Alaska cake with brownie

Alaska cake with brownie is an impressive dessert that combines various textures and flavors in an elegant yet familiar way. This recipe will not only provide you with a sweet indulgence but also an opportunity to impress family and friends with your cooking skills. Moreover, it is a dessert that can be adapted to your preferences, making it even more special. Let's start this delicious journey!

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 2-5 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

For the brownie:
- 200 g unsweetened chocolate (approximately 2 large squares)
- 120 ml vegetable fat (you can use butter or cocoa butter)
- 200 g sugar (approximately 1 cup)
- 2 large eggs
- 90 g all-purpose flour (approximately 3/4 cup, 12 tablespoons)
- 5 g baking powder (1 teaspoon)
- 2 g salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- 100 g chopped nuts (optional, for added texture)

For the ice cream:
- 1 liter strawberry ice cream
- 1 liter vanilla ice cream

For the meringue:
- 5 egg whites
- 130 g sugar (approximately 10 tablespoons)
- 2 g lemon salt (1/2 teaspoon)

Recipe Story

The Alaska cake has deep roots in culinary history, being a dessert that combines ice cream with a cake base and delicious meringue, which is then browned. This combination makes the dessert not only tasty but also a true visual spectacle. Whether served on special occasions or simply on a warm afternoon, it is a dessert that brings smiles to the faces of those who taste it.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Brownie:
In a saucepan, melt the unsweetened chocolate together with the vegetable fat over low heat. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Once the mixture is smooth, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

2. Adding the Wet Ingredients:
Add the sugar and mix well. Then, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated before adding the next. This step is essential for achieving a soft and moist brownie texture.

3. Preparing the Dry Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients mixture to the chocolate mixture, gently folding with a spatula. If you want to add nuts, now is the time to incorporate them into the batter.

4. Baking the Brownie:
Spread the batter into a greased 22 cm round baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs.

5. Preparing the Ice Cream:
Line a 20-22 cm bowl with plastic wrap. Place the strawberry ice cream at the bottom and along the sides of the bowl, leaving a space in the center. Put the bowl in the freezer for about 30 minutes.

6. Adding the Vanilla Ice Cream:
Once the strawberry ice cream has set, add the vanilla ice cream in the center of the bowl, carefully filling it. Return the bowl to the freezer to firm up well.

7. Preparing the Meringue:
In a heavy saucepan or double boiler, combine the egg whites, sugar, and lemon salt. Heat over low heat and mix with a mixer on low speed for one minute. Then, increase the mixer speed and continue beating until the mixture reaches 71°C. This step is crucial for obtaining a stable meringue.

8. Finishing the Dessert:
Remove the brownie from the oven and let it cool. Place the brownie base on a heat-resistant platter of 25 cm. Carefully invert the bowl with the ice cream over the brownie. Use a spatula to quickly spread the meringue over the ice cream and brownie.

9. Browning the Meringue:
Preheat the oven to 260°C. Place the dessert in the oven for 2-5 minutes or until the meringue turns golden. Be cautious during this step, as the meringue can burn quickly.

10. Serving:
Transfer the dessert to a serving platter and enjoy it immediately. It is best to serve Alaska cake freshly made, when the meringue is still crispy and the ice cream is perfectly frozen.

Practical Tip

To achieve a perfect meringue, ensure that your bowl and utensils are completely clean and dry. Any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly. You can also experiment with different ice cream flavors to customize the dessert to your tastes.

Delicious Combinations

Alaska cake pairs perfectly with a chocolate sauce or a berry sauce. Additionally, a scoop of freshly whipped cream can add extra flavor. For a complementary drink, opt for a sweet wine or a fruit-based cocktail.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Alaska cake contains approximately 350-400 calories, offering a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The brownie provides a source of antioxidants from chocolate, while the ice cream contributes calcium and vitamins from fruits. So, enjoy this dessert in moderation and delight!

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do if the meringue doesn’t stiffen?
Ensure you have whipped the egg whites sufficiently and that the mixture has reached the correct temperature. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the egg whites to help stabilize the meringue.

Can I use ice cream of another flavor?
Sure! Chocolate or caramel ice cream works very well. You can combine different flavors for a unique dessert.

How can I store the dessert?
Alaska cake is best enjoyed freshly made, but you can keep it in the freezer for a few days. Make sure it is well covered to avoid freezer burn.

I wish you great success in making this superb Alaska cake with brownie! Each step will add a touch of magic to your kitchen, and the final result will be an explosion of flavors and textures. Savor every bite and enjoy the moment!

 Ingredients: 2 unsweetened chocolate squares, 1/2 cup of vegetable fat, 1 cup of sugar, 2 eggs, 3/4 cup of white flour (12 tablespoons), 12 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of chopped nuts (optional), 1 liter of strawberry ice cream, 1 liter of vanilla ice cream. Meringue: 5 egg whites, 10 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon salt.