Best Baked Alaska

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light, fluffy meringue shell encasing a rich chocolate center, perfected with a molten chocolate drizzle. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers sponge cake, egg whites, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 French cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Shape the sponge cake into a 4-inch round and place on the rack.
  2. Step 2: In a clean bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add sugar while whipping, continuing until glossy and firm. Fold in 1/4 cup of the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture until fully incorporated.
  3. Step 3: Spread the chocolate mixture over the sponge cake, then carefully spread the remaining whipped egg whites over the top. Use a toothpick to create a textured surface.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the meringue is golden. Let cool completely. Melt dark chocolate with butter and cocoa powder over low heat, then drizzle over the meringue.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Baked Alaska take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Best Baked Alaska?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Baked Alaska?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Baked Alaska for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Best Baked Alaska?

French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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