basic baked alaska recipe

The Best basic baked alaska recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite basic baked Alaska recipe. This classic dessert has been a staple in American cuisine for decades, and for good reason – it’s a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. As a busy mom, I’ve found that this recipe is perfect for special occasions, but also works well for everyday treats.

The combination of the crispy meringue topping and the creamy ice cream inside is absolute perfection. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for a novice baker like myself. I remember first trying baked Alaska at a family gathering when I was a kid – my grandmother had made it for a special occasion, and it was love at first bite.

Ever since then, I’ve been hooked on this recipe. It’s become a staple in our household, and I love making it for my kids as a fun and special treat. The best part?

It’s actually quite healthy, considering it’s made with ice cream and meringue – just be sure to use high-quality ingredients and don’t overdo it on the sugar. When I’m feeling fancy, I like to serve it in individual servings cups or ramekins, but you can also make it in a large baking dish if you prefer. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit with your loved ones.

Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe to ensure that it turns out perfectly every time – from the fluffiest meringue topping to the creamiest ice cream inside. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile – you can customize the flavor of the ice cream to suit your taste preferences, and even add in mix-ins like nuts or candy pieces for added texture.

Baked Alaska

4.8 from 532 votes

A classic dessert featuring ice cream topped with meringue and baked until golden. This recipe combines a simple cake base, vanilla ice cream, and a light meringue topping.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time5-7 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk

For the Ice Cream

2 cups vanilla ice cream

For the Meringue

4 large egg whites
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup granulated sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F 175°C.
2Grease and flour a 9×9 inch baking dish.
3In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Set aside.
4In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
5Beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6Stir in vanilla extract.
7Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
8Mix just until combined.
9Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
10Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11Allow the cake to cool completely in the dish.
12Once cooled, place the cake in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until very cold.
13While the cake is cooling, place the ice cream in the freezer to firm up.
14Once the cake is chilled, spread the ice cream evenly over the top of the cake.
15Return the cake to the freezer for at least 2 more hours or until the ice cream is very firm.
16Preheat your oven to 450°F 230°C.
17In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
18Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
19Remove the cake with ice cream from the freezer.
20Spread the meringue evenly over the top and sides of the ice cream, ensuring it is completely covered.
21Bake for 4-7 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden.
22Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Electric mixer
Freezer
Baking sheet

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: Ensure the ice cream is very firm before adding the meringue to prevent melting. You can use a piping bag to apply the meringue for a more decorative finish.

Watch Video Of How Baked Alaska Works

One of my favorite things about baked Alaska is how well it stores – simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate until ready to serve.

To reheat, simply place individual servings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) until golden brown.

This makes it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions when you need something impressive but don’t want to spend all day slaving away in the kitchen.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Alaska

Q: What is baked Alaska?

Baked Alaska is a classic dessert made with layers of cake, ice cream, and meringue. The traditional recipe typically includes pound cake or sponge cake as the base layer, topped with scoops of ice cream and finished with a fluffy meringue topping.

Q: How do I make baked Alaska from scratch?

To make baked Alaska from scratch, start by baking a layer of pound cake or sponge cake according to your preference. Once the cake is completely cool, top it with scoops of your favorite ice cream flavor – we recommend using high-quality store-bought or homemade ice cream for the best results.

Q: What’s the secret to making perfect meringue topping?

The key to making perfect meringue topping is to ensure that your egg whites are at room temperature before whipping them up with sugar and any desired flavorings – this will help create stiff peaks that will hold their shape during baking.

Q: Can I use different flavors of ice cream in my baked Alaska?

Yes! You can customize the flavor of your ice cream to suit your taste preferences – try using different flavors like chocolate mint or strawberry cheesecake for added variety.

Q: How do I prevent my meringue from weeping during baking?

To prevent weeping during baking, make sure your oven is at exactly 500 degrees Fahrenheit (or 260 degrees Celsius) – any variations in temperature may cause your meringue to weep during baking.

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