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Baked Alaska
Updated Feb. 8, 2024
![Baked Alaska](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2023/10/06/multimedia/LH-baked-alaska-jfzm/LH-baked-alaska-jfzm-articleLarge.jpg?width=1280&quality=75&auto=webp)
- Total Time
- About 7 hours 20 minutes
- Prep Time
- 5 minutes
- Cook Time
- 1 hour 15 minutes, plus 6 hours’ freezing
- Rating
- Notes
- Read community notes
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Ingredients
- 1(1.5 quart) carton or 3 pints chocolate ice cream
- 1(1.5 quart) carton or 3 pints cherry or strawberry ice cream
- 1(12-ounce) store-bought loaf pound cake or a homemade loaf pound cake, cut into ½-inch-thick slices
- 6large egg whites, at room temperature
- ⅛teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¼teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
- 1cup granulated sugar
Preparation
- Step 1
Line the inside of a 9-inch (3-quart) mixing bowl with plastic wrap, leaving a few inches of overhang on all sides. Let the chocolate ice cream soften at room temperature for 15 minutes, then spoon it into the prepared bowl. Use a rigid spatula or wooden spoon to spread the ice cream into an even layer at the bottom of the bowl, packing it slightly so it’s dense. Freeze until the ice cream is firm to the touch, at least 1 hour.
- Step 2
Remove the cherry ice cream from the freezer and soften at room temperature for 15 minutes, then spoon it onto the refrozen chocolate ice cream. Spread it into an even layer, leaving ½-inch at the top of the bowl. (You may have some ice cream left in the container.) Working quickly, arrange the pound cake slices on top, cutting them to fit so the entire surface of the ice cream is covered. Fold the overhanging plastic wrap over the cake and freeze for at least 3 hours, and up to 72 hours.
- Step 3
At least 3 hours before you plan to serve the baked alaska, make the meringue: Place the egg whites and cream of tartar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. (Alternatively, you could also use a hand mixer.) Whisk the egg whites on medium-high until frothy and doubled in volume, about 1 minute. Add the vanilla and salt, and then, with the mixer running, gradually pour in the sugar. Increase the speed to high and whisk until stiff peaks form.
- Step 4
Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Pour about 1 inch of warm water into a very large mixing bowl (larger than the bowl used for the baked alaska.) Place the cake bowl in the water for 15 seconds, then lift the plastic to release it and invert the ice cream cake onto the sheet pan. Remove and discard the plastic wrap.
- Step 5
Using a spatula or a piping bag, spoon or pipe the meringue onto the baked alaska to create spiky peaks, covering the sides entirely. (Be sure not to leave any spots exposed.) Freeze uncovered for at least 2 hours, until the meringue is firm to the touch.
- Step 6
Heat the oven to 450 degrees and place a rack in the middle. With the cake still on the sheet pan, bake for 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully, until parts of the meringue are lightly browned. (You can also use a kitchen blowtorch for this step.) Use two large spatulas to transfer the baked alaska to a serving platter, then set it on the counter for up to 10 minutes to defrost slightly for easier slicing. Slice the baked alaska into wedges using a large, sharp knife, and wiping the blade in between cuts for clean slices. Use a pie server or spatula to remove the slices, and serve immediately.
Private Notes
Cooking Notes
Having Bombe Alaska as it was known as a 16years old boy in a restaurant in the 60's was so entrancing and delicious determined me to become a chef, don't know if that was a good thing or not!
I find making meringue is easier if you use (what the Great British Bakeoff/Baking Show always calls) Caster sugar--which is just extra fine granulated sugar (but not as fine as powdered sugar). I just put granulated sugar in a blender and pulse it a few times. It seems to incorporate better. The other secret to meringue is a Kitchen Aid mixer--makes the job almost foolproof.
Crabby!
I use angel food cake, peppermint ice cream and meringue to make individual Baked Alaska’s for a holiday desert. Always a hit!
Then suggest something better. I don’t see anything yet.
I recommend a bit more cream of tartar. Some other sources recommend 1/8 *per* egg white. First time I tried, admittedly I made other errors so I'm not sure which variable contributed most. 2nd time I used 3/4 tsp, much better results.
Ina always says good quality store-bought ingredients are just fine! This sounds like a fabulous dessert for a summer party.
Has anyone tried this with Meringue that has been cooked in a double-boiler?
Do you have to freeze after putting meringue on top? I have no room for this in my freezer! Thoughts?
I thought there was supposed to be a flambé before serving. No?
Love Baked Alaska. Daniel Rose's "omelette Norvegienne" takes this to the next level. Pistachio and vanilla ice creams between disks of pistachio cake — which stays frozen even after being doused in burning kirsch. So good! https://ny.eater.com/2017/6/13/15792752/le-coucou-baked-alaska-omelette-norvegienne
I find making meringue is easier if you use (what the Great British Bakeoff/Baking Show always calls) Caster sugar--which is just extra fine granulated sugar (but not as fine as powdered sugar). I just put granulated sugar in a blender and pulse it a few times. It seems to incorporate better. The other secret to meringue is a Kitchen Aid mixer--makes the job almost foolproof.
I use angel food cake, peppermint ice cream and meringue to make individual Baked Alaska’s for a holiday desert. Always a hit!
Hi, do you use pre-made angel food loaf cut into circles for a muffin pan? Which meringue recipe do you use?
A NY Times recipe that calls for two types of store bought ice cream and a store bought pound cake? The only thing missing is “a can of Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup.”
Crabby!
Then suggest something better. I don’t see anything yet.
Having Bombe Alaska as it was known as a 16years old boy in a restaurant in the 60's was so entrancing and delicious determined me to become a chef, don't know if that was a good thing or not!
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