"Make sure spices and baking soda are fresh...."
INGREDIENTS
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CAKE LAYERS:
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1 1/2 cups sugar
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1 cup butter, softened
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4 large eggs, at room temperature
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
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2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 1/2 cups seedless blackberry jam
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups finely chopped toasted pecans
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1 cup peeled and grated Granny Smith apple (about 1 large)
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Shortening
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CARAMEL-CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
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2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup butter, softened
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2 (13.4-oz.) cans dulce de leche
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to 4 Tbsp. whipping cream