Even if it’s just to impress the family, Thanksgiving dinner is the perfect time to add something new to your cooking repertoire. Especially if that “something new” happens to be a gourmet carrot cake recipe from none other than Alberico Nunziata, distinguished television star and Executive Chef at Hotel Casa del Mar.
With no further ado, below is the secret recipe for another delicious holiday around your dinner table. Just a heads up: you’re about to gain some serious chef props.
Ingredients
For the cake :
2 cups AP flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 large eggs
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups grated fresh carrot
1 cup chopped walnuts
For the Buttermilk Glaze:
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup butter
1 tablespoon corn syrup
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
3/4 cup butter
12-ounce package cream cheese
3 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
Method:
1. Lightly grease a round, 10-inch cake pan and sprinkle flour.
2. Mix together the flour, baking soda, a touch of sea salt, cinnamon and the chopped walnuts.
3. Add the eggs mixed with sugar, buttermilk, oil, vanilla and carrots.
4. Bake at 325° for 35 minutes.
5. Glaze the buttermilk evenly over layers and cool down in the fridge. Remove from pan and add the cream cheese frosting for each layer.
6. Finish decorating with cheese frosting on top and sides of cake. You can also add some roasted walnuts on top.
