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Baked Alaska Christmas Dessert Dome

A stunning holiday dessert combining sponge cake, ice cream, and toasted meringue for a festive celebration.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Holiday
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dome
  • 1 9-inch round chocolate or vanilla sponge cake layer store-bought or homemade, about 1 inch thick
  • 1 quart peppermint or vanilla ice cream slightly softened
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes for folding into the ice cream (if using vanilla)
For the Meringue
  • 4 large egg whites room temperature
  • 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
For Garnish
  • Crushed candy canes
  • Fresh mint sprigs

Method
 

Preparation of Ice Cream Dome
  1. Line a medium mixing bowl, about 6 to 7 inches wide, with plastic wrap and leave overhang.
  2. If using vanilla ice cream, stir in the crushed candy canes.
  3. Press the slightly softened ice cream firmly into the bowl and smooth the top.
Freezing the Dome
  1. Fold over the plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours until firm.
  2. Prepare a freezer-safe serving plate with the sponge cake layer.
Assembling the Dessert
  1. Unwrap the ice cream dome and invert it onto the cake layer.
  2. Trim cake edge if necessary and freeze assembled base for at least 2 more hours.
Making the Meringue
  1. Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar in a clean, dry bowl until foamy.
  2. Add sugar slowly, one spoonful at a time, while beating on medium-high until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  3. Beat in the vanilla.
Final Assembly and Serving
  1. Spread the meringue over the dome and cake, covering all ice cream.
  2. Toast the meringue with a kitchen torch until golden.
  3. Garnish with crushed candy canes and mint sprigs, then serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better volume. Work quickly with the ice cream to retain its shape.