Brownie Baked Alaska

Please watch the video tutorial in the blog post to help guide you. Read the recipe in full before beginning as the ice cream is time sensitive.

Remove ice cream from the freezer and allow to soften on the counter for 10 minutes. As it softens, line a 9-inch 2.5 quart bowl (I recommend the one in this set) with plastic wrap with enough overhang to easily remove the ice cream as a whole once it’s frozen.

Scoop softened ice cream into another large bowl and using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat until creamy. Spread ice cream into prepared lined bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 8 hours and up to 3 days. I freeze it overnight. The longer it’s frozen, the sturdier the cake and neater the slices.

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan, line with a parchment paper round, then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the brownie seamlessly release from the pan. (If it’s helpful, see this parchment paper rounds for cakes video & post.)

Pour brownie batter into prepared cake pan and bake for 32-38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean without any wet batter. (This chewy fudgy frosted brownies recipe is thick and could take a little longer in your oven.) Allow to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, run a knife around the brownie edges, then invert the pan to fully release the brownie as a whole.

Remove bowl of ice cream from the freezer. Peel back the plastic wrap and place the brownie layer on top (which will be the base of the baked Alaska). Cover back up with plastic wrap and freeze for 30 minutes. (Make the meringue while you wait.)

Make the meringue

Place egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar in a heatproof bowl. Set bowl over a saucepan filled with two inches of simmering water. Do not let it touch the water. (You can use a double boiler if you have one.) Whisk constantly until sugar is dissolved, about 4 minutes. Transfer the mixing bowl to an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Add the vanilla. (FYI I forgot to add it in the video!) Beat on high speed for 5-6 minutes until stiff glossy peaks form.

If using the oven in step 10, preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) now.

Remove ice cream/brownie from the freezer. Carefully remove from the bowl and peel off the plastic wrap. If using a kitchen torch, invert onto a heatproof serving plate or cake stand. If using the oven, invert onto a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.

Spread meringue all over the ice cream, completely enclosing it. Use a spoon to create big peaks and swirls. Make sure there is absolutely no ice cream peeking out. If using the kitchen torch, toast the entire meringue topping. If using the oven, bake in preheated oven for 4-5 minutes until toasted.

Use a sharp knife (I suggest a serrated knife) to cut thin slices and serve immediately. Store leftovers in the freezer.