Ready to impress your guests with a dessert that’s as dramatic as it is delicious? Baked Alaska is a classic treat that features layers of cake, ice cream, and a fluffy meringue topping—baked just enough to achieve a golden crust while keeping the ice cream cold inside. This retro favorite is perfect for special occasions, offering a mix of temperatures and textures in each delightful bite.
So, how do you make a classic baked Alaska? Start with a base of sponge cake, top it with your favorite ice cream, and then cover it all with a generous layer of meringue. Quickly bake it until the meringue is beautifully toasted, and voilà—an impressive dessert that’s sure to wow!
Excited to try making this show-stopping classic at home? Read on for a step-by-step guide that will help you create a perfect baked Alaska to cap off any meal in style.
In A Rush? Key Takeaways:
- Baked Alaska features cake, ice cream, and a toasted meringue topping.
- It’s a mix of hot and cold, with contrasting textures for a unique dessert experience.
- Perfect for impressing guests with a show-stopping sweet treat.
Classic Baked Alaska Dessert
The classic Baked Alaska from Simply Whisked is truly a showstopper that always impresses at gatherings. What makes this recipe amazing is its simplicity paired with that iconic, dramatic presentation—an ice cream center surrounded by sponge cake, all enveloped in a cloud of torched meringue. I love how it brings together contrasting temperatures and textures, from the warmth of the golden meringue to the cool, creamy ice cream. This Baked Alaska is a surefire way to leave everyone at the table amazed and is much easier to prepare than it looks.
If you're looking for an indulgent dessert that makes you feel like a sophisticated gourmet, Zoe Bakes' Coffee Bourbon Chocolate Baked Alaska is just the thing. The rich layers of coffee, bourbon, and chocolate bring out deep, complex flavors that dance on the palate. I particularly love the way the bitter notes of coffee balance out the sweetness, while the hint of bourbon adds warmth and depth. This is a perfect treat for when you want to celebrate a special occasion in style, impressing your guests with both taste and presentation.
The Raspberry Rhubarb and Chocolate Baked Alaska from Sugar et al is a delightful combination that takes this dessert to the next level. I’m completely enamored with the way the tartness of rhubarb and raspberry contrasts against the smooth, rich chocolate. It’s not just a beautiful dessert but also a wonderful mix of tangy and sweet flavors, wrapped in a perfectly torched meringue. This one’s perfect for those who crave a fruity twist in their indulgences, giving a balanced and refreshing kick to the creamy richness of a traditional Baked Alaska.
Weelicious's Holiday Baked Alaska is a whimsical twist that brings a little extra cheer to the holiday season. What makes it special to me is how it plays with festive flavors and colors, making it the ultimate winter dessert centerpiece. With layers of cake and ice cream all covered in a thick, golden-brown meringue, it feels like you’re savoring a bit of holiday magic in every bite. This dessert is not just about indulgence; it’s about creating lasting memories with your loved ones, and I can't think of a better way to cap off a holiday feast.
Sally’s Baking Addiction has given the classic Baked Alaska a modern twist by incorporating a fudgy brownie base, and I must say, it's absolutely brilliant. I love how the dense, chewy brownie contrasts with the creamy ice cream on top, making each bite full of texture and flavor. The sweetness of the meringue and the rich chocolatey goodness of the brownie work in perfect harmony, making this dessert a must-try for chocolate lovers. This one’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests without too much fuss.
These Mini Neapolitan Baked Alaskas from Taste of Home are not only adorable but also a nostalgic trip down memory lane. I adore how the classic trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream brings back those comforting, familiar flavors we all know and love. The mini size makes them perfect for individual servings, adding a personal touch that’s great for parties. Each bite is a delightful mix of airy meringue, soft cake, and creamy ice cream, making them a fantastic treat that feels both indulgent and playful.
The Mocha Baked Alaska from Youth Sweets is an absolute dream for coffee lovers. The rich mocha flavors blend seamlessly with the creamy ice cream, creating a dessert that's both energizing and indulgent. I love how the bold coffee taste pairs with the sweetness of the meringue, giving a well-rounded and sophisticated finish. The combination of textures—soft cake, cold ice cream, and toasted meringue—makes it a dessert worth savoring slowly, making every spoonful feel like a well-deserved treat.
The Mint Chocolate Chip Baked Alaska by Kitchen Concoctions puts a refreshing spin on this classic dessert, and it's one I absolutely adore. The cool mint ice cream pairs so well with the decadent chocolate, giving a burst of freshness that’s perfect for any season. The meringue adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the rich, minty flavors, making this Baked Alaska feel light yet satisfyingly rich. It’s an ideal dessert for when you want something indulgent but not overly heavy—like a breath of fresh, sweet air.
The Vintage Mixer’s Red Velvet Baked Alaska is simply elegant and impossible to resist. I love how the vibrant red velvet cake brings a classic Southern charm to this dessert, and the pairing with vanilla ice cream is just perfect. The dramatic presentation of the red cake, creamy ice cream, and fluffy meringue makes this an absolute showstopper for any celebration. It’s a dessert that’s as much about visual appeal as it is about flavor, and it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to get a slice.
Tastemade's Cookies 'n' Cream Baked Alaska is the ultimate comfort dessert, combining childhood favorites into a sophisticated presentation. I can’t get enough of the way the crunchy cookie pieces blend with the creamy ice cream, all surrounded by that soft, toasted meringue. It’s a perfect dessert for anyone who loves cookies 'n' cream, and the dramatic flair of torching the meringue makes it all the more fun to prepare. This is definitely a must-try for anyone looking to elevate a nostalgic flavor combination into something truly spectacular.
The Baked Apple Alaska by Tastemade is like autumn wrapped up in a dessert. I love how the warm, spiced apple brings a comforting, homely touch to the traditional Alaska. Combined with the creamy ice cream and topped with meringue, it’s a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that reminds me of a cozy fall evening. The baked apple adds a warmth that’s both inviting and unique, making it a wonderful choice when you want a dessert that feels both special and familiar.
Delish's Lemon Meringue Baked Alaska is a citrusy delight that’s refreshing and light—perfect for any occasion. I adore how the tartness of the lemon cuts through the sweetness of the meringue and ice cream, creating a beautiful balance of flavors that wakes up your taste buds. It’s like the best parts of a lemon meringue pie, taken to the next level with ice cream and that dramatic torched meringue finish. This dessert is ideal when you want something that’s both sweet and zesty, leaving everyone feeling uplifted.
Banoffee Alaska Almond Pastry, Caramel, Bananas and Vanilla Ice Cream
The Happy Foodie’s Banoffee Alaska is a decadent fusion of banana, toffee, and ice cream that’s hard to resist. The caramelized bananas, paired with almond pastry and creamy ice cream, create a delightful mix of flavors and textures that feel luxurious and comforting at the same time. I love how the sweetness of the bananas and toffee combines with the airy meringue, giving every bite a creamy, crunchy, and utterly satisfying experience. If you’re a fan of banoffee pie, this baked Alaska version is a must-try.
Baking Bites' Black Forest Baked Alaska is a true treat for chocolate lovers, featuring the classic combination of cherries, chocolate, and cream. I love the richness of the chocolate cake paired with the sweet-tart cherries, all topped with creamy ice cream and meringue. It captures the essence of a Black Forest cake while adding the extra wow factor of torched meringue. This dessert is perfect for anyone looking to impress with a nostalgic flavor that’s been transformed into something even more special.
The Pumpkin Spice Baked Alaska from Life, Love and Sugar is like a slice of autumn heaven, and I absolutely love it. The warm spices in the pumpkin ice cream bring an aromatic, cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall gatherings. Paired with a soft cake base and topped with fluffy, toasted meringue, it’s a dessert that feels both indulgent and festive. This Baked Alaska is a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of the season, making it an ideal dessert for any fall or holiday event.