How to Make the Perfect Baked Alaska
American · Easy · 35 min · 8 servings
Baked Alaska is the most dramatic and exciting dessert kids will ever see with its golden toasted meringue hiding a cold ice cream center. This showstopping recipe is surprisingly simple and kids will love watching the meringue puff and brown in the oven.
Why this recipe works
This Baked Alaska recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 6g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 store-bought round sponge cake layer
- 1 liter vanilla ice cream softened slightly
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Assemble the Ice Cream Dome
Line a bowl with plastic wrap and press softened ice cream firmly into the bowl creating a smooth dome shape. Freeze for at least 2 hours until completely solid. Place the sponge cake on a parchment-lined baking tray and unmold the ice cream dome on top of the cake centering it carefully.
Step 2: Make the Meringue
Whisk egg whites and cream of tartar in a clean bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar one tablespoon at a time while beating until stiff glossy peaks form. Add vanilla and mix briefly. The meringue should be thick enough to hold its shape perfectly.
Step 3: Cover with Meringue
Working quickly spread the meringue all over the ice cream dome and cake covering every inch completely with no gaps. Use a spatula to create fun swirls and peaks in the meringue. Return to freezer for 15 minutes if the ice cream has softened.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Preheat oven to 250 degrees Celsius or 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 3 to 5 minutes watching closely until the meringue peaks turn golden brown. Remove immediately and bring to the table for kids to see before slicing and serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- vanilla ice cream → strawberry or chocolate ice cream for extra kid appeal
- store-bought sponge cake → homemade brownie layer for a chocolatey base
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Leaving gaps in the meringue coating which allows heat to reach the ice cream causing it to melt during baking
- Baking too long causing the meringue to overcook and the ice cream inside to melt completely
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 6g protein, 42g carbs, 14g fat, 0g fiber.
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