Simple baked Alaska is a classic dessert that combines a light and airy meringue with a layer of rich ice cream and a crispy graham cracker crust. This delectable treat is sure to impress your family and friends, and it's easier to make than you might think! To get you started, let's explore the key steps involved in creating this amazing dessert.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
BAKED ALASKA
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories dessert
Time 6h29m
Yield 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
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
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
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.
EASY BAKED ALASKA
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
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
BAKED ALASKA
Steps:
- Lift the One Bowl Brownies out of the pan using the overhanging foil. Use a 9-inch stainless steel bowl to cut out a circle; reserve the circle.
- Completely line the same 9-inch bowl with plastic wrap, leaving a 6-inch overhang around the edge. Scoop the softened ice cream into the bowl and use a rubber spatula to smooth it down. Carefully lift the brownie round with a flat spatula and place on top of the ice cream. If it breaks, that's ok, just use the brownie pieces to fill in the gaps. Fold the plastic wrap over the top of the brownie and place in the freezer until solid, 4 hours. Place a marble slab in the freezer to chill. (If you don't have a marble slab, place a baking sheet lined with foil in the freezer; it works just as well.)
- When ready to serve, place a small saucepan of water over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Add the egg whites to the bowl of a stand mixer, and then place the bowl over the simmering liquid, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the hot water. Whisk until the egg whites are frothy, then add the sugar a tablespoon at a time, whisking well after each addition. Whisk in the cream of tartar. Keep whisking the eggs over the heat until the sugar has dissolved and the egg whites are warm, 2 to 3 minutes. Move the bowl to the stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, 8 to 10 minutes. Beat in the vanilla and mix until combined.
- Remove the bowl with the ice cream from the freezer. Unwrap the top of the plastic wrap, pop the molded ice cream/brownie out of the bowl and place it brownie-side down on the chilled marble slab. Remove the plastic wrap. Completely cover the ice cream and brownie with the meringue, making sure to seal the edges on the chilled slab. Bring the baked Alaska out to your guests, set it on the table and use a kitchen torch to brown the meringue!
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F; line a 13-by-9-inch cake pan with foil and leave a 2-inch overhang on all sides. Spray with nonstick spray.
- Add the butter to a medium glass bowl and melt in the microwave. Add the cocoa, granulated sugar and brown sugar, and stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the eggs one at a time, stirring well until mixed in completely after each addition. Add the flour, salt and vanilla extract and again stir vigorously until the batter is well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth down and even the top. Bake until a cake tester inserted in the center of the brownie comes out clean with just a few crumbs, 30 minutes. Let cool completely.
BAKED ALASKA
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
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
SIMPLE BAKED ALASKA
Make and share this Simple Baked Alaska recipe from Food.com.
Provided by LikeItLoveIt
Categories Frozen Desserts
Time 25m
Yield 9 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Lay ice cream bricks side by side; measure length and width.
- Trim cake 1 inch larger on all sides than ice cream measurements.
- Place cake on a piece of foil.
- Center ice cream on cake.
- Cover; freeze till firm.
- At serving time, beat together egg whites, vanilla, and cream of tartar to soft peaks. Gradually add in sugar beating after each tablespoon is added.
- Transfer cake with ice cream to a baking sheet.
- Spread with egg white mixture, sealing to edges of cake and baking sheet all around.
- Swirl to make peaks.
- Place oven rack in lowest position.
- Bake in a 500F degrees oven about 3 minutes or till golden.
- Slice; serve immediately.
BAKED ALASKA
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
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
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
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.
BAKED ALASKA
Make this retro dessert for a festive get-together. With ice cream, fluffy meringue and sponge cake, it's a showstopper - and it's easier to make than it looks
Provided by Esther Clark
Categories Dessert
Time 1h5m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Butter and line a 20cm cake tin. Beat together the butter and sugar using a hand whisk or freestanding mixer, for 5 mins until pale and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla and eggs, then fold through the flour, lemon zest and milk. Spoon the mixture into the tin, smooth over and bake for 18-20 mins until golden and firm to the touch. Leave to cool completely before starting the meringue.
- Whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks in a clean bowl, then add the sugar 1 tbsp at a time while whisking continuously, until you have a thick, glossy mixture that holds its shape when the beaters are lifted away from the bowl. Quickly beat in the vinegar.
- Remove the ice cream from the freezer 10 mins before you assemble to soften slightly. Place the sponge on a serving plate. Spread the jam over the top of the sponge in an even layer. Scoop balls of the ice cream into a mound in the middle of the sponge, leaving a 1-2cm gap of sponge around the edge. Gently smooth the side and top of the ice cream with a palette knife. Spoon and swirl the meringue around the outside of the ice cream and cake base with a large spoon. Use a blow torch to evenly brown the outside of the meringue, if you have one. Cut into wedges to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 344 calories, Fat 14 grams fat, SaturatedFat 8 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 49 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 42 grams sugar, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 5 grams protein, Sodium 0.44 milligram of sodium
BROWNIE BAKED ALASKA
Pistachio and strawberry ice cream top a fudgy brownie base that's frosted with meringue and torched to create this baked Alaska. This concept is said to have emerged when a British physicist known as Count Rumford was experimenting with egg whites during the Revolutionary period and found them to be poor conductors of heat. Make sure to bake the brownie base and layer the ice creams the night before prepping the meringue.
Provided by Smart Cookie
Categories Desserts Frozen Dessert Recipes 100+ Ice Cream Recipes Chocolate Ice Cream Recipes
Time 13h
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (175 degrees C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch cake pan with parchment and spray the sides with cooking spray.
- Melt butter, semisweet chocolate chips, and unsweetened chocolate in a medium mixing bowl set over a double boiler, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool while working on the next step.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a small mixing bowl.
- Whisk sugar, eggs, instant coffee, and vanilla together in another bowl until well combined. Pour in the chocolate mixture and stir to combine. Add in the flour mixture and stir until fully incorporated. Pour batter into the cake pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven until edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Cool completely in the pan, at least 30 minutes.
- In the meantime, transfer ice cream to the refrigerator to warm for 15 minutes. Line a 9-inch glass mixing bowl with plastic wrap, leaving a few inches of overhang on the sides.
- Remove one of the pints of pistachio ice cream and press into the bottom of the prepared bowl using a small rubber spatula. Smooth into an even layer and freeze for 15 minutes. Repeat the process with both pints of strawberry ice cream, freezing for 15 minutes between each pint.
- Fold the overhanging plastic wrap over the top layer of ice cream. Freeze until solid, 10 hours to overnight.
- Turn brownie out, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
- Gently whisk egg whites with superfine sugar and cream of tartar over top of a double boiler until eggs are warm to the touch the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Pour meringue into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whip at a low speed until foamy. Increase speed and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in vanilla.
- Unwrap chilled brownie and place on a serving tray or cake stand. Grab the plastic wrap overhang and lift the ice cream dome out of the bowl, dunking the bottom of the bowl in warm water to help it release. Place dome flat-side down on top of the brownie.
- Quickly frost the dome with the meringue in a swirl pattern, covering the ice cream completely.
- Toast the meringue using a brulee torch, or broil until browned. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 437.7 calories, Carbohydrate 46 g, Cholesterol 100.5 mg, Fat 26.9 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 7.2 g, SaturatedFat 14.4 g, Sodium 198.8 mg, Sugar 27.3 g
TRADITIONAL BAKED ALASKA
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
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.
INDIVIDUAL BAKED ALASKA
This is an "Impress Your Friends" dessert for sure, and it's incredibly simple to make. I've included recipes for sauces here, but you can use whatever sauces, whatever cake bases, whatever ice-cream you like. It's really simple, and delicious. I used to make these all the time in the restaurant I worked in.
Provided by P48422
Categories Frozen Desserts
Time 42m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- To make the chocolate sauce: chop the chocolate to a rough consistency.
- Heat the cream just to a scald, then pour over the chocolate.
- Do not stir.
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then stir with a whisk until smooth.
- Makes about 1 cup.
- To make the raspberry sauce: Puree the raspberries in a blender with the remaining ingredients.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds.
- Refrigerate until needed.
- Makes about 1 cup.
- To assemble the ice-cream bases: line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Using a 3" round cookie cutter (or a glass) cut 6 circles out of the cake, and place them on the parchment.
- Place a scoop of ice cream in the center of each piece of cake, making sure you leave a small margin of cake visible all the way around.
- Place in the freezer until the meringue is ready.
- To prepare the meringue: combine the sugar, corn syrup and water in a heavy, 1-quart saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a boil, then cook until the syrup reaches 230 degrees F.
- (thread stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Meanwhile, place the egg whites in the bowl of your mixer, and fit the whip attachment to your mixer.
- When the syrup reaches the thread stage, start whipping your egg whites on high speed.
- When the syrup reaches 245-250 degrees F.
- (firm-ball stage), lower the speed of the mixer to low, and very, very, VERY slowly start pouring the syrup in, in a slow, steady, thin stream until it is all used up.
- Immediately return the mixer to high speed and continue whipping until the meringue reaches a very stiff peaked consistency.
- Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fit with a plain tip.
- Remove the ice cream bases from the freezer.
- Now you are going to create a meringue"beehive" around each scoop of ice cream.
- I find it easier to do this by removing one ice-cream scoop at a time to a cake turntable or a flat-work surface that I can spin around, like a small plate, pipe the meringue, then using a thin spatula, returning it carefully to the parchment.
- To pipe the meringue you need to start at the bottom edge of the cake, pipe a ring of meringue around the icecream so that it completely covers the cake edge.
- Then continue to pipe a line of meringue all around the scoop of ice cream, making sure you completely cover the ice cream, and that each line of meringue rests on top of the previous one.
- Finish with a small circle at the top.
- Repeat with remaining ice cream bases.
- Return them to the freezer until ready to serve.
- Just before service, decorate your plate: choose an oversize plate, like a dinner plate.
- Then using the sauces, paint or spoon or swirl them on to your hearts content.
- Any design you like.
- I like to just use squiggles, but anything goes at this point.
- Now- if you don't have a torch, you will need to turn your oven to broil.
- If you have a torch, get it ready.
- Remove the meringues from the freezer, and dust the top of each one with the confectioners sugar in a fine mesh strainer.
- If you are using a broiler, place the baking sheet under the broiler but leave the door open and watch.
- You will only need about 30-45 seconds, just enough time for the meringue to turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, place one in the center of each plate, and serve.
- If you are using a torch, turn your torch to a med-low setting, and carefully, gently use the torch to brown the outside of the meringues.
- Place one meringue on each plate, and serve.
- Notes: You can use any type of cake you want here- this recipe is more a method than anything.
- I've used chocolate chiffon as a base, I've used spongecake, poundcake, leftover slices of cupcakes!
- Anything, anyflavor, but it needs to be at least 1/4" thick.
- You can also use any flavor ice-cream- experiment, go wild.
- Sorbet is great this way- I've done mango sorbet, and lime sorbet- they taste terrific.
- Experiment, have fun, and don't be intimidated by this dessert.
- It's fun, and it's easy, and your friends and relatives will"oooohhhh!
- "and"ahhhhh!
- "you to death!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 796.8, Fat 26.6, SaturatedFat 15.7, Cholesterol 170.6, Sodium 262.4, Carbohydrate 132.5, Fiber 4.6, Sugar 99.9, Protein 10.8
BIRTHDAY BAKED ALASKA
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
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.
Tips:
- Mise en place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all your ingredients and equipment ready. This will help you stay organized and avoid any mishaps.
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly affect the taste of your Baked Alaska. Make sure to use the freshest ingredients you can find.
- Don't overbeat the meringue: Be careful not to overbeat the meringue, or it will become too stiff and difficult to spread. You want it to be stiff enough to hold its shape, but still soft enough to be spreadable.
- Freeze the Baked Alaska completely: Before serving, make sure the Baked Alaska is completely frozen. This will help it hold its shape and prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly.
- Use a torch to brown the meringue: When you're ready to serve the Baked Alaska, use a kitchen torch to brown the meringue. This will give it a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly crispy texture.
Conclusion:
Baked Alaska is a classic dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With its combination of ice cream, cake, and meringue, it's a delicious and visually stunning treat. By following these tips, you can make a Baked Alaska that is perfect for any occasion.
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