National Baked Alaska Day is celebrated each year on February 1 to honor this delectable treat consisting of ice cream, sponge cake, and meringue. The dessert was originally dubbed ‘Alaska Florida’ due to its temperature contrast when it was first created.
History of National Baked Alaska Day
With the invention of the insulated ice cream container in 1846, ice cream became a popular dessert and chefs began experimenting with different recipes, leading to the invention of Baked Alaska. On National Baked Alaska Day, indulge in this delicious dessert of ice cream–topped sponge cake! Baked Alaska is made by layering slices of sponge cake in the bottom of a pie pan, filling it with your favorite ice cream flavor, and covering it with a whipped meringue mixture. It is then baked at a high temperature of 500°F for 3-10 minutes, allowing the meringue to solidify slightly and brown. The history of this treat dates back to 1867 when Chef Charles Ranhofer of Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City named it after the public debate over the purchase of Alaska from Russia for $7 million by Secretary of State William Seward. The unique characteristic of Baked Alaska is the temperature contrast between the frozen-hard ice cream and the warm sponge cake. On National Baked Alaska Day, celebrate this retro dish by enjoying a sweet bite and, if desired, serving it in flames. The concept of combining cream and cake dates back to Renaissance cooks, who are credited with being the first to decorate their baked goods with a whipped topping. With the invention of the insulated ice cream container in 1846, chefs began experimenting with different recipes, leading to the invention of Baked Alaska.
National Baked Alaska Day timeline
Invented to capitalize on the public uproar following Secretary of State William Seward's decision to purchase Alaska from Russia for $7 million, the Baked Alaska dessert was created.
The chef at Delmonico's restaurant in New York City named the Baked Alaska dessert to commemorate Alaska's annexation.
Alaska was officially admitted into the Union, confirming its statehood.
In 2005, Ben & Jerry's constructed a gigantic Baked Alaska as a symbol of their opposition to drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The dessert weighed 1,140 pounds and was a whopping 4 feet tall.
National Baked Alaska Day FAQs
When is National Alaska Day?
National Alaska Day is marked on June 28.
Which president served Baked Alaska?
It is said that Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States (1891-1809), was the first to offer ice cream at a formal gathering.
How much does a Baked Alaska cost?
A Baked Alaska serving six people is priced at $30.
National Baked Alaska Day Activities
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Make a Baked Alaska
To celebrate Baked Alaska Day, we can make one! Begin with layering slices of sponge cake at the bottom of a pie pan. Then, fill the pan with your favorite ice cream flavor. Lastly, top with a whipped meringue mixture and bake.
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Profess your love on social media
Help people grow a love for Baked Alaska to celebrate National Baked Alaska Day! Celebrate the distinct taste and contrast in temperature we all love in Baked Alaska, with tasty pictures to drive people to long for it. Use the hashtag #BakedAlaskaDay.
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Take a trip to Alaska
Celebrate National Baked Alaska Day by taking a trip to Alaska! Explore its many food troves and natural wonders, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
5 Things You Should Know About Baked Alaska
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The key ingredient
Benjamin Thompson, an American physicist, is credited with finding the recipe for meringue, which is what gives Baked Alaska its distinct trait of having a warm upper layer and a cold bottom layer.
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It wasn't always meringue
Originally, this dessert was made with pie crusts rather than meringue.
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Jean Giroix's Influence
In 1895, Giroix, the head chef at Hotel De Paris in Monte Carlo, made the dish famous.
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It’s also known as Norwegian Omelette
The dish popularly known as Baked Alaska is also referred to as Norwegian Omelette or Omelette Norvegienne, which alludes to its resemblance to a cold, snowy mountain.
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It was first named Alaska Florida
Chef Charles Ranhofer of Delmonico's restaurant in New York City initially coined the term "Alaska Florida" for his newly created dessert, which later became known as Baked Alaska.
Why We Love National Baked Alaska Day
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It’s delicious!
The delectable Baked Alaska tantalizes taste buds with its combination of homemade vanilla or chamomile ice cream, lemon sponge cake, and a thick layer of fluffy meringue that is covered in glossy, sweet, and stiffly whipped peaks. Yum!
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It reminds us of Alaska
Yes! We hold Alaska in a special place in our hearts for its stunning wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Therefore, it is only fitting that we appreciate the delicious dessert even more when we think of Alaska.
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The story behind its invention
We are delighted by the story behind the invention of Baked Alaska! Chef Charles Ranhofer, known for giving dishes famous names, took advantage of the heated debate concerning the purchase of Alaska from Russia by christening this dessert accordingly. We are enamored with this story!
National Baked Alaska Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 1 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | February 1 | Thursday |
| 2025 | February 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | February 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | February 1 | Monday |
