February 1, 2023 marks the first ever National Baked Alaska Day. This day celebrates the delicious and unique dessert that’s been a staple of American cuisine since its invention in 1803. Originally created by French chef Marie Antoine Carême, this dessert has stood the test of time and remains a classic favorite today. In honor of National Baked Alaska Day, we’re going to take a look at some interesting facts about this sweet treat and share a few recipes to make it at home! Read on to learn more about one of America’s most beloved desserts.
What is Baked Alaska?
Baked Alaska is a dessert that consists of ice cream and cake topped with toasted meringue. It is typically made by placing the ice cream and cake in a pie dish, topping it with meringue, and then browning the meringue with a kitchen blowtorch.
Baked Alaska has been around since the early 19th century, and its exact origins are unknown. However, it is believed to have originated in France or England. The first known recipe for Baked Alaska appeared in an 1804 French cookbook.
The dish gained popularity in the United States during the 1870s, after it was featured at Delmonico’s restaurant in New York City. It became even more popular after being served at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.
Today, Baked Alaska is enjoyed by people all over the world. It can be found on menus at restaurants and cafes, and it is also a popular dessert to make at home.
The History of Baked Alaska
Baked Alaska is a dessert that consists of ice cream and cake topped with browned meringue. It is said to have been created in the early 19th century, and its first known appearance in print was in an 1869 issue of Godey’s Lady’s Book.
The dessert became very popular in the United States during the late 19th century. There are many stories about how Baked Alaska got its name, but the most likely explanation is that it was named after the state of Alaska, which was purchased by the United States from Russia in 1867.
Baked Alaska is traditionally made with a sponge cake or pound cake base, but it can also be made with other types of cake, such as angel food cake or chocolate cake. The cake is topped with ice cream, and then the entire dessert is covered with meringue and browned quickly in the oven.
While Baked Alaska is often served on special occasions, such as holidays or birthdays, it can also be enjoyed any time of year.
How to Make Baked Alaska
Ingredients:
1. 1 pint ice cream
2. 1 Angel Food Cake or Sponge Cake
3. 1/2 cup sugar
4. 1/4 cup water
5. 2 egg whites
6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
7. 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (218 degrees C). Place a large sheet of aluminum foil over a baking sheet and set aside.
2) In a medium bowl, combine ice cream, cake, sugar, water, egg whites, vanilla extract, and cream of tartar.
3) Mix well and spread evenly over the aluminum foil-covered baking sheet.
4) Bake for 5 minutes, or until the top is browned. Remove from oven and serve immediately.”
Baked Alaska Recipes
There are a few different ways that you can make Baked Alaska, but the most popular method is to bake it in the oven. Here are some recipes for Baked Alaska that you can try at home:
1. Classic Baked Alaska Recipe
Ingredients:
-1 quart ice cream, any flavor
-1 (9-inch) round cake, any flavor
-2 cups whipped cream
-1 cup chopped nuts, optional
-1/2 cup chocolate syrup, optional
-Maraschino cherries, optional
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Scoop ice cream into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Freeze for 15 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, slice cake into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange cake slices on top of the ice cream balls. Freeze for 15 minutes more.
4. Cover cake and ice cream with whipped cream. Sprinkle with nuts, if desired. Drizzle with chocolate syrup, if desired. Place a cherry on top of each, if desired.
5. Place baking sheet in the oven and immediately reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake for 5 minutes, or until the whipped cream is browned lightly. Serve immediately.
