Baked Alaska Dessert is a luxurious and delicious dessert made up of three main layers: sponge cake, ice cream, and Italian meringue. It is a wonderfully decadent treat that harmoniously combines the contrasting elements of fire and ice, setting it apart from other desserts. Prior to experiencing the delectable taste of baked Alaska, the process of creating this dessert remained a mystery. In this article, we unveil the hidden secrets of preparing the baked Alaska dessert recipe.

The Baked Alaska Dessert recipe is very easy to make, and you can make it at home too. We have shared below the recipe for making Baked Alaska.

Why is it called baked Alaska?

Baked Alaska was so named because of its top layer. When baking the dessert in the oven, the meringue undergoes a subtle transformation, developing a golden brown hue on the surface and creating a crystalline shell. Many people often look forward to the sight of snow-clad Alaskan Peaks. It was created by a French chef, ,Frédéric Villeres. Villeres named this dessert “Alaska-frost, but it later became known as “Baked  Alaska.” So, that is the history of baked Alaska.

How to Make an Alaska Dessert Recipe?

Ingredients:

For the meringue

• 6 large egg whites
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cream of tartar.
• 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar.

Ice Cream Centre

• Cooking Spray
• 3 pints of ice cream

For Cake

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) of unsalted butter
• Cooking spray
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk

For the cake base (optional),

• 1 pound (454 g) of store-bought pound cake or sponge cake, chopped into slightly smaller pieces with your ice cream scoop.

For the topping: (optional)

• 1/4 cup toasted almonds or slivered nuts.

Equipment:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• 3-quart mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Ice cream scoop
• Offset spatula
• Parchment paper
• 9-inch round cake pan
• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
• Cooling rack
• Kitchen torch

Introduction:

First, prepare the Meringue?

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Afterward, in a spotless bowl free of grease, gently whisk the egg whites and cream of tartar together. Slowly add a table spoon of sugar at a time, stirring continuously, until stiff peaks form. Now, the meringue should be thick enough for you to confidently flip the bowl upside down without any spills.

Time to collect sweets:

If you use a cake base, place the cake disc on a baking sheet or heat-resistant dish. Place a generous scoop of ice cream on each disc, ensuring it’s perfectly rounded and smooth. Swiftly and gently spread the meringue over the ice cream.

Now toast the meringue.

 Now place the dessert in the preheated oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown and slightly puffed. It’s recommended to be attentive, as it has the potential to burn rapidly, and consequently, all your efforts may be in vain.

Now it’s time to serve.

When is your baked Alaska ready? serve it right away. Additionally, feel free to sprinkle roasted almonds or chopped nuts on top. Enjoy baked Alaska fresh and eat quickly afterward, as the ice cream may begin to melt.

Tips to make Alaska Dessert Recipe:

• If you are making a Baked Alaska Dessert recipe, you will need a large oven pan that can accommodate the cake, ice cream, and meringue without being a mess.
• For a glossy and smooth meringue, ensure thorough beating of the egg whites and patiently incorporate the syrup; this will result in the desired texture according to your preference.
• Opting for ladyfingers or cookies as a base is not suitable unless you have pound cake or sponge cake available.
• Be careful not to overcook the meringue, as it may become rubbery. If you have prepared it well, you can serve the baked Alaska immediately after toasting it.

Baked Alaska Dessert Recipe – FAQs

Which ice cream is best for making Baked Alaska?

-You can use classic ice cream like vanilla, strawberry or chocolate for Baked Alaska.

How to serve Baked Alaska?

-Serve Baked Alaska promptly; reheating the meringue may result in melting. Present it on a large plate and cut it using a spoon or scoop.

How to Store Baked Alaska?

-You can store baked Alaska in the freezer. Store in an airtight container and can also be kept in the freezer for 2-3 months. However ,it should not be kept for a long time.

Who invented baked Alaska Dessert?

-Chef Charles Reinhofer of Delmonico’s in New York City is frequently credited with the creation of this dessert. In 1867, he introduced a dessert named “Alaska, Florida” to commemorate the recent Alaska purchase.

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