Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Mary Berry Baked Alaska

Mary Berry Baked Alaska

  • Author: Ekani Ella
  • Prep Time: 30
  • Cook Time: 10
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Description

Mary Berry’s Baked Alaska is a show-stopping dessert made with a base of sponge cake topped with ice cream, all encased in a thick layer of meringue. The dessert is briefly baked in a hot oven to brown the meringue while keeping the ice cream frozen, creating a dramatic contrast of hot and cold.

Ingredients

For the Sponge Base:

  • Plain flour – 100g, for a light and airy base.
  • Caster sugar – 100g, for sweetness.
  • Butter – 100g, softened, add richness.
  • Eggs – 2 large, for structure.
  • Baking powder – 1 teaspoon, helps the sponge rise.
  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, for added flavor.

For the Filling:

  • Ice cream – 500ml, any flavor of your choice, slightly softened.

For the Meringue:

  • Egg whites – 4 large, at room temperature, for a fluffy meringue.
  • Caster sugar – 200g, for a glossy finish.
  • Cornflour – 1 teaspoon, stabilizes the meringue.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Base

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Grease and line an 8-inch round cake tin with parchment paper.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • Fold in the flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the sponge cool completely.

Step 2: Assemble the Base and Ice Cream

  • Place the cooled sponge on a baking tray.
  • Scoop the softened ice cream into a dome shape on top of the sponge.
  • Place the tray in the freezer to firm up the ice cream for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Meringue

  • In a clean, grease-free bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form.
  • Gradually add the caster sugar, one spoonful at a time, whisking until stiff and glossy.
  • Whisk in the cornflour to stabilize the meringue.

Step 4: Cover with Meringue

  • Remove the sponge and ice cream from the freezer.
  • Spread the meringue over the ice cream and sponge, sealing all edges completely to insulate the ice cream.

Step 5: Bake the Alaska

  • Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
  • Bake the Baked Alaska for 5–8 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

  • Slice and serve the Baked Alaska immediately for a perfect hot and cold dessert.

Did you make this recipe?

Find it online: https://britishbakingrecipes.co.uk/mary-berry-baked-alaska/