Celebrating Baked Alaska Day: The Story Behind Cruising’s Most Iconic Dessert

National Baked Alaska Day is February 1st, and few desserts capture the magic of cruise cuisine quite like this legendary treat. Flaming on the outside, frozen in the middle, and steeped in maritime tradition, Baked Alaska has been delighting guests for decades as one of cruising’s most memorable finales.

But how did it get its name? What culinary wizardry keeps the ice cream from melting in the oven? And what’s the secret behind Holland America Line’s irresistibly delicious version? Read on to learn more about Baked Alaska, and then try your hand at making this iconic dessert at home with our very own recipe.

What Makes Baked Alaska So Special

Baked Alaska is a dessert that combines ice cream, sponge cake, and toasted meringue. The contrast of textures and temperatures creates an unforgettable experience that defies expectations.

Chilled ice cream is nestled in sponge cake, then surrounded by a cloud of meringue that’s gently toasted. If you like ice cream and marshmallow-like meringue, you’ll enjoy this dessert. It boasts familiar, nostalgic flavors in a distinct form that makes it feel special.

The Story Behind the Name

Baked Alaska didn’t actually originate in Alaska. The dessert got its name in the 1800s and was originally known as “Alaska, Florida.” This referred to the contrast between the cold ice cream inside (Alaska) and the warm meringue outside (Florida).

Some people also believe the “Alaska” name comes from the U.S. purchase of Alaska in 1867. Regardless of which story is true, the name perfectly captures the hot-and-cold magic of this iconic dessert.

When Baked Alaska Became a Cruise Tradition

References to Baked Alaska being served on ocean voyages date back as early as 1905. However, it didn’t become a regular cruise tradition until the late 1950s and 1960s.

Various versions of what became known as the Baked Alaska Parade began appearing on ships during this era. Cruises started emphasizing theatrical dining experiences, and the flaming presentation of Baked Alaska fit perfectly into this new approach to onboard dining.

The parade tradition continues today on many cruise ships. Servers carry the flaming desserts through the dining room in a procession that delights guests and creates memorable photo opportunities.

Holland America’s Special Twist

Holland America Line serves traditional Baked Alaska in the main Dining Room once per cruise. This special presentation gives every guest a chance to experience this cruise tradition during their voyage.

The “Not So Classic Baked Alaska” appears on the Pinnacle Grill menu every night. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to try the elevated version, you can order it whenever you dine at this premium restaurant.

Both versions showcase Holland America’s commitment to combining classic cruise traditions with innovative culinary touches. Whether you choose the traditional presentation or the specialty version, you’ll experience a dessert that’s been delighting cruise guests for generations.

Holland America’s Baked Alaska Recipe

Want to recreate this cruise ship classic? Here’s Holland America’s exclusive recipe so that you can make this impressive dessert in your own kitchen.

Active Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 4 hours

Servings: 10

INGREDIENTS FOR BAKED ALASKA:

• 1 (8-inch) round vanilla sponge cake
• ½ gallon Neapolitan ice cream
• 1 tsp. gelatin powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 5 large egg whites
• ¼ tsp. vanilla extract
• Cherries Jubilee, for topping

INGREDIENTS FOR CHERRIES JUBILEE:

• 1 tbsp. cornstarch
• 1 cup cherry juice, divided
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp. ground allspice
• 2 (13.5 oz.) jars pitted Bing cherries, drained
• ¼ cup Kirsch cherry liqueur 

STEP 1:

Prepare Cherries Jubilee: Stir together cornstarch and 2 tbsp. cherry juice in a small bowl. Place sugar, cinnamon, allspice and remaining cherry juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in cornstarch mixture and return to a simmer; cook, stirring often, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cherries and Kirsch. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to two weeks.

STEP 2: 

Prepare Cake: Line an 8-inch wide, 2-quart bowl with plastic wrap. Fill the bowl with a mix of small and large ice cream scoops. Cover in plastic wrap, pressing down to remove gaps and create an even surface. Place round sponge cake on top of ice cream before covering with plastic wrap. Wrap ice cream cake layer in plastic wrap and freeze until firm, about two hours.

STEP 3:

Remove plastic wrap from top of ice cream and cake layer. Invert bowl of ice cream over cake layer to create a dome shape. Carefully remove bowl from ice cream, leaving ice cream covered with plastic wrap. Return to the freezer until ready to decorate, at least 30 minutes or up to two days.

STEP 4:

Prepare the Meringue: Stir together gelatin powder and ¼ cup tap water in a small bowl until combined. Let stand until gelatin absorbs water, about five minutes.

STEP 5:

Combine sugar and additional ¼ cup tap water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-high. Stir until sugar dissolves and cook 3-4 minutes (a thermometer should read 240°F).

STEP 6:

Place egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer with whisk attachment. Beat on high until soft peaks form, about two minutes. Reduce speed to medium and gradually pour hot sugar mixture into egg whites, beating constantly. Spoon gelatin mixture into the same warm saucepan and stir until just melted, about 30 seconds. With the mixer still running on medium, pour in the gelatin mixture. Continue to beat on medium until stiff glossy peaks form, about eight minutes. Beat in vanilla extract.

STEP 7:

Remove cake from freezer, place on a serving plate and remove plastic wrap. Spread the meringue over ice cream and cake to cover. Use a kitchen torch to toast the meringue, if desired. Slice and serve immediately with Cherries Jubilee.

A Dessert Worth Celebrating

Baked Alaska represents more than just a sweet treat. It symbolizes the theatrical dining experiences that make cruising special. The combination of showmanship and delicious flavors creates lasting memories.

Whether you try it on a Holland America cruise or make it at home, this dessert delivers. The contrast of temperatures and textures never fails to impress. Happy Baked Alaska Day!