Baked Alaska, a dessert that sounds as impressive as it looks, is a true showstopper. Imagine a dome of ice cream, enveloped in fluffy meringue, and kissed by a golden flame. It’s a delightful combination of hot and cold, crispy and creamy, all coming together in a symphony of flavors that’s sure to impress your guests.
This seemingly complicated dessert is actually quite simple to make, and with our step-by-step guide, you’ll be serving up this frosty treat like a seasoned pastry chef in no time. Ready to wow your friends and family? Let’s fire up the oven!
Gathering Your Ingredients and Tools
Before we embark on this culinary adventure, let’s gather everything we need. Here’s a checklist to ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking experience:
Ingredients:
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 1 quart of your favorite ice cream (Vanilla bean, chocolate, or even pistachio would be delightful!)
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
For the Cake Layer:
- 1 (15.25-ounce) package of your favorite flavor cake mix (We recommend yellow cake or angel food cake for a classic taste)
- Ingredients as listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
For the Meringue:
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Tools of the Trade:
- A trusty whisk
- Two mixing bowls
- A rubber spatula
- A baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- A serrated knife
- A kitchen torch (This is the fun part! If you don’t have one, you can briefly broil the meringue in the oven)
