### Apple Nutmeg Pine Nut Cake Recipe with Brown Sugar Buttercream
#### Introduction
Apple Nutmeg Pine Nut Cakes topped with a luscious brown sugar buttercream are perfect for those crisp autumn days or as an indulgent treat any time of the year. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of apples, the warm spices of nutmeg and cinnamon, and the subtle crunch from pine nuts to create a delightful cake that's sure to become a family favorite.
#### Ingredients
**For the Cake:**
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup grated apple
- ¼ cup chopped pine nuts
**For the Buttercream:**
- 8 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
#### Instructions
1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Cake Tins:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake tins and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. **Cream Butter and Brown Sugar:** Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gently fold in the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined. Fold in grated apple and pine nuts.
5. **Bake Cakes:** Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake tins. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. **Cool and Stack Cakes:** Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them from the tins and placing them on wire racks to cool completely.
7. **Prepare Buttercream:** In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while beating continuously. Stir in heavy cream, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
8. **Assemble Cakes:** Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread an even layer of brown sugar buttercream over it. Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Spread the remaining buttercream over the entire cake, smoothing out any peaks with a spatula.
9. **Garnish and Serve:** You can add additional chopped pine nuts or apple slices for garnish if desired. Serve your Apple Nutmeg Pine Nut Cake immediately for best texture or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
#### Tips & Variations
- For a deeper nut flavor, you could substitute some of the flour with ground almonds.
- To enhance the spiced aroma, add a few drops of almond extract along with the vanilla.
#### Conclusion
Enjoy this comforting and delicious Apple Nutmeg Pine Nut Cake topped with an exquisite brown sugar buttercream. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in, it's sure to be a hit at any table! Share your baking experience on social media using #AppleNutmegPineNutCake to inspire others.