Brighten up your summer festivities with a spectacular Rainbow Baked Alaska! This delightful dessert features vibrant layers of fruit sorbets encased in a fluffy meringue topping, all resting on a soft bed of pound cake. It’s a visually stunning treat that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients:
Sorbets:
- Red Sorbet: 1 pint
- Orange Sorbet: 1 pint
- Yellow Sorbet: 1 pint
- Green Sorbet: 1 pint
- Purple Sorbet: 1 pint
Base:
- Frozen Pound Cake: 1, defrosted
Meringue:
- Egg Whites: 4, room temperature
- Cream of Tartar: 1/4 teaspoon
- Superfine Sugar: 1 cup
- Salt: A pinch
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
Directions:
- Prepare the Sorbets and Cake:
- Soften the sorbets at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Slice the pound cake into even 1/2-inch slices.
- Layer the Sorbets:
- In a large bowl suitable for serving, layer the sorbets one color at a time, smoothing each layer before adding the next.
- Prepare the Meringue:
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy.
- Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Mix in a pinch of salt and the vanilla extract until the meringue is glossy and holds stiff peaks.
- Assemble the Baked Alaska:
- Cover the sorbet layers with the pound cake slices, trimming as necessary to fit.
- Spread the meringue over the entire assembly, ensuring to seal the edges at the base.
- Use a spatula to create decorative peaks and swirls in the meringue.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake the Baked Alaska for 4-5 minutes or until the meringue is lightly golden.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, slicing carefully to showcase the rainbow layers of sorbet.
Preparation Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 12
Baking Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients, especially the egg whites, are at room temperature to achieve the best volume for the meringue.
- For a more dramatic finish, briefly torch the meringue with a kitchen torch instead of baking.
- Serve immediately after browning the meringue to prevent the sorbet from melting.
Conclusion: This Rainbow Baked Alaska is not just a dessert, it’s a festive experience, combining the coolness of sorbet with the sweet, toasted flavor of meringue. Perfect for any celebration, this dessert is sure to bring joy and a burst of color to your table. Enjoy creating and serving this eye-catching treat!