Brownie Baked Alaska

The start of summer can only mean 1 thing: ice cream!!! It was my goal to incorporate ice cream into one of the summer baking challenges, so baked Alaska was an easy choice. Along with many reader requests for the recipe, as well as my own desire to tackle this "difficult" retro dessert, I devoted some time in the kitchen to baked Alaska-ing. 3,845 quarts of ice cream and 2 emergency trips to the grocery store later, let me present you with baked Alaska and baked Alaska cupcakes!

Let's get one thing straight, though...

INGREDIENTS

• Two 1.5 quarts any flavor ice cream*
• enough brownie batter for 9-inch pan (I suggest this brownie recipe or this brownie recipe)
• Meringue
• 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Special Equipment
• Kitchen torch (if you don’t have one, use the oven as directed in step 10)
• 9-inch 2.5 quart bowl (I recommend the one in this set)
• Plastic wrap/cling wrap

DIRECTIONS

1. Please watch the video tutorial in the blog post to help guide you. Read the recipe in full before beginning as the ice cream is time sensitive.
2. Remove ice cream from the freezer and allow to soften on the counter for 10 minutes. As it softens, line a 9-inch 2.5 quart bowl (I recommend the one in this set) with plastic wrap with enough overhang to easily remove the ice cream as a whole once it’s frozen.
3. Scoop softened ice cream into another large bowl and using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat until creamy. Spread ice cream into prepared lined bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 8 hours and up to 3 days. I freeze it overnight. The longer it's frozen, the sturdier the cake and neater the slices.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan, then line with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper as well. The brownie is difficult to remove from the cake pan as a whole without the parchment.
5. Pour brownie batter into prepared cake pan and bake for 32-38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean without any wet batter. (This brownie recipe is thick and could take a little longer in your oven.) Allow to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, run a knife around the brownie edges, then invert the pan to fully release the brownie as a whole.
6. Remove bowl of ice cream from the freezer. Peel back the plastic wrap and place the brownie layer on top (which will be the base of the baked Alaska). Cover back up with plastic wrap and freeze for 30 minutes. (Make the meringue while you wait.)
7. Make the meringue: Place egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar in a heatproof bowl. Set bowl over a saucepan filled with two inches of simmering water. Do not let it touch the water. (You can use a double boiler if you have one.) Whisk constantly until sugar is dissolved, about 4 minutes. Transfer the mixing bowl to an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Add the vanilla. (FYI I forgot to add it in the video!) Beat on high speed for 5-6 minutes until stiff glossy peaks form.
8. If using the oven in step 10, preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) now.
9. Remove ice cream/brownie from the freezer. Carefully remove from the bowl and peel off the plastic wrap. If using a kitchen torch, invert onto a heatproof serving plate or cake stand. If using the oven, invert onto a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
10. Spread meringue all over the ice cream, completely enclosing it. Use a spoon to create big peaks and swirls. Make sure there is absolutely no ice cream peeking out. If using the kitchen torch, toast the entire meringue topping. If using the oven, bake in preheated oven for 4-5 minutes until toasted.
11. Use a sharp knife (I suggest a serrated knife) to cut thin slices and serve immediately. Store leftovers in the freezer.
12. Make ahead tip: Step 3 can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Brownie base can be prepared up to 3 days in advance as well. Cover and store at room temperature. My recommendation for making ahead is to assemble the entire brownie baked Alaska with meringue topping, freezing for up to 1-2 days, then torching or baking right before serving. The meringue covered Alaska holds up wonderfully in the freezer and your guests will love to watch the meringue toast! The brownie will be pretty hard, but warms up quickly as you begin slicing.

Recipe Adapted From Brownie Baked Alaska @ sallysbakingaddiction.com