Baked Alaska is a classic dessert that combines cake, ice cream, and meringue. This impressive treat is known for its contrasting textures of warm, toasted meringue, cold ice cream, and soft cake. While it may seem intimidating to make, it’s actually quite simple with the right technique. Follow this recipe to create your own Baked Alaska at home and impress your guests with this delightful dessert.
Ingredients for Baked Alaska
- 1 pint of your favorite ice cream
- 4 egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 store-bought sponge cake or homemade sponge cake
How to Make Baked Alaska
- Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it soften slightly at room temperature.
- Line a small bowl with plastic wrap, leaving enough overhang to cover the ice cream later. Spoon the softened ice cream into the bowl, smoothing the top. Cover with the overhanging plastic wrap and freeze until firm, about 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until frothy.
- Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Invert the bowl of ice cream onto the center of the sponge cake, then remove the bowl and plastic wrap. Quickly spread the meringue over the ice cream and cake, sealing the edges.
- Bake for 4 to 5 minutes or until the meringue is lightly browned.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the contrasting textures of warm meringue, cold ice cream, and soft cake.
About the Main Ingredients
- Ice Cream: Use your favorite flavor of ice cream for this recipe. Traditional choices include vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry, but feel free to experiment with different flavors.
- Egg Whites: The egg whites are used to make the meringue topping. Be sure to use fresh, clean eggs for the best results.
- Sugar: Sugar is essential for sweetening the meringue. Gradually adding the sugar ensures a stable meringue that holds its shape when baked.
- Sponge Cake: A sponge cake provides a sturdy base for the ice cream and meringue. You can use a store-bought sponge cake or make your own.
Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Baked Alaska with your friends and family!
