SPICE CAKE WITH DULCE DE LECHE FROSTING

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325°F. Grease 3 (8-inch) round pans with shortening; lightly flour. In large bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups butter, 1 1/2 cups brown sugar and 1 cup granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended, scraping bowl frequently. Add milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla and eggs. Beat on medium speed 3 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Beat in remaining cake ingredients until mixture is smooth and well blended. (Batter will be thick.) Spread about 2 1/2 cups batter in each pan.
• Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Run sharp knife around edges of pans; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 40 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place 16 caramels on microwavable plate. Microwave on High 15 seconds or until softened. Roll each into ball; pinch one side of ball to form acorn shape. Line cookie sheet with waxed paper. In microwavable custard cup, heat 3 tablespoons chocolate chips and shortening on High 45 seconds or until melted; stir until smooth. Dip tops of acorns into chocolate; press one chocolate chip onto top of each acorn for stem. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Place on cookie sheet. Let stand until chocolate sets, about 15 minutes.
• In large bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter with electric mixer on medium speed 30 seconds. Beat in dulce de leche and 1 teaspoon vanilla, scraping bowl frequently. On low speed, beat in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time. Add whipping cream and 1/8 teaspoon salt; beat until smooth and spreading consistency.
• Using serrated knife, cut rounded top off each cake layer to make a level surface. Spread about 3/4 cup frosting between cakes layers. Frost top and side with remaining frosting. Place acorns on top of cake. break cinnamon sticks as desired to resemble twigs; place with acorns on cake.