Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Impressive Dessert: It’s a showstopper that’s sure to impress at any celebration.
- Perfect Contrast: The contrast between warm meringue and frozen ice cream is divine.
- Customizable: You can use any ice cream flavor you like, making it versatile for all tastes.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare it ahead of time and just bake it before serving.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cake base (chocolate or vanilla)
- Ice cream
- Egg whites
- Cream of tartar
- Granulated sugar
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare the Cake: Whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and melted chocolate, then fold in whipped egg whites and bake.
- Freeze the Ice Cream: Pack your chosen ice cream into a bowl, freeze until hard.
- Assemble: Place the cooled cake on top of frozen ice cream, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze again.
- Make the Meringue: Beat egg whites and sugar to form stiff peaks, then cover the dessert with meringue.
- Bake and Serve: Bake at a high temperature to brown the meringue, then serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours
Variations
- Flavor Variety: Use different ice cream flavors like mint or strawberry.
- Nutty Topping: Add chopped nuts to the meringue for extra crunch.
- Fruit Layers: Incorporate fruit like berries between the cake and ice cream layers.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in the freezer until ready to serve, up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Best served immediately after baking.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cake?
Yes, using store-bought cake or pound cake can save time.
How can I prevent the meringue from being too soft?
Make sure the meringue is beaten to stiff peaks before baking.
Can I make this without meringue?
Yes, you can skip the meringue, but it’s traditionally part of the recipe.
Can I prepare this the day before?
Yes, you can prepare all parts ahead of time and just bake before serving.
Can I use non-dairy ice cream?
Yes, non-dairy ice cream works as a substitute for the filling.
Conclusion
Baked Alaska is a luxurious, fun dessert that combines fluffy meringue, rich cake, and creamy ice cream. It’s perfect for making a statement at any gathering, offering a delicious combination of textures and flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.
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Best Baked Alaska
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Alaska is an extravagant, showstopping dessert that layers cake, ice cream, and meringue. This visually stunning dessert offers a delightful contrast between warm, golden meringue and frozen ice cream. Perfect for special occasions, it’s a versatile, make-ahead treat that can be customized with your favorite flavors.
Ingredients
Cake base (chocolate or vanilla)
Ice cream
Egg whites
Cream of tartar
Granulated sugar
Butter
Vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cake: Whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and melted chocolate (if using), then fold in whipped egg whites and bake.
-
Freeze the Ice Cream: Pack your desired ice cream flavor into a bowl, smooth the top, and freeze until hard.
-
Assemble the Baked Alaska: Place the cooled cake layer on top of the frozen ice cream, then cover the entire dessert with plastic wrap and freeze again.
-
Make the Meringue: Beat egg whites and sugar with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
-
Bake and Serve: Cover the dessert with meringue, then bake at a high temperature (around 450°F or 230°C) until the meringue is golden brown. Serve immediately.
Notes
Flavor Variety: Experiment with different ice cream flavors like mint, strawberry, or coffee for a fun twist.
Nutty Topping: Add chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts to the meringue for added texture and flavor.
Fruit Layers: Consider adding fruit such as berries or citrus between the cake and ice cream layers for a refreshing contrast.
Storage: Store in the freezer until ready to serve, up to 2 days.
Reheating: Baked Alaska is best served immediately after baking to maintain its texture.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake, Ice Cream
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American