This delectable treat is made with a sponge cake base, topped with a layer of ice cream, and then covered in a meringue. Browned in an oven to give it a crispy outer layer, baked Alaska is undoubtedly an amazing combination of different flavors and textures.
Brief History and Origin
Baked Alaska has its origins in the early 19th century. It is said to have been created by French chef Marie Antoine Carême. Carême was a master of exquisite desserts, and baked Alaska was one of his most famous creations. The dish was originally called omelette à la norvégienne, or Norwegian omelette.
The name “Baked Alaska” appeared in print in 1876 in a cookbook called “The Epicurean.” The author of the cookbook, Charles Ranhofer, was the head chef at Delmonico’s, a famous restaurant in New York City.
Baked Alaska became even more popular in the United States after the Alaska Purchase in 1867. The dish was seen as a way to celebrate the new territory and became a patriotic symbol.
Sample Recipe
- Preparation Time: 25 mins
- Cooking Time: 10 mins
- Additional Time: 10 hrs
- Total Time: 10 hrs 35 mins
- Servings: 16
Ingredients
- 1 8-inch round baked cake layer
- 1250ml. (8 cups) vanilla ice cream
- 8 egg whites
- 200gr. (1 cup) white sugar
- ⅛ tsp. cream of tartar
- A pinch salt
Instructions
- Prepare an 8-inch round bowl by lining the bottom and sides with plastic wrap.
- Fill the bowl with ice cream. Smooth out its surface and cover it with plastic wrap. Transfer the bowl to the freezer for at least 8 hours.
- In another mixing bowl, add salt, cream of tartar, sugar and egg whites, and beat until stiff peaks appear. (you can use an electric or manual whisker for the purpose)
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and place the cake in the center. Take the ice cream out of the freezer, remove the plastic wrap from the top and invert it on top of the cake. Spread the prepared meringue Quickly over ice cream and cake. Use a spatula to create a swirl in a decorative pattern. Place it in the freezer for 2 hours.
- Prepare the oven and preheat it to 218 degrees C (425 degrees F).
- Take the cake out of the freezer and place it on the lower shelf of the preheated oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the meringue becomes light brown on top.
- When ready, remove it from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy!
5 popular variations of Baked Alaska
Although nothing can beat the traditional recipe, we have a few amazing variations to add new colours to your classic recipe:
- S’mores Baked Alaska:Skip-making meringue and try s’mores instead.
- Chocolate orange baked Alaska:The rich chocolate with citrusy orange is a heavenly combination.
- Strawberry Shortcake Baked Alaska:If you love strawberry shortcake, feel free to use it in baked Alaska.
- Brownie Baked Alaska:Rich, the decadent brownie is a delicious base for baked Alaska.
- Cherry pie baked Alaska:Cherry pie topped with meringue is insanely delicious.
