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Mary Berry Baked Alaska

Mary Berry Baked Alaska
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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.

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