National Baked Alaska Day 2023: Date, History, How to Make Baked Alaska

February 1st marks National Baked Alaska Day in the United States. Celebrated annually on this day, it’s a time to honor the delicious and unique dessert of baked Alaska. Baked Alaska is a classic dessert that consists of ice cream, cake, and meringue, all topped off with a sweet toasted crust. On this day, people from all across the country come together to celebrate the treat and enjoy its complex layers of flavors and textures that make it so special. Whether you’re looking for an easy recipe or want more history behind this famous dish, there’s plenty to learn about Baked Alaska for National Baked Alaska Day. So let’s dive in!

What is Baked Alaska?

Baked Alaska is a dessert made from ice cream and cake, covered in meringue and then baked. It was created in the 19th century, and its popularity has grown in recent years. The dish is often served on special occasions, such as holidays.

The History of Baked Alaska

The term “Baked Alaska” was first coined in the early 19th century, but the dish itself is thought to have originated even earlier. The earliest known recipe for a “baked ice cream” dessert appeared in a cookbook published in 1803. It wasn’t until 1867, however, that the dish we now know as Baked Alaska became widely known, thanks to a mention in an article published in Harper’s Magazine.

The dish gained popularity in the United States during the late 19th century. At the time, it was considered a very sophisticated and elegant dessert, perfect for entertaining guests. During this period, Baked Alaska became a popular menu item at high-end restaurants and hotels across the country.

In more recent years, Baked Alaska has become something of a national icon in the United States. It’s often served on special occasions like Independence Day and Christmas, and it remains a popular choice for dinner parties and other formal gatherings.

How to Make Baked Alaska

Baked Alaska is a classic American dessert that is perfect for celebrating National Baked Alaska Day! Here’s how to make your own:

Ingredients:

-1 quart ice cream, any flavor
-1 (9-inch) cake, any flavor
-1 cup heavy cream
-1/2 cup sugar
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-6 egg whites
-Pinch of salt

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. Soften the ice cream in a large bowl. Spread it over the cake. Freeze for 30 minutes.
3. Whip the cream, sugar, vanilla, egg whites, and salt together until stiff peaks form. Spread over the ice cream. Freeze for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).
5. Place the Baked Alaska in the oven and immediately reduce the oven temperature to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Bake for 3 to 5 minutes, until the meringue is browned. Serve immediately.

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Conclusion

National Baked Alaska Day is a reminder to us all that we can still indulge in desserts without sacrificing taste or health. The combination of ice cream and meringue creates a truly unique flavor profile while the oven-baked method helps seal in moisture, creating a delicate texture perfect for any special occasion. So on February 1st, why not whip up some Baked Alaska as your dessert of choice? After all, it’s National Baked Alaska Day!

NATIONAL BAKED ALASKA DAY DATES