Baked Alaska
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a bit of kitchen drama? Ever thought about making a proper showstopper dessert? I'm talking about the baked alaska recipe , of course! It's got everything: cake, ice cream, and meringue that gets all toasted and delicious.
Quick Hook: Is Baked Alaska Hard to Make?
Remember watching someone pull a flaming dessert out of the oven and thinking "No way I can do that "? Honestly, baked alaska isn’t as scary as it looks! This easy baked alaska recipe brings that showstopper home with a creamy vanilla ice cream core and a perfectly browned, sweet Italian meringue baked alaska cloud.
Brief Overview: From Royal Roots to Your Kitchen
The baked alaska has some fancy history. Legend says it was created to celebrate the US acquiring Alaska back in the day.
Now, it's your turn! This frozen dessert recipe is medium difficulty. It'll take about 50 minutes prep and cook time, plus at least 4 hours to freeze.
This homemade baked alaska serves 8 people.
Main Benefits: Taste and Presentation
This vanilla ice cream dessert is impressive. Plus, the meringue protects the ice cream, so it doesn't melt. It’s perfect for birthdays or any special occasion.
People think you are a wizard! A truly flambé dessert without flambé ing, this recipe is special because it looks like something Paul Hollywood baked alaska would be proud of.
It’s just incredible, innit?
Ready to make some magic? Let's dive into the baked alaska ingredients you'll need!
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Easy Baked Alaska Recipe
So, you fancy making your own homemade baked alaska ? Good on you! It's easier than it looks, honestly. Think of it as a showstopper vanilla ice cream dessert .
This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience! A little planning, a little elbow grease, and Bob’s your uncle!
Main Ingredients Sorted
Right then, let's talk ingredients. I've kept it simple, easy to find in most shops. Here’s what you’ll need for this glorious baked alaska recipe :
Sponge Cake Base:
- 4 large eggs, separated
- ½ cup ( 100g ) granulated sugar, divided
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup ( 60g ) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Ice Cream Filling:
- 1 quart ( 946ml ) vanilla ice cream, softened slightly. Go for good quality ice cream! You’ll taste the difference.
Meringue:
- 4 large egg whites
- ½ cup ( 100g ) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Key Ingredient Quality: For the ice cream, splurge a bit. A good vanilla ice cream will make all the difference. I once tried it with a cheap brand, and it was just…meh.
Spice It Up: Seasoning Notes
This is where you can get creative!
- Essential Combo: Vanilla is the star here. But a pinch of cinnamon in the cake batter is a nice touch.
- Flavor Boosters: A little splash of rum or bourbon in the ice cream? Yes, please! Adds a bit of warmth.
- Quick Swaps: Don’t have cream of tartar? A tiny splash of lemon juice will do.
Kit Out the Kitchen: Essential Equipment
Don’t need loads of fancy gear for this.
- 8 inch round cake tin
- Parchment paper (saves on the washing up, you know?)
- Electric mixer stand or hand held, doesn't matter
- Ice cream scoop
- Baking tray
- Kitchen blowtorch or your oven's broiler. If you have a blowtorch, that's definitely the way to go. It's much quicker and gives a more even browning. Think flambé dessert but without the flames!
Honestly, you can totally make a baked alaska without meringue , But for best result I'd try to make it.
Now, you’re all set for that Paul Hollywood baked alaska bake off challenge. Seriously, this is a fantastic frozen dessert recipe . Let's get cooking!
Cooking Method: Baked Alaska The Ultimate Showstopper Dessert
Fancy knocking everyone's socks off? The baked alaska recipe is your ticket. It's like a magic trick with food ice cream that doesn't melt in a hot oven.
Crazy, right? It's easier than you think, honestly. I've even managed it, and I’m no Paul Hollywood.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row!
First things first, the mise en place . Basically, get everything ready. Separate those eggs! The sponge needs 4 large eggs , split yolks from whites.
Measure out the 1/2 cup sugar , flour, and vanilla. Get your vanilla ice cream , 946ml worth, softening a bit but not too much.
Safety wise? Watch those egg whites, they need to be super clean or they won't whip!
step-by-step: Let's Get This Show on the Road
Okay, here’s how to nail your homemade baked alaska :
- Bake the Cake: 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease a pan. Bake for 20- 25 mins.
- Ice Cream Time: Line a bowl with cling film. Pack in the softened ice cream. Freeze solid, at least 4 hours .
- Assemble! Cake on a tray. Ice cream on top. Work fast!
- Meringue Magic: Whisk egg whites till stiff. Gradually add sugar.
- Cover Time: Slather that meringue all over. Seal the ice cream completely.
- Brown it! Torch it or broil it, but watch out, 3- 5 minutes max!
Pro Tips: Nailing it Like a Pro
Don’t skip solidifying the ice cream. It's the key to stopping your vanilla ice cream dessert from becoming soup. If you don't fancy making a sponge from scratch, use a store-bought one .
It's our little secret. Also, watch the meringue like a hawk when broiling. You don't want a burnt offering! For a super simple easy baked alaska recipe experience, get the sponge done in advance.
The italian meringue baked alaska is quite a mouthful (pun intended), but you can have yours with any meringue you want! Looking for a flambé dessert ? Add some liquor before serving! I once tried to make a baked alaska without meringue , let me tell you, it was an absolute disaster.
My freezer couldn't save the day!
Recipe Notes: Little Secrets for a Perfect Baked Alaska Recipe
Alright, let's chat about a few extra things that'll help you ace this easy baked alaska recipe . Honestly, it's all about the little details.
Serving Like a Pro: Plating and Presentation
Think of your homemade baked alaska as a blank canvas! I love adding a scattering of fresh raspberries. Honestly, they cut through the sweetness beautifully.
A little drizzle of chocolate sauce? Yes, please! A nice glass of dessert wine or even some bubbly would make it totally boujee.
If you are going for that flambé dessert effect, well, just be careful.
Storage: Keepin' it Cool (Literally)
Right, you've made this masterpiece. What if there's leftovers? Honestly, Baked Alaska is best served immediately. But if you must store it, wrap it tightly in cling film and freeze it.
Reheating? Nah. Just let it sit out for a few minutes before serving. The ice cream will melt a little, but the meringue stays put.
Variations: Gettin' Creative with Your Baked Alaska Recipe
Fancy a change? Go wild with the ice cream. Chocolate, strawberry, even coffee works a treat! If you want to adapt this italian meringue baked alaska for dietary needs, use gluten-free flour for the sponge.
Also, maybe try some sugar-free sweetener. Keep in mind it changes the chemistry of the meringue recipe . You want to know how to make baked alaska without meringue ? I don't know.
.. find another dessert!
Nutrition: What's Inside?
Okay, let's be real. This isn't a health food. But a slice of vanilla ice cream dessert won't hurt you! I would say around 350-450 calories per serving.
Some protein from the eggs, and some fats from the ice cream. The baked alaska ingredients might be a bit sugary, too, if you're watching that.
I remember seeing an episode of paul hollywood baked alaska show, and he was talking about healthy versions.
Look, whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, give this frozen dessert recipe a whirl! I know you'll nail this baked alaska recipe .
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My ice cream melted when I tried to make the baked alaska recipe. What went wrong?
Melting is the Baked Alaska's nemesis, a right bother, isn't it? The most common culprit is not freezing the ice cream solid enough beforehand. Make sure it's rock solid, preferably overnight. Also, work quickly when assembling and covering with meringue time is of the essence!
The meringue acts as insulation, but it needs to be applied rapidly.
Can I make the sponge cake or ice cream ahead of time for this baked alaska recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, it's highly recommended. Bake the sponge cake a day or two in advance and store it well wrapped at room temperature. Prepare the ice cream dome and freeze it several days in advance. This makes assembly on the day much less stressful a bit like prepping for a Sunday roast, really!
Is there a way to brown the meringue on my baked alaska without a kitchen torch?
Yes, you can use your oven's broiler! Just be very, very careful. Preheat your broiler and position the Baked Alaska on a baking sheet on the top rack. Watch it like a hawk it can go from perfectly browned to burnt in seconds. We are talking blink, and you will miss it sort of speed.
What are some fun variations I can try with this baked alaska recipe?
Fancy jazzing it up a bit? You could swap the vanilla ice cream for chocolate, strawberry, or even coffee ice cream. Try adding a layer of jam or fruit compote between the cake and the ice cream for extra flavour. A dash of liqueur, like rum or brandy, brushed onto the sponge cake adds a grown-up twist.
How do I store leftover Baked Alaska (if there are any leftovers!)?
Storing leftover Baked Alaska is a bit tricky, but possible! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer. Be aware that the meringue may lose some of its texture, but it will still be delicious. Eat within a day or two for the best quality.
Is baked alaska recipe healthy?
Baked Alaska is a dessert that contains a considerable amount of fat, sugar, and calories. So, probably not. If you are concerned about calories or sugar intake, consider eating in moderation, or look for alternative dessert recipes that uses whole food ingredients.
Baked Alaska
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
