The whole trick is insulation: the whipped meringue traps air so the oven or torch browns the outside before the ice cream inside melts. Freeze the ice cream dome rock-hard first, seal it in meringue with no gaps, and torch it fast.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep40 min
Cook5 min
Makes8 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for8servings
Ice cream
The frozen core; a dense high-butterfat ice cream holds its shape best.
A reasonable little indulgence. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortA project
Cook it with
Air fryerSheet pan
The Method
Freeze the domePack softened ice cream into a bowl lined with plastic and freeze rock-hard, at least 4 hours.
Bake the baseBake a thin sponge round with the flour, butter, eggs, and some sugar at 350F for 12 min, then cool.
AssembleTurn the frozen ice cream dome onto the cake base and return it to the freezer while you whip the meringue.
Whip the meringueBeat the whites with cream of tartar to soft peaks, add sugar slowly, and whip to stiff glossy peaks.
Seal and torchCover the frozen dome fully with meringue leaving no gaps, then torch or bake at 500F for 3-4 min until the peaks are browned; serve at once.
Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.
Can you freeze Baked Alaska? — Not ideal
Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.
Can you make Baked Alaska ahead of time? — Best fresh
Best made fresh and served soon — it loses its edge standing around. You can prep the parts ahead, but finish and serve it close to the table.
Is Baked Alaska gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Baked Alaska vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Community Notes
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