Pinecone Cakes

Ingredients

• 10 tablespoons (1 stick plus 2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, plus more for pans
• 1 cup whole, blanched almonds (5 ounces)
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons dark rum
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 8 large egg whites, room temperature
• pinch of salt
• chocolate frosting for pinecone cake
• 6 cups sliced almonds (1 1/2 pounds)
• confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
• chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional)