Description
A Mini Individual Baked Alaska is a sophisticated dessert consisting of three distinct layers: a firm cake base, a cold ice cream center, and a thick coating of sweetened meringue. The entire assembly is briefly subjected to intense heat—either in a very hot oven or with a kitchen torch—which browns the meringue without melting the ice cream.
Ingredients
Cake Base
6 slices pound cake or sponge cake
(store-bought works great)6 scoops ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or mix)
Meringue
3 large egg whites, room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ tsp cream of tartar (optional but recommended)
½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prep the Ice Cream
Scoop ice cream into firm domes (use a scoop or small bowl).
Place scoops on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until very solid (at least 2 hours, overnight best).
2. Prepare the Cake
Cut cake into rounds or squares slightly larger than the ice cream scoops.
Place cake pieces on a baking sheet.
Optional: lightly toast cake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, then cool completely.
3. Assemble
Place one frozen ice cream scoop on each cake base.
Return to freezer while making meringue.
4. Make the Meringue
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks.
Beat in vanilla.
5. Cover
Remove ice cream-cake stacks from freezer.
Completely cover each one with meringue, sealing all edges (this insulates the ice cream).
Use a spoon to create decorative peaks.
6. Bake or Torch
Oven method:
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
Bake for 2–3 minutes until meringue is golden.
Torch method (preferred):
Use a kitchen torch to brown meringue evenly.
Notes
For an elegant finish, serve these mini Baked Alaska with a drizzle of raspberry or chocolate sauce and a few fresh berries on the side. You can also swap the cake base for brownies or sponge cake for variety. For best results, torch the meringue just before serving to keep the ice cream perfectly frozen inside.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Torched
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini Baked Alaska
- Calories: ~420 kcal
Keywords: Single Serve Baked Alaska, Mini Baked Alaska Dessert, Individual Ice Cream Cakes with Meringue, Small Baked Alaska Recipe