Mint Chocolate Dream Baked Alaska
Indulge in this exquisite Mint Chocolate Dream Baked Alaska, a show-stopping dessert that combines rich flavors and impressive presentation. A chocolate wafer crust serves as the base, filled with a delightful mint chocolate ice cream blend and topped with a light, fluffy meringue. This frozen dessert not only looks stunning but also delivers a refreshing minty taste that balances perfectly with the chocolate. Perfect for special occasions or as a charming centerpiece for your next dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress friends and family alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
3 teaspoons (Melted)
Mint Chocolate Chips
1 1/2 cups + 1 cup (Divided, with 1/2 cup melted for crust, and the rest melted for ice cream filling)
Chocolate Wafer Crumbs
1 1/2 cups (Crushed)
Corn Syrup
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Heavy Cream
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Vanilla Ice Cream
3 pints (Softened)
Egg Whites
4 large (N/A)
Cream of Tartar
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Sugar
3/4 cup (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by setting up a double boiler. In a bowl placed over hot (not boiling) water, combine 1/2 cup of mint chocolate chips and butter. Stir until melted and smooth.
2
Add the chocolate wafer crumbs to the melted mixture, stirring until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Freeze until completely firm.
3
In a clean bowl over hot (not boiling) water, mix the remaining 1 cup of mint chocolate chips, corn syrup, and heavy cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the chips are fully melted. Allow to cool to room temperature.
4
In a large mixing bowl, whip the softened vanilla ice cream until creamy and smooth, but not melted. Gradually fold in the cooled chocolate mint mixture, taking care to maintain some of the ice cream's texture.
5
Spoon the ice cream mixture into the center of the chilled crust, creating a high mound in the center. Smooth the top using a spatula to form a dome shape. Freeze again until firm.
6
Once the ice cream is set, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.
7
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a clean mixing bowl, combine the egg whites and cream of tartar. Beat until soft peaks form.
8
Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy.
9
Spread the meringue generously over the ice cream and crust, ensuring it is completely covered. Use a spatula to create decorative swirls.
10
Bake the Baked Alaska in the preheated oven for 4-6 minutes or until the meringue is lightly browned. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.
11
Serve immediately for the best experience, allowing guests to marvel at the layers of your Mint Chocolate Dream Baked Alaska!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mint Chocolate Dream Baked Alaska?
A Mint Chocolate Dream Baked Alaska is a decadent frozen dessert featuring a chocolate wafer crust, a mint chocolate ice cream filling, and a toasted meringue topping.
What ingredients are needed for the chocolate crust?
The crust requires 3 teaspoons of melted butter, 1/2 cup of mint chocolate chips, and 1.5 cups of crushed chocolate wafer crumbs.
How do I prepare the base for the Baked Alaska?
Melt 1/2 cup of mint chocolate chips and butter, mix with chocolate wafer crumbs, press into a 9-inch springform pan, and freeze until firm.
What size pan should I use for this recipe?
This recipe is designed for a 9-inch springform pan.
What is the first step in making the ice cream filling?
Melt 1 cup of mint chocolate chips with corn syrup and heavy cream in a double boiler until smooth, then let it cool to room temperature.
How much vanilla ice cream is needed?
You will need 3 pints of vanilla ice cream, softened until creamy but not melted.
How do I incorporate the mint chocolate into the ice cream?
Whip the softened vanilla ice cream until smooth and then gradually fold in the cooled mint chocolate mixture.
How should the ice cream be shaped in the pan?
Spoon the ice cream mixture over the frozen crust, creating a high dome or mound shape in the center.
When do I remove the sides of the springform pan?
Remove the sides of the springform pan only after the ice cream dome has been frozen firm.
What ingredients are used for the meringue topping?
The meringue is made from 4 large egg whites, 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar, and 3/4 cup of sugar.
How do I start making the meringue?
Beat 4 large egg whites with 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
When should I add sugar to the meringue mixture?
Gradually add the 3/4 cup of sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites after soft peaks have already formed.
What is the ideal consistency for the meringue?
The meringue should be beaten until it is glossy and forms stiff peaks.
How do I apply the meringue to the dessert?
Spread the meringue generously over the ice cream and crust, ensuring the entire surface is completely sealed.
Can I decorate the meringue topping?
Yes, you can use a spatula to create decorative swirls and peaks in the meringue before baking.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius).
How long should the Baked Alaska stay in the oven?
Bake the dessert for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned.
Why is the dessert baked at such a high temperature?
The high heat allows the meringue to brown quickly without giving the ice cream inside enough time to melt.
What should I look for while the dessert is baking?
Keep a close watch on the oven to ensure the meringue browns evenly and does not burn.
When is the best time to serve Mint Chocolate Dream Baked Alaska?
It should be served immediately after baking to enjoy the contrast between the warm meringue and frozen ice cream.
How many mint chocolate chips are used in total?
The recipe uses 2.5 cups of mint chocolate chips in total, divided between the crust and the filling.
How much corn syrup is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of corn syrup.
How much heavy cream is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of heavy cream for the ice cream filling mixture.
What is the purpose of the cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar acts as a stabilizer for the egg whites, helping them hold air and form stiff peaks.
Can the chocolate wafer crumbs be substituted?
While chocolate wafer crumbs are recommended for the best flavor, other chocolate cookies can be crushed and used as a substitute.
Does the crust need to be baked?
No, the crust for this recipe is a no-bake style that is set by freezing.
How do I melt the chocolate chips safely?
Use a double boiler over hot but not boiling water to melt the chocolate chips to prevent scorching.
Is it important to cool the chocolate mixture before adding it to the ice cream?
Yes, the chocolate mixture must be at room temperature to prevent it from melting the ice cream when folded in.
What makes this a good dessert for a party?
Its impressive presentation, layered flavors, and the show-stopping nature of a browned meringue make it perfect for entertaining.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While servings aren't specified, a 9-inch springform pan dessert typically yields 10 to 12 slices.