Best 10 Classic Baked Alaska Recipes

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Classic baked Alaska is a stunning dessert that is sure to impress your guests. This frozen dessert dates back to the 19th century and is believed to have originated in France. It consists of a sponge cake base, a layer of ice cream, a meringue topping, and a quick bake in the oven to brown the meringue. The combination of textures and flavors in this dessert is simply irresistible. The light and airy sponge cake provides the perfect base for the creamy and flavorful ice cream, while the meringue topping adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create a classic baked Alaska that will be the star of your next dinner party or special occasion.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

BAKED ALASKA



Baked Alaska image

Cake and ice cream dessert topped with meringue -- vary ice cream flavors for your signature dish. I like cherry-burgundy ice cream!

Provided by shirleyo

Categories     Desserts     Frozen Dessert Recipes     Ice Cream Cake Recipes

Time 11h

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 quarts vanilla ice cream, softened
1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
1 egg
½ teaspoon almond extract
8 egg whites
⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 cup white sugar

Steps:

  • Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch round mixing bowl or deep 8-inch square container with foil. Spread ice cream in container, packing firmly. Cover and freeze 8 hours or until firm.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch pan.
  • Prepare cake mix with egg and almond extract. Pour into prepared pan.
  • Bake in preheated oven according to package instructions, until center of cake springs back when lightly touched.
  • Beat egg whites with cream of tartar, salt and sugar until stiff peaks form.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment or heavy brown paper. Place cake in center. Turn molded ice cream out onto cake. Quickly and prettily spread meringue over cake and ice cream, all the way to paper to seal. Return to freezer 2 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  • Bake the Alaska on the lowest shelf, 8 to 10 minutes, or until meringue is lightly browned. Serve at once.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 330 calories, Carbohydrate 53.1 g, Cholesterol 40.7 mg, Fat 11.1 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 5.1 g, Sodium 315.1 mg, Sugar 44 g

BAKED ALASKA



Baked Alaska image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     dessert

Time 6h29m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Vegetable oil, for brushing
1 pint raspberry, passion fruit or other sorbet, softened
1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened
1 quart chocolate ice cream, softened
1 cup chocolate wafer crumbs (about 17 crushed wafers)
1 loaf pound cake
1 cup egg whites (about 6 large), at room temperature
Pinch of cream of tartar
1 cup sugar

Steps:

  • Make the ice cream cake: Brush a 3-quart metal bowl with vegetable oil; line with plastic wrap. Fill the bowl with scoops of the sorbet, vanilla ice cream and half of the chocolate ice cream, alternating small and large scoops to create a mosaic of colors and shapes. Place a piece of plastic wrap on top of the ice cream; press down to close the gaps between scoops and even out the surface. Remove the plastic wrap, sprinkle the ice cream with the wafer crumbs and re-cover with the plastic wrap, pressing gently. Freeze until set, about 30 minutes.
  • Remove the wrap and spread the remaining chocolate ice cream in an even layer on top of the crumbs. Cut the pound cake into 1/2-inch-thick slices; completely cover the ice cream with the slices, trimming as needed (you'll use about two-thirds of the cake). Cover with fresh plastic wrap and freeze until firm, at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.
  • Make the meringue: Whip the egg whites and cream of tartar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until foamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the sugar on high speed until the whites are glossy and hold stiff peaks.
  • Remove the top layer of plastic wrap, then invert the cake onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. (If necessary, let the cake stand overturned until it slips out.) Remove the rest of the plastic wrap and cover the ice cream completely with the meringue, making the dome-shaped top slightly thicker than the sides. Form swirly peaks in the meringue using the back of a spoon. Freeze for at least 3 more hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Bake the cake until the meringue peaks are golden, about 4 minutes, or brown the meringue with a blowtorch. Let the cake soften at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Freeze any leftovers.

BAKED ALASKA



Baked Alaska image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     dessert

Time 1h45m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1/2 quarts neapolitan ice cream, softened
9 by 5 by 1/2-inch piece chiffon cake
8 ounces sugar
4 ounces light corn syrup
2 ounces water
4 ounces pasteurized egg whites, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch kosher salt

Steps:

  • Line a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap.
  • Place the softened ice cream into the loaf pan and spread evenly.
  • Place the piece of cake on top of the ice cream, press down lightly, and place the pan in the freezer for 1 hour.
  • After an hour, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a 2-quart saucepan and place over high heat. Stir just until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Clip on a candy thermometer and bring the mixture to 240 degrees F.
  • While the syrup is cooking, place the egg whites, salt, and vanilla into the bowl of a stand mixer and, using the whisk attachment, whisk the eggs on high speed until they reach medium peaks, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • When the sugar syrup reaches 240 degrees F, remove from the heat and, with the stand mixer on low speed, slowly and carefully pour the syrup in a thin steady stream into the egg white mixture, being careful not to come in contact with the whisk. Once all the syrup has been added, increase the mixer speed to high and whisk until stiff peaks are formed and the mixture has cooled, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Remove the loaf pan from the freezer, turn upside down onto a heatproof serving platter, and remove the plastic wrap. Completely cover the ice cream cake combo with a 1-inch layer of meringue all around, sealing the meringue to the pan around the bottom edge.
  • Use a propane torch to brown the meringue all over. Serve immediately. May be frozen once the meringue has browned.

BAKED ALASKA



Baked Alaska image

This is an impressive dessert for any occasion. For Thanksgiving, I make the pumpkin version of this Baked Alaska recipe instead of pumpkin pie. -Linda Sanner, Portage, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 quart vanilla ice cream, softened
2 eggs
3 tablespoons plus 5 teaspoon water, divided
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/4 cups sugar, divided
2/3 cup cake flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
5 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon rum extract
2 tablespoon sliced almonds, toasted

Steps:

  • Spoon ice cream into a 1-1/2-qt. bowl lined with plastic wrap; freeze until firm. Line a greased 9-in. round baking pan with waxed paper; grease the paper and set aside. Place a clean kitchen towel over a wire rack; dust towel with confectioners' sugar. Set aside., In a large bowl, beat the eggs, 3 tablespoons water and vanilla. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, beating until thick and lemon-colored. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; fold into egg mixture. , Gently spoon into prepared pan. Bake at 375° for 12-15 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Immediately run a knife around edge of pan; invert onto prepared wire rack. Gently peel off waxed paper; cool completely., In a large heavy saucepan, combine the egg whites, cream of tartar and remaining sugar and water; beat on low speed with a portable mixer for 1 minute. Continue beating over low heat until mixture reaches 160°, about 12 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add rum extract; beat until stiff peaks form and sugar is dissolved, about 4 minutes. , Place cake on an ungreased foil-lined baking sheet; unmold ice cream and place over cake. Immediately spread meringue over ice cream and cake, sealing it to foil; sprinkle with almonds. Freeze until ready to serve, up to 24 hours. , Just before serving, heat with a creme brulee torch or broil on lowest oven rack position for 3-5 minutes or until meringue is light browned. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 225 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 55mg cholesterol, Sodium 112mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (29g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 5g protein.

EASY BAKED ALASKA



Easy Baked Alaska image

This isn't your grandmother's Baked Alaska! We took our heirloom recipe and gave it a modern twist by converting it into an easy (and achievable) 13x9 dessert. Dreamy layers of brownie, strawberry ice cream and a perfect meringue give it an over-the-top finish.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 5h45m

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 box 18.3 oz) Betty Crocker™ fudge brownie mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix box for cakelike brownies
6 cups (1.5 quarts) strawberry ice cream, softened
6 egg whites, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom of 13x9-inch pan with shortening or cooking spray. Make brownie batter as directed on box for cakelike brownies. Spread in pan.
  • Bake 22 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out almost clean. Cool 1 hour.
  • Evenly spread softened strawberry ice cream on top of cooled brownie. Place in freezer while making meringue.
  • In medium glass or metal bowl, stir egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar and vanilla with whisk until blended. Set over pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally with whisk, 16 to 20 minutes or until sugar has dissolved and egg mixture reaches 160°F. Pour into large bowl; beat with electric mixer on high speed 8 to 10 minutes or until stiff glossy peaks form. Use small icing spatula to swirl meringue over top of ice cream layer. Freeze at least 3 hours or overnight.
  • Heat oven to 500°F. Bake 3 to 5 minutes or until meringue peaks start to turn golden brown. Cut into 5 rows by 3 rows. Store covered in freezer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 370, Carbohydrate 52 g, Cholesterol 60 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 1 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 180 mg, Sugar 41 g, TransFat 0 g

BIRTHDAY BAKED ALASKA



Birthday Baked Alaska image

Baked alaska is beautiful, elegant and dramatic. It's easy to make; it's convenient (it must be made ahead); it's got ice cream (enough said); it's got meringue - which is the same as saying it's got magic. It looks gorgeous whole and just as gorgeous sliced; it's creamy and icy cold inside, marshmallowy all around and warm on the edges. In other words, it's perfect. This one was made in the colors of the French flag to celebrate the 117th birthday of the French nun, Sister André. Reverse the colors for the Fourth of July - it's what the creator of this recipe, Zoë François, did originally - or use whatever flavors of ice cream you love; the loaf pan will hold 2 quarts.

Provided by Dorie Greenspan

Categories     snack, cakes, dessert

Time 8h

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup/125 grams sliced fresh strawberries (cut 1/4-inch thick; not thicker)
1/4 cup/50 grams granulated sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lime or lemon juice
1 pint/480 milliliters premium or homemade blueberry ice cream
1 pint/480 milliliters premium or homemade vanilla ice cream
1 cup/120 grams shredded, sweetened coconut
1 quart/960 milliliters premium or homemade strawberry ice cream
Enough ladyfingers to cover the bottom of the cake (about 10 to 20, depending on their size)
1 cup/240 milliliters egg whites (from about 8 large eggs)
2 cups/400 grams granulated sugar
1/4 cup/60 milliliters kirsch (omit if using a torch)

Steps:

  • Make the cake: Line a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap or parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
  • Put the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lime or lemon juice in a small bowl, stir and set aside for 2 hours while you put together the rest of the cake.
  • Each type of ice cream has to be softened before you can use it, so, as you need it, cut it into hunks, put the pieces in a large bowl, and bash and beat them with a sturdy flexible spatula or wooden spoon until spreadable. If you're using homemade ice cream, you can take it straight from the ice cream maker.
  • Soften the blueberry ice cream, then spread it evenly over the bottom of the loaf pan. Smooth the top. Cover, and freeze for at least 1 hour.
  • Soften the vanilla ice cream, stir in the coconut, then smooth it over the blueberry ice cream. Level the top. Cover, and freeze for at least 1 hour.
  • Drain the strawberries. Soften the strawberry ice cream, and stir the berries into it. Spread the ice cream over the vanilla layer, and smooth the top.
  • Gently press ladyfingers into the soft ice cream to make a base layer; don't worry if you have some bare spots. Cover, and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours. (You can do this up to 1 week in advance of serving, if you'd like.)
  • At least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours) before serving, make the meringue: Bring a few inches of water to a simmer in a large saucepan that can hold the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl that you can use with a hand mixer. Whisk the egg whites and sugar together in the bowl, place the bowl over the water - making sure it's not touching - and whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved and smooth. The mixture should be 160 degrees. Don't rush this; it needs about 10 minutes. If necessary, attach the bowl to the mixer, and fit with the whisk. Beat the meringue on medium-high speed for about 6 minutes, or until it's fluffy, glossy and holds stiff peaks.
  • Unmold the ice cream cake onto a serving platter, one that is large enough to catch the kirsch, if you're using it, and peel away the plastic or paper. Using a spatula, cover the sides with a thick layer of meringue - creating swirls, if you'd like - and cover the top with a thinner one.
  • Now you have a choice: You can pipe meringue spikes over the top, layer more meringue on top, and swirl or spike it with the back of a spoon, or make spikes by hand by pulling it into points with your fingers. Continue until you've got a pattern you like. Freeze the cake for at least 1 hour.
  • To finish the cake, use a kitchen torch to brown the meringue on the top of the cake or use flaming kirsch: Put the kirsch in a small pan over low heat for about 2 minutes. Carefully light the kirsch with a long match. Slowly drizzle the flaming alcohol evenly over the entire cake, and watch it toast the meringue. It will burn off on its own.
  • Cut into thick slices, and serve immediately. You can keep the cake covered and frozen for a day, but it's at its best the day it is made.

BAKED ALASKA



Baked Alaska image

Baked alaska was once a restaurant show stopper. A layering of spongecake, ice cream and meringue, it was presented on a tray and flambeed at the table to heat the covering of meringue so you had both warm and cold sensations as you ate it. But some restaurants serve it in individual portions, relying on a blowtorch back in the kitchen to caramelize the meringue. When Amanda Hesser brought this recipe to The Times in 1998, the pastry chef Stacie Pierce of the Union Square Cafe used espresso caramel ice cream instead of vanilla or chocolate and served a big ball of it on top of a tender chocolate souffle cake, rather than the traditional spongecake. The warm and cold effect is the same, and the flavors, sharper and distinct, come across as more mature.

Provided by Amanda Hesser

Categories     ice creams and sorbets, dessert

Time 2h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
16 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Salt
1 quart caramel or coffee ice cream
4 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
2 cups plus 4 tablespoons superfine sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt chocolate in a double boiler, and set aside.
  • Separate 4 eggs into two bowls. To the yolks add 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Using an electric mixer, beat until the mixture is thick and pale yellow. Set aside. Using the mixer, whisk the egg whites and a pinch of salt until they hold soft peaks. Slowly add the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar until the whites are stiff and shiny.
  • Using a rubber spatula, fold the melted chocolate into the yolk mixture; then, fold the chocolate mixture into the meringue. Do not overmix. Spread the batter in an even layer, about 1/2 inch thick, on the baking sheet. Bake until the cake is spongy and moist, and slightly crisp on top, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely.
  • Using a 3-inch round cutter, press eight circles of cake. Position circles on a large baking sheet lined with parchment. Place a large scoop of ice cream on each circle. Sprinkle with toasted nuts. Put baking sheet in freezer.
  • Separate the 12 remaining eggs, reserving yolks for another use and placing whites in a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt and cream of tartar. Using an electric mixer, whisk until frothy; then, increase speed to high and mix until soft peaks form. Slowly add superfine sugar, whisking until meringue is very stiff. Add remaining teaspoon of vanilla; whisk until blended.
  • Fit a pastry bag with a large closed-star tip, and fill the bag with meringue. Remove baking sheet from the freezer. Starting at the base of each cake, pipe rosettes in a circular pattern until cake and ice cream are completely covered. Freeze at least 30 minutes.
  • When ready to serve, preheat the broiler. Place baked alaskas under the broiler for 10 to 15 seconds, until meringue is caramelized on the edges. (This may also be done with a kitchen blowtorch.) Transfer to plates, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 639, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 96 grams, Fat 23 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 10 grams, Sodium 593 milligrams, Sugar 90 grams, TransFat 0 grams

BAKED ALASKA



Baked Alaska image

This old-fashioned dessert, which originated at New York City's Delmonico's restaurant to commemorate the purchase of Alaska in 1867, has become popular again, and why not? An ice-cream cake covered with an igloo of meringue emerging from an oven is a real showstopper.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 10

6 tablespoons sugar
3 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
3 large egg whites, room temperature
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 pints pistachio ice cream, slightly softened
1 1/2 pints cherry ice cream or berry sorbet, slightly softened
Swiss Meringue
Vegetable oil cooking spray

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, and spray with cooking spray.
  • Combine 3 tablespoons sugar and the egg yolks in bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment; whisk, on medium speed, until pale yellow and thick, about 15 minutes. Add vanilla, and fold in melted chocolate just to combine.
  • In a medium bowl, combine egg whites and pinch of salt in bowl of electric mixer; whip, on medium speed, until frothy. Add remaining 3 tablespoons sugar; beat until stiff. Fold egg whites into the chocolate mixture.
  • Carefully pour batter out into prepared cake pan. Bake until cake is set and top is dull, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool on a wire rack.
  • Spray a 5-cup-capacity metal bowl with cooking spray; line with plastic. Pack base of bowl with pistachio ice cream; layer cherry ice cream over pistachio, then finish with another layer of pistachio ice cream (or layer ice creams and sorbets as you desire). Pack firmly, cover surface with plastic wrap, and place in freezer. Freeze until ice cream is very hard, at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours in advance.
  • Place cake on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Remove ice cream from the freezer, and invert bowl over cake. Keep the ice cream covered with plastic wrap, and return ice-cream cake to the freezer.
  • Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Fill a pastry bag, fitted with an Ateco #5 star tip, with meringue; pipe onto ice cream in a decorative fashion, or spoon meringue over ice cream and swirl with a rubber spatula. If ice cream starts to soften, return cake to freezer for 15 minutes.
  • Place in oven, and bake until meringue just starts to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from oven, and serve immediately.

TRADITIONAL BAKED ALASKA



Traditional Baked Alaska image

Moist cake is topped with three layers of ice cream and fluffy meringue in this old-fashioned dessert.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 12

Nonstick cooking spray
6 tablespoons sugar
3 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
3 large egg whites, room temperature
Pinch of salt
4 1/2 pints chocolate ice cream
3 pints vanilla ice cream
1 pint coffee ice cream
1/4 cup chocolate sprinkles
Swiss Meringue

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, and spray with cooking spray.
  • Combine 3 tablespoons sugar and the egg yolks in bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment; whisk, on medium speed, until pale yellow and thick, about 15 minutes. Add vanilla, and fold in melted chocolate just to combine.
  • Combine egg white and a pinch of salt in bowl of electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment; whip, on medium speed, until frothy. Add remaining 3 tablespoons sugar; beat until stiff. Fold egg whites into the chocolate mixture.
  • Carefully pour batter into prepared cake pan. Bake until cake is set and top is dull, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.
  • Spray a 12-cup bowl with a 9-inch diameter with cooking spray; line with plastic wrap. Pack base of bowl and up the sides with chocolate ice cream; cover with plastic and press with your hands to make an even, smooth layer. Transfer to freezer and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
  • Remove plastic wrap and form a layer of vanilla ice cream on top of the chocolate; cover with plastic wrap and press with your hands to make an even, smooth layer. Transfer to freezer and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
  • Remove plastic wrap and form a layer of coffee ice cream on top of vanilla, leaving a small well in the center of the coffee layer; add sprinkles to well and cover with plastic wrap. Transfer to freezer and freeze until firm, at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
  • Place cake on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. Remove ice cream from freezer and remove plastic wrap; invert bowl over cake. Keep ice cream covered with plastic wrap, and return ice cream cake to freezer.
  • Preheat oven to 500 degrees (if not using a kitchen torch). Fill a pastry bag, fitted with a large star tip (such as Ateco No. 827), with meringue; pipe onto ice cream in a decorative fashion, or spoon meringue over ice cream and swirl with a rubber spatula. If ice cream starts to soften, return cake to freezer for 15 minutes.
  • Using a kitchen torch, heat meringue until it just starts to brown. Alternatively, place in oven and bake until meringue just starts to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from oven, transfer to a serving platter, and serve immediately.

BAKED ALASKA SAINT PIERRE



Baked Alaska Saint Pierre image

This orange-scented cake-layered with vanilla ice cream and orange sorbet-is frozen, covered in meringue, toasted in a hot oven, and, finally, set on fire.

Categories     Dessert     Cake     Ice Cream     Liqueur     Egg     Bake     Summer     Jam or Jelly     Gourmet     Entertaining     New Year's Eve

Yield Makes 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

For filling
1/3 cup sweet orange marmalade
1 qt superpremium vanilla ice cream, softened slightly
1 pint orange sorbet, softened slightly
For génoise
1/2 cup cake flour (not self-rising)
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs at room temperature for 30 minutes
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons finely grated fresh orange zest
2 teaspoons Grand Marnier
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
For meringue
7 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 eggshell half, cleaned
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
Special Equipment
2 (8- by 2-inch) round cake pans; a 9- by 2-inch round cake pan; a round cake pan or plate at least 10 inches in diameter

Steps:

  • Make filling:
  • Beat marmalade into vanilla ice cream in a bowl with a wooden spoon until combined, then spread in an 8-inch cake pan. Spread sorbet in other 8-inch cake pan. Cover pans with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, at least 3 hours.
  • Make génoise:
  • Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 9-inch cake pan and line bottom with a round of parchment or wax paper, then butter paper.
  • Sift flour and salt into a bowl.
  • Heat eggs and sugar in a large metal bowl set over a pot of simmering water, gently whisking constantly, until lukewarm and sugar is dissolved.
  • Remove bowl from pot and add zest and liqueur, then beat with an electric mixer at high speed until very thick, pale, and tripled in volume (about 7 minutes in a stand mixer or 10 minutes with a handheld). If using a tall narrow bowl, transfer to a large wide bowl (to facilitate folding). Resift flour and salt over eggs in 2 batches, folding gently but thoroughly after each batch. Fold butter into about 1 cup batter in a small bowl until just combined, then fold butter mixture into remaining batter gently but thoroughly until just combined. Spread in buttered pan, smoothing top.
  • Bake cake until a wooden pick or skewer inserted in center comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Cool in pan on a rack 5 minutes, then run a thin knife between cake and side of pan and invert rack over cake. Flip cake onto rack and cool completely. Peel off paper.
  • Cut cake horizontally in half with a long serrated knife to form 2 layers, then tightly wrap each layer in plastic wrap and freeze 30 minutes.
  • Put 1 cake layer on plate or inverted cake pan (at least 10 inches, but small enough to fit in your freezer). Dip pan containing vanilla ice cream mixture in a large bowl of hot water briefly to loosen, 5 to 7 seconds (have a kitchen towel ready to wipe off water), and unmold ice cream onto cake. Top vanilla ice cream layer with second cake layer, cut side up. Unmold sorbet layer onto cake in same manner and freeze ice cream cake until firm, about 1 hour.
  • Make meringue:
  • Beat egg whites and a pinch of salt in a large bowl with cleaned beaters at moderately high speed until foamy, then add cream of tartar and continue to beat until whites hold soft peaks. Add sugar a little at a time, beating, and continue beating until whites just hold stiff, glossy peaks. Beat in vanilla.
  • Put oven rack in lower third of oven and preheat oven to 450°F.
  • Transfer frozen cake (still on plate or inverted cake pan) to a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper and spread meringue over cake, making it at least 1 inch thick and mounding it on top. Make an indentation with a tablespoon in center of meringue deep enough to fit eggshell. Bake cake until edges are lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer cake to a serving plate using 2 metal spatulas and place eggshell in indentation. Pour liqueur into eggshell and carefully ignite with a kitchen match. Spoon flaming liqueur evenly over meringue (flaming liqueur will brown meringue a little more). Remove eggshell and serve baked Alaska immediately.

Tips:

  • Mise en place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment you need. This will help you stay organized and avoid any mishaps.
  • Use a metal bowl: When making the ice cream base, use a metal bowl instead of a plastic or glass bowl. This will help the ice cream freeze more quickly and evenly.
  • Chill the bowl and beaters: Before you start whipping the egg whites, chill the bowl and beaters in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. This will help the egg whites whip up more quickly and easily.
  • Whip the egg whites gradually: Start whipping the egg whites on low speed and gradually increase the speed as they start to foam. This will help prevent the egg whites from becoming overbeaten.
  • Fold in the sugar gradually: Once the egg whites are stiff, add the sugar gradually, one tablespoon at a time. This will help prevent the egg whites from deflating.
  • Freeze the ice cream base: Before you assemble the Baked Alaska, freeze the ice cream base for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
  • Use a hot oven: When baking the Baked Alaska, preheat the oven to the highest temperature possible. This will help the meringue brown quickly and evenly.
  • Serve immediately: Baked Alaska is best served immediately after it is made. The ice cream will start to melt quickly, so don't let it sit out for too long.

Conclusion:

Baked Alaska is a classic dessert that is sure to impress your guests. It is a bit time-consuming to make, but it is well worth the effort. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily make this delicious and impressive dessert at home.

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