Introduction
Celebrate special moments with these delightful Baked Alaska Tarts. Perfectly portioned for individual indulgence, they feature a crisp tart shell, a luscious ice cream center, and a cloud-like toasted meringue topping. Ideal for impressing your guests with their stunning presentation and deliciously contrasting textures.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
200g all-purpose flour
100g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
50g granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
500ml vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
150g granulated sugar (for meringue)
2 large egg whites
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
Prep Time
40 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 tarts
– Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a bowl, combine flour and 50g sugar. Add butter and rub in with fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Mix in egg yolk until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
– Roll out the dough to 5mm thickness. Cut into circles to fit small tart pans and press into the pans. Prick the bases with a fork. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden. Cool completely.
– Fill each tart shell with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Place on a tray and freeze until firm.
– For the meringue, beat egg whites until frothy. Gradually add 150g sugar, cream of tartar, and vanilla extract, beating until stiff peaks form.
– Remove tarts from freezer. Spoon or pipe meringue over ice cream, ensuring it is completely covered.
– Use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the meringue, or bake in a preheated oven at 240°C for 3-4 minutes until golden.
– Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Tart Dough
Preheat your oven to 180°C. In a mixing bowl, combine 200g of all-purpose flour and 50g of granulated sugar. Add 100g of cold, cubed unsalted butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Mix in 1 large egg yolk until the dough starts to come together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Shape and Bake Tart Shells
After chilling, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 5mm thickness. Cut into circles that will fit your small tart pans, pressing the dough into each pan gently. Prick the bases of the tart shells with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Once baked, allow the tart shells to cool completely.
Fill Tarts with Ice Cream
Scoop the slightly softened 500ml of vanilla ice cream into each cooled tart shell, filling them generously. Place the filled tarts on a tray and transfer them to the freezer until the ice cream is firm.
Prepare the Meringue
In a clean mixing bowl, beat 2 large egg whites until they become frothy. Gradually add 150g of granulated sugar, along with 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue beating the mixture until it forms stiff peaks, resulting in a glossy, fluffy meringue.
Top Tarts with Meringue
Remove the tarts from the freezer. Using a spoon or piping bag, generously cover the surface of the ice cream with the prepared meringue, ensuring it is completely enveloped to prevent melting during the final baking step.
Toast the Meringue
Using a kitchen torch, lightly toast the meringue until it is golden brown and slightly caramelized. Alternatively, place the tarts in a preheated oven at 240°C for 3-4 minutes to achieve the same effect. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once the meringue is toasted, serve the Baked Alaska Tarts immediately, relishing the delightful contrast of the warm, toasty meringue against the cold, creamy ice cream in a crisp tart shell.
Notes
Ingredient Notes
Make sure to use cold butter to achieve the best texture for the tart shells. Likewise, ensure the ice cream is slightly softened for easy filling.
Meringue Tips
Ensure your mixing bowl is free of any grease or residue to achieve the best results when whipping the egg whites.
Serving Suggestions
These tarts are stunning on their own but can be served with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
Storage Instructions
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer. However, it is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the texture contrast.
Cook techniques
Making Tart Shells
To achieve a successful tart shell, ensure your butter is cold and cubed before rubbing it into the flour and sugar mixture. This creates a flaky texture. Roll the dough to an even thickness and pricking the bases prevents puffing during baking.
Softening Ice Cream
Slightly soften the ice cream before filling the tart shells to make scooping and spreading easier. It should be soft enough to work with but not melted.
Preparing Meringue
Beat the egg whites until frothy before gradually adding sugar. The cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites, allowing for stiff peaks. Ensure everything is clean and dry for the best results.
Toasting Meringue
Use a kitchen torch for precise control while toasting the meringue. If baking, do so quickly at a high temperature to prevent overcooking the ice cream inside.
FAQ
Can I make the tart shells in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the tart shells a day ahead and store them in an airtight container.
Can I use a different flavor of ice cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like chocolate, strawberry, or coffee.
What can I substitute for cream of tartar?
If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can use lemon juice or white vinegar as an alternative.
How do I store leftover Baked Alaska Tarts?
Leftover tarts should be stored in the freezer to keep the ice cream firm and the meringue intact.
Can I use store-bought meringue instead of making my own?
Yes, using store-bought meringue can save time, but homemade meringue provides a fresher taste and texture.
Conclusion
Baked Alaska Tarts are a delightful way to celebrate special occasions, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. These individual desserts are sure to impress your guests with their elegant presentation and the delightful surprise of melting ice cream beneath a layer of toasted meringue. Enjoy them as a sweet finale to any meal, creating memorable moments with each bite.
Chocolate Baked Alaska Tarts
Elevate the classic recipe by using chocolate ice cream in place of vanilla. Pair it with a chocolate tart shell for extra indulgence.
Fruit-Infused Baked Alaska Tarts
Incorporate your favorite fruit flavors by using berry or mango ice cream. Top with a swirl of fruit puree before adding the meringue for a vibrant touch.
Nutty Caramel Baked Alaska Tarts
Add a layer of caramel sauce and crushed nuts between the tart shell and the ice cream for a nutty surprise, enhancing both the flavor and the crunch.
Warm Spiced Baked Alaska Tarts
Infuse the meringue with cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spiced twist, perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Matcha Baked Alaska Tarts
Use matcha green tea ice cream for a unique flavor and eye-catching color. This Japanese-inspired dessert is as delicious as it is beautiful.
Mini Baked Alaska Tarts
Make bite-sized versions of the tarts using mini tart pans. These adorable treats are perfect for parties and allow guests to enjoy a smaller serving while trying various flavors.
