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Baked Alaska

Baked Alaska layers a tender cake base with a dome of frozen vanilla ice cream, all encased in fluffy meringue that toasts to a golden finish in the oven. The contrast of warm, caramelized exterior and cold, creamy center makes it a nostalgic showstopper for celebrations and dinner parties.

  • Prep25 mins
  • Cook10 mins
  • Serves16
  • DifficultyMedium
Baked Alaska
  1. 1

    Gather all the ingredients.

  2. 2

    Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch round mixing bowl with plastic wrap. Pack the softened ice cream into the lined bowl, flatten the top, and cover with more plastic wrap. Freeze until firm, 8 hours to overnight.

  3. 3

    Beat the egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, and salt in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form.

  4. 4

    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set the cake in the center. Remove the ice cream from the freezer, discard the plastic wrap, and invert the ice cream onto the cake.

  5. 5

    Quickly spread the meringue over the ice cream and cake, swirling decorative patterns if you like. Freeze for 2 hours.

  6. 6

    Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

  7. 7

    Bake the cake on the lowest oven shelf until the meringue is light brown, 8 to 10 minutes.

  8. 8

    Slice and enjoy!