Baked Alaska(Makes 4 Servings)
Baked Alaska combines a soft sponge cake, cold ice cream, and a golden meringue topping, offering a stunning dessert perfect for celebrations and impressing guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Ensure the sponge cake is 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick.
- Cut the cake into a rectangle that is 1 inch wider and 1 inch longer than the ice cream brick.
- Place the cake on a small, thick wooden board.
- Beat egg whites and salt until stiff.
- Gradually add sugar and beat until the mixture is thick, smooth, glossy, and holds firm peaks.
- Place the very hard brick of ice cream on the cake.
- Quickly spread the meringue over the top and sides of the ice cream and cake, completely and thickly covering them.
- Place in a hot oven at 500°F and bake for 3 to 4 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, immediately loosen from the board, and slide onto a serving dish.
- Slice and serve immediately while the meringue is warm.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best results, ensure your ice cream is extremely firm before assembly—this helps maintain its shape when baked. If you don’t have sponge cake, consider using pound cake or even a layer of brownies for a different flavor profile. For a touch of flavor, fold in some vanilla extract or citrus zest into the meringue. This dish pairs beautifully with my favorite banana bread as a side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Baked Alaska immediately after baking for the best experience. Pair it with fresh berries or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for added indulgence. This dessert also complements a light salad like Mom's Cole Slaw, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake and ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Baked Alaska is best enjoyed immediately, but if you have leftovers, keep them in the freezer to preserve the texture. Wrap the serving in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. To enjoy later, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften the meringue slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Alaska(Makes 4 Servings) contains roughly 106 calories, with 3g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2042mg per serving (89% 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 use different flavors of ice cream for Baked Alaska?
Absolutely! You can customize Baked Alaska with your favorite ice cream flavors. Try combinations like chocolate and vanilla or even fruit-flavored ice creams for a refreshing twist. Just ensure that the ice cream is firm to help it hold its shape during baking.
What should I do if my meringue is not holding stiff peaks?
If your meringue isn't holding stiff peaks, ensure that your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free from any grease. Additionally, make sure your egg whites are at room temperature, as this helps them whip better. If you encounter problems, you can add a pinch of cream of tartar to stabilize the meringue.
Can I make Baked Alaska ahead of time?
Baked Alaska is best made fresh, but you can prepare the components in advance. Freeze the assembled cake with meringue, then bake just before serving. This ensures the meringue remains fluffy and the ice cream doesn’t melt. Just remember to adjust baking time if it's partially thawed.
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).