want a rustic look, frost only the tops of the layers and leave the sides exposed.