Name: Brownie Baked Alaska
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 recipe Brownie recipe (homemade or boxed, baked in a pie dish and cooled); 2 pints Premium ice cream (flavor of choice (recommended: Graeter's Vanilla with Chocolate Chips)); 4 large Egg whites; 1 cup Granulated sugar (for sweetening the meringue); 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for flavoring the meringue); a pinch Salt (to help stabilize the meringue)

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines rich chocolatey goodness with the creamy delight of ice cream, look no further than Brownie Baked Alaska. This dessert is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, featuring a fudgy brownie base topped with luscious ice cream and enveloped in a cloud of toasted meringue. Perfect for special occasions or simply to elevate your dessert game, this recipe will have everyone raving about your baking skills!

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Imagine slicing into a warm brownie that gives way to cold, creamy ice cream, all crowned with a fluffy meringue that’s perfectly toasted. This Brownie Baked Alaska is not only visually stunning but also a party for your taste buds. Here’s what you’ll love:

– The combination of textures: rich, fudgy brownie meets smooth ice cream and airy meringue.
– Easy to customize: choose your favorite ice cream flavor to make it your own.
– A dramatic finish: the toasted meringue adds a touch of elegance that wows guests.

What Goes Into Brownie Baked Alaska

Creating the ultimate Brownie Baked Alaska requires a few key components. Here’s what you’ll need:

Brownie Base: 1 brownie recipe, either homemade or boxed, baked in a pie dish and cooled.
Ice Cream: 2 pints of premium ice cream (I recommend Graeter’s Vanilla with Chocolate Chips for a delightful mix of flavors).
Egg Whites: 4 large egg whites for the meringue.
Sugar: 1 cup granulated sugar to sweeten the meringue.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for flavoring the meringue.
Salt: A pinch to help stabilize the meringue.

Essential Tools for Success

To make your Brownie Baked Alaska a success, gather the following tools:

Pie Dish: Use a 9-inch pie dish to bake your brownie base.
Mixing Bowls: A couple of medium bowls for mixing the brownie batter and meringue.
Electric Mixer: Essential for whipping egg whites into the perfect meringue.
Spatula: For spreading the ice cream and meringue evenly.
Culinary Torch (optional): For toasting the meringue to perfection, although you can also use an oven broiler.

Step-by-Step: Brownie Baked Alaska

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a boxed brownie mix, follow the instructions on the package. If you’re making homemade brownies, here’s a simple recipe:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
2. Add 2 large eggs, mixing until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of cocoa powder, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Pour the brownie batter into a greased pie dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely.

Step 2: Assemble the Ice Cream Layer

Once your brownies have cooled, it’s time to add the ice cream. Let your ice cream soften slightly for about 10 minutes to make it easier to spread.

1. Scoop the softened ice cream onto the brownie base and spread it evenly, covering the entire surface.
2. Place the pie dish in the freezer and let it set for at least 2 hours or until the ice cream is firm again.

Step 3: Make the Meringue

While your ice cream sets, prepare the meringue.

1. In a clean mixing bowl, add the 4 egg whites and a pinch of salt.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy.
3. Gradually add the 1 cup of granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form (the mixture should be glossy and hold its shape).
4. Add the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until just combined.

Step 4: Top with Meringue

Once your ice cream is set, remove the pie dish from the freezer.

1. Spread the meringue over the ice cream, making sure to seal the edges to prevent ice crystals from forming.
2. Use the spatula to create peaks and swirls for an aesthetically pleasing finish.

Step 5: Toast the Meringue

At this point, you have two options for toasting the meringue:

1. If using a culinary torch, carefully move the torch around the meringue, toasting it evenly until golden brown.
2. If using an oven, preheat your broiler and place the pie dish on the top rack. Broil for 1-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve

Once the meringue is toasted, remove from the oven or torch and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice your Brownie Baked Alaska and enjoy the delightful layers of brownie, ice cream, and meringue!

International Equivalents

For those baking in different regions, here are some common ingredient equivalents:

Butter: 1 cup = 227 grams
Granulated Sugar: 1 cup = 200 grams
Cocoa Powder: 1/3 cup = 40 grams
All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup = 120 grams

Avoid These Traps

To ensure your Brownie Baked Alaska turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

Don’t overbake the brownies; they should be fudgy but firm enough to hold the ice cream.
Make sure the ice cream is firm before adding the meringue to prevent melting.
When making meringue, ensure no yolk gets into the egg whites, as this can prevent proper whipping.
Toast the meringue carefully; it can burn quickly under high heat.

Shelf Life & Storage

To maintain the quality of your Brownie Baked Alaska, consider the following:

The dessert can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 week. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s ideal to enjoy it within 3 days. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing for easier cutting.

Common Qs About Brownie Baked Alaska

Can I use a different flavor of ice cream?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors. Chocolate, mint, or even fruit-flavored ice creams will work beautifully.

How do I store leftovers?

Any leftover Brownie Baked Alaska can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container and stored in the freezer for up to a week.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the Brownie Baked Alaska a day in advance. Just wait to toast the meringue until you’re ready to serve.

What is the best way to cut Brownie Baked Alaska?

For the cleanest cuts, use a warm knife. Run it under hot water, dry it off, and slice through the meringue and brownie layers for a neat presentation.

Serve & Enjoy

Now that you have created a stunning Brownie Baked Alaska, it’s time to share it with friends and family. Serve it at your next gathering, or enjoy it as a special treat on a cozy night in. The combination of flavors and textures will surely impress everyone around the table. Don’t forget to snap a picture before you dive in—this dessert deserves to be showcased!