Magical Baked Alaska Recipe: Toasty, Sweet Cloud of Delight

Crafting a delectable baked alaska brings pure culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Layers of contrasting temperatures create an extraordinary dessert experience.

Smooth ice cream nestles beneath a golden meringue crown, waiting to surprise your taste buds.

Cold meets hot in this classic showstopper that seems almost impossible.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, this dessert requires minimal ingredients but maximum wow factor.

Professional pastry techniques merge with home kitchen creativity to produce something truly spectacular.

You’ll feel like a dessert virtuoso when presenting this stunning sweet finale.

Let’s uncover the delightful secrets of creating this stunning frozen-fire sensation.

Why Nigella Baked Alaska Is A Showstopper

• Speed Up Dessert Prep: Create this stunning dessert with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks wanting to impress without complicated techniques.
• Wow Your Guests: Deliver a restaurant-quality dessert that looks incredibly sophisticated but requires basic baking steps anyone can master.
• Customize Your Flavors: Switch cake bases, experiment with different ice cream varieties, and personalize the meringue to match your taste preferences and occasion.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare most components in advance, allowing you to assemble and finish the dessert quickly when guests arrive, reducing last-minute stress.

What You’ll Need For Nigella Baked Alaska

• Sponge Cake: A soft and light cake that serves as the foundation for this classic dessert.

• Ice Cream: A smooth and creamy filling that provides a cool contrast to the warm meringue.

• Egg Whites, Sugar: A sweet and airy mixture that creates a golden-brown protective shell when baked, giving Baked Alaska its signature look and crisp exterior.

How To Make Nigella Baked Alaska Step By Step

Step 1: Slice Cake Base

Cut the sponge cake horizontally into two even layers. Carefully place the bottom layer into a freezer-safe dish that will fit in your oven.

Step 2: Create Ice Cream Layer

Allow ice cream to soften at room temperature for a few minutes. Spread the softened ice cream evenly over the cake base. Place the dish in the freezer and let it set completely for about 2 hours until the ice cream is rock solid.

Step 3: Whip Meringue Magic

In a clean, dry mixing bowl, whip egg whites using an electric mixer. Beat until soft peaks form. Slowly sprinkle in sugar while continuing to whip. Keep beating until the meringue becomes thick, glossy, and forms stiff peaks that hold their shape.

Step 4: Preheat Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 220 degrees Celsius or 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the oven to fully heat up before baking.

Step 5: Cover with Meringue

Remove the frozen cake and ice cream from the freezer. Carefully spread the meringue over the entire surface, making sure to completely cover the ice cream layer. Use a spatula to create decorative swirls and seal all edges completely.

Step 6: Quick Golden Bake

Place the meringue-covered dessert into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, watching carefully until the meringue turns a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Remove from the oven and let the Baked Alaska cool for just a few moments. Use a knife dipped in hot water to slice cleanly through the dessert. Serve right away while the meringue is crisp and the ice cream remains frozen.

Tips That Help With Nigella Baked Alaska

• Slice Cake Strategically: Use a sharp, long knife dipped in hot water for clean, precise cuts through the frozen dessert.
• Prevent Ice Cream Melt: Work quickly when spreading ice cream and keep it very cold to maintain structural integrity.
• Meringue Mastery: Ensure egg whites are at room temperature and use clean, dry utensils for maximum volume and stability.
• Freeze Fully: Allow sufficient freezing time so the ice cream remains solid during the high-temperature baking process.
• Serve Swiftly: Present the Baked Alaska immediately after baking to preserve its dramatic hot-and-cold contrast and stunning visual appeal.

Fun Variations For Nigella Baked Alaska

• Chocolate Lover's Version: Replace vanilla sponge cake with rich chocolate cake, use chocolate ice cream for an intense cocoa experience.
• Fruit Fusion Variation: Add berry compote between cake layers, use strawberry or raspberry ice cream for a fruity kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute sponge cake with almond flour or gluten-free cake mix, ensuring same texture and taste.
• Vegan Alternative: Create meringue using aquafaba instead of egg whites, use coconut-based ice cream and plant-based cake for dairy-free version.

What Goes Well With Nigella Baked Alaska

• Savor Sweet Wine Pairing: Select a chilled dessert wine like Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling to complement the rich, creamy Baked Alaska. These sweet wines balance the dessert's sugary meringue and cold ice cream center.
• Match with Fruity Cocktail: Create a refreshing raspberry martini or champagne cocktail to cut through the dessert's sweetness. The bright, zesty flavors will enhance the delicate cake and meringue textures.
• Explore Coffee Companions: Serve a smooth espresso or cappuccino alongside the Baked Alaska. The robust coffee notes provide a beautiful contrast to the light, airy meringue and cold ice cream.
• Recommend Digestif Option: Pour a small glass of Grand Marnier or Cointreau to elevate the dessert experience.

How To Store Nigella Baked Alaska Correctly

• Store covered in the freezer for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
• Keep the Baked Alaska in the coldest part of the freezer, maintaining its structural integrity and preventing ice crystal formation.
• Cut into individual portions before freezing for easier reheating and serving later.
• Remove from freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to slightly soften the dessert, making it easier to slice and enjoy.

FAQs About Nigella Baked Alaska

• What is the key technique in making Baked Alaska?

The key technique is creating a meringue that completely seals the ice cream, which prevents melting during the brief high-temperature baking process.

• Why do I need to soften the ice cream before spreading?

Softening allows easier spreading and helps create a smooth, even layer that freezes quickly and uniformly on the cake base.

• Can I use any type of cake for this dessert?

While sponge cake works best, you can experiment with other dense, sturdy cakes like pound cake or génoise that can hold the ice cream layer without becoming soggy.

• Is it difficult to make Baked Alaska for beginners?

With careful preparation and precise steps, even novice bakers can successfully create this impressive dessert by following the technique of freezing and meringue coating carefully.

Baked Alaska Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, dreamy Baked Alaska brings together classic French culinary elegance with American innovation. Layers of rich ice cream nestled within golden sponge cake and crowned with perfectly torched meringue invite you to savor each luxurious bite of this spectacular dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 sponge cake
• 1 liter (33.8 fluid ounces) ice cream

Egg Whites and Sweetener:

• 4 large egg whites
• 200 grams (7.05 ounces) sugar

Optional Add-ins:

• 50 grams (1.76 ounces) cornflakes
• Zest of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Slice the sponge cake horizontally into two even layers, creating a stable base for the dessert.
2. Allow ice cream to soften at room temperature for 5-7 minutes, ensuring a smooth spreadable consistency.
3. Carefully spread the softened ice cream evenly over the bottom cake layer, creating a thick, uniform surface.
4. Transfer the cake with ice cream to the freezer and allow to solidify completely for approximately 2 hours until firm.
5. Whip egg whites using an electric mixer, gradually incorporating sugar until the meringue forms glossy, stiff peaks that hold their shape.
6. Heat the oven to a high temperature of 220°C (425°F), preparing for the final baking stage.
7. Remove the frozen cake from the freezer and generously coat the entire surface with the prepared meringue, ensuring complete coverage and sealed edges.
8. Place the meringue-covered dessert into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the exterior turns a rich, golden brown color.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for a brief moment to stabilize the structure.
10. Using a knife dipped in hot water, slice the Baked Alaska and serve immediately to maintain the dramatic temperature contrast between the crisp meringue and cold ice cream.

Notes

• Prep the cake layers ahead of time to ensure a perfectly even base for your dessert.
• Allow ice cream to soften just enough to spread smoothly without melting completely.
• Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, precise slices when serving.
• Choose high-quality, dense ice cream that will hold its shape during baking and won’t melt too quickly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 371
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 48 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 71 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 11 mg