Baked Alaska Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to a Show-Stopping Dessert
Looking for a dessert that’s as dramatic as it is delicious? This Baked Alaska recipe has everything: rich cake, creamy ice cream, and fluffy golden meringue—all in one stunning treat. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a classic retro dessert, Baked Alaska will leave a lasting impression.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make Baked Alaska from scratch, including tips, variations, and step-by-step instructions.
What Is Baked Alaska?
Baked Alaska is a layered dessert made with sponge cake or pound cake as the base, topped with a dome of ice cream and coated in a sweet meringue. It’s then baked just long enough to toast the meringue without melting the ice cream inside. The contrast between warm and cold makes it a unique and exciting dessert.
Ingredients for Baked Alaska
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy Baked Alaska recipe:
For the base:
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1 slice of pound cake or sponge cake, about 1 inch thick
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1 pint of ice cream (vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, or your favorite flavor)
For the meringue:
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4 large egg whites
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1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How to Make Baked Alaska – Step-by-Step
1. Prepare the Ice Cream
Line a small bowl with plastic wrap. Soften your ice cream slightly and pack it into the bowl. Smooth the top and freeze for at least 3 hours or until firm.
2. Cut and Prepare the Cake
Cut your cake base to fit the bottom of the ice cream dome. Place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
3. Make the Meringue
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Slowly add sugar while beating until glossy, stiff peaks appear.
4. Assemble the Baked Alaska
Unmold the ice cream dome and place it on top of the cake. Cover the entire dessert with meringue, making sure there are no gaps. The meringue acts as an insulator, keeping the ice cream frozen during baking.
5. Bake or Torch
Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). Bake the dessert for 2–3 minutes or until the meringue is golden. Alternatively, use a kitchen torch to brown the meringue evenly.
Tips for Perfect Baked Alaska
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Freeze ahead: Make the ice cream dome a day in advance for easier assembly.
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Seal well: Cover every part of the ice cream with meringue to prevent melting.
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Customize it: Try different cake and ice cream flavor combinations like lemon cake with raspberry sorbet or chocolate cake with mint chip ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Alaska Recipe
This Baked Alaska recipe is perfect for special occasions and holidays. It’s surprisingly easy to make and endlessly customizable. Plus, it’s a fun way to impress guests with a dessert that looks and tastes amazing.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dessert that’s guaranteed to turn heads, this Baked Alaska recipe delivers. With simple ingredients and a dramatic finish, it’s the perfect combination of taste and presentation. Try it once, and it just might become your go-to celebration dessert.