For the best Baked Alaska, spread the meringue thickly over the ice cream to completely seal it off and insulate it to prevent it from melting. Don’t rush the process of creating the meringue, as it needs to have definitive stiff, glossy peaks forming before it’s ready to be used.
The classic look of a Baked Alaska has a swirling meringue on top, which you can form using the back of a large spoon or offset knife. This helps to create a dramatic texture, but also promotes caramelization.
For the ice cream, there are a few variations you can try. In the recipe above we’ve suggested using raspberry ice cream to complement the jam, but you can use any selection of flavors, from vanilla to caramel. If you want to be even more inventive you could try using an Earl Grey-infused ice cream for a more complex taste. It is also possible to use gelato, but this typically tends to be served at a slightly warmer temperature and won’t hold its structure as well as ice cream.
The Origins of Baked Alaska
If you don’t know what Baked Alaska is, we have a detailed guide available explaining the history of this dessert. When it was invented, the idea of serving ice cream in a warm casing wasn’t new to the culinary world, but it’s thought to be the work of an American-born scientist, Sir Benjamin Thompson.
A physicist and inventor with a keen interest in heat management, he’s also credited with inventing the sous vide technique. Thompson found that meringue is a useful insulator as it’s a poor conductor of heat, and could therefore slow the melting of ice cream. These initial findings took the form of a dish known as Omelette Surprise, which eventually developed into a Baked Alaska in America.
Flambé and Finishing Techniques
A kitchen torch is the top way to achieve a beautiful finish and controlled caramelization on your meringue, as it helps to concentrate the browning. For an even more dramatic presentation at a dinner party, try making a Baked Alaska on fire using a flambé technique.
Select a high-proof liquor, such as brandy, and pour it over the meringue before lighting. Once lit, the flames will burn briefly on the surface, allowing the meringue to insulate the ice cream and keep the center frozen. It’s an extravagant and festive way to serve this dessert for adults and perfect for a special occasion.
Make-ahead Tips and Storage
To save time on the day of serving, you can assemble the ice cream and cake base in advance and freeze until needed. However, the meringue should be made just before torching for optimum results.
Leftover Baked Alaska can be stored covered in the freezer, but it’s best served fresh on the day of making.
