Baked Alaska
Baked Alaska is a stunning dessert featuring layers of cake and ice cream, topped with a toasted meringue shell. Its contrasting textures and flavors make it a showstopper for special occasions or when impressing guests. The combination of cold ice cream and warm, toasted meringue creates a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the cake according to the instructions on the box.
- Bake the cake in a 9 x 13-inch pan. Remove from the pan and let it cool completely.
- Slice the cake into 4 pieces. Slice the ice cream lengthwise into layers about the same thickness as the cake layers.
- Place one layer of ice cream on top of one cake layer.
- Place another layer of cake on top of the ice cream, creating a layered cake.
- Wrap one cake and ice cream assembly and freeze it for later use.
- Beat the egg whites until very stiff.
- Add sugar and flavoring to the egg whites and continue to beat until combined.
- Spread the meringue mixture over the assembled cake or frozen ice cream.
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). Bake the meringue-topped cake for about 3 minutes or until the meringue is browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the meringue. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought cake instead of a mix. To make it a bit healthier, try using a sugar substitute in the meringue. If you prefer, you can also swap the ice cream for sorbet for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Baked Alaska with a drizzle of chocolate or raspberry sauce for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of sorbet for a refreshing contrast. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Oatmeal-Chocolate Morsel Cookies for a delightful dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Baked Alaska can be stored in the freezer, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last for up to two weeks. When ready to enjoy, simply slice off the desired portion and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, allowing it to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Alaska contains roughly 94 calories, with 8g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Baked Alaska ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake and ice cream layers in advance and freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap. You can assemble it a day or two before serving, but bake the meringue just before you're ready to serve for the best texture and presentation.
What can I use instead of egg whites for the meringue?
If you're looking for an egg-free alternative, you can use aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, as a substitute for egg whites. It whips up well and can be used in the same ratio as egg whites. Just make sure to beat it until stiff peaks form before adding sugar.
Can I use different flavors of ice cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite ice cream flavors. Chocolate, strawberry, or mint chocolate chip can all make delicious variations. Just keep in mind that contrasting flavors can enhance the overall experience, so mixing and matching can lead to delightful combinations.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).