The magic of this Minty Lime Baked Alaska lies in its refreshing twist. The citrusy goodness of lime sorbet, combined with the coolness of mint, creates a flavourful surprise. This dessert not only pleases the palate with its sweet and tangy profile but also enchants the eyes with its fluffy meringue and delectable angel food cake base.
While most of the ingredients like angel food cake and eggs are commonly found in your pantry, the lime sorbet and superfine sugar might need a special trip to the supermarket. Lime sorbet is a delightful frozen dessert, usually found in the frozen section, while superfine sugar, also known as caster sugar, is a more finely ground sugar, often used in baking for its quick-dissolving properties.
Ingredients for Minty Lime Baked Alaska
Angel food cake: A light and airy cake made with no fat. It forms the base of our Baked Alaska.
Lime sorbet: A tangy, sweet frozen dessert made from limes. It provides the refreshing flavor in this dessert.
Mint: An aromatic herb that adds a cool, refreshing taste.
Light rum: A clear, light-bodied rum that adds a slight boozy flavor.
Lime zest: The outer green layer of lime peel used for its strong, tangy flavor.
Egg whites: The clear liquid within an egg that we'll whip into a fluffy meringue.
Superfine sugar: A finely ground sugar that dissolves quickly, ideal for meringues.
One reader, Aryn Mayo says:
This minty lime baked Alaska recipe is a game-changer! The combination of zesty lime and refreshing mint is a burst of flavor. The fluffy meringue topping adds a delightful touch. It's a showstopper dessert that's sure to impress guests. I can't wait to make it again!
Mastering the Techniques for Minty Lime Baked Alaska
How to line the ramekins with angel food cake: Cut the angel food cake to fit the bottoms of the ramekins evenly and patch any empty spots to ensure even coverage.
How to prepare the minty lime sorbet: In a chilled bowl, mix the lime sorbet with mint, light rum, and lime zest until well combined.
How to make the meringue: In a large bowl, use a handheld electric mixer to beat the egg whites at medium speed until stiff peaks form. Gradually beat in the superfine sugar until the whites are glossy.
How to spread the meringue on the sorbet cakes: Using a spatula, spread a generous amount of the meringue all over the sorbet cakes, ensuring they are fully covered.
How to broil the baked Alaskas: Preheat the broiler and position a rack 6 inches from the heat. Broil the baked Alaskas for about 2 minutes, shifting the pan constantly for even browning.
How to serve the baked Alaskas: Carefully transfer the baked Alaskas to plates and serve immediately.
How To Make Minty Lime Baked Alaska
Enjoy a guilt-free dessert with this baked Alaska recipe. Made with nonfat angel food cake, and some lime for the minty and tart flavor.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 6ozangel food cake
- 2cupslime sorbet
- 1tbspmint,finely chopped
- 1tbsplight rum
- ½tsplime zest,finely grated
- 4large egg whites
- ½cupsuperfine sugar
Instructions
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Line the bottoms of four ¾-cup ramekins with angel food cake; cut the cake as necessary to cover the bottoms evenly. Patch any empty spots.
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Spoon the sorbet into a chilled bowl. Stir in the mint, rum, and lime zest.
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Scoop the sorbet into the ramekins and smooth the surfaces. Freeze until firm, 1½ hours.
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In a large bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, beat the egg whites at medium speed until stiff peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar, then increase the speed to high and beat until the whites are glossy.
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Run a knife around the rims of the ramekins and turn the sorbet cakes out onto a work surface.
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Using a spatula, transfer them to a baking sheet, cake side down, at least 4 inches apart. Spread a generous amount of the meringue all over the sorbet cakes.
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Freeze the cakes until firm for 1 hour.
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Preheat the broiler and position a rack 6 inches from the heat. Broil the baked Alaskas for about 2 minutes, shifting the pan constantly for even browning.
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Carefully transfer to plates and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 366.58kcal
- Fat: 0.41g
- Saturated Fat: 0.05g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.16g
- Carbohydrates: 84.73g
- Fiber: 1.96g
- Sugar: 58.76g
- Protein: 6.16g
- Sodium: 380.00mg
- Calcium: 65.25mg
- Potassium: 100.81mg
- Iron: 0.43mg
- Vitamin A: 2.90µg
- Vitamin C: 29.31mg
Expert Technique Tip for Perfecting Minty Lime Baked Alaska
When preparing the meringue for your baked alaska, ensure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry. Any trace of grease or water can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly. Also, when broiling the baked alaska, keep a close eye on it as the meringue can burn quickly. It's best to constantly shift the pan for even browning.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Minty Lime Baked Alaska Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the angel food cake and lime sorbet in advance to save time on the day of serving.
Quick freeze: Instead of waiting for the sorbet to freeze in the ramekins, spread it out in a shallow dish for quicker freezing.
Efficient assembly: Use a piping bag to apply the meringue for a faster and more even application.
Broil in batches: If your oven space is limited, broil the baked Alaskas in batches to save time and ensure even browning.
Chill the utensils: Place the bowl and beaters in the freezer for a few minutes before whipping the egg whites for faster stiff peaks.
Substitute Ingredients For Minty Lime Baked Alaska Recipe
lime sorbet - Substitute with lemon sorbet: Lemon sorbet can provide a similar tangy and refreshing flavor to the dessert, while still maintaining the citrusy profile.
mint - Substitute with basil: Basil can offer a fresh and aromatic flavor similar to mint, adding a unique twist to the baked Alaska recipe.
light rum - Substitute with coconut rum: Coconut rum can impart a tropical and slightly sweet flavor, complementing the lime and mint elements in the dessert.
lime zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest can provide a similar citrusy brightness and aroma, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the baked Alaska.
Impressive Presentation Ideas for Minty Lime Baked Alaska
Elevate the angel food cake: Cut the angel food cake into elegant shapes or use a ring mold to create a refined presentation.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves: Place a few fresh mint leaves on top of the baked Alaska for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Drizzle with a lime reduction: Create a decorative pattern on the plate with a tangy lime reduction to add a burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, delicately place a few edible gold leaf on the plate to add a shimmering and elegant finish.
Serve on chilled plates: Present the minty lime baked Alaska on chilled plates to maintain the integrity of the dessert and enhance the overall dining experience.
Accompany with a side of fresh berries: Serve the minty lime baked Alaska with a side of fresh berries to complement the flavors and add a vibrant element to the presentation.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the plate with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a visually appealing finish.
Incorporate a lime twist: Garnish the plate with a delicate twist of lime peel for a visually striking and aromatic addition to the presentation.
Essential Equipment for Crafting Minty Lime Baked Alaska
Baking sheet: A flat metal pan used for baking, which provides a surface for the baked alaska to be placed on.
Ramekins: Small, individual-sized ceramic or glass dishes used for baking and serving the baked alaska.
Proper Storage and Freezing Methods for Baked Alaska
Once the baked alaska is assembled, it can be frozen for up to 24 hours before serving. This allows the meringue to set and helps maintain the shape of the dessert.
If you have any leftover baked alaska, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 1 week. When ready to serve, unwrap the dessert and place it on a baking sheet.
To reheat the frozen baked alaska, preheat the broiler and position a rack 6 inches from the heat. Broil the dessert for about 2 minutes, shifting the pan constantly for even browning. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the meringue from burning.
If you want to make the baked alaska ahead of time, you can prepare the components separately and assemble them when ready to serve. The angel food cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, while the lime sorbet can be kept in the freezer for up to 1 month.
When storing the lime sorbet, make sure to place it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and absorbing odors from other foods in the freezer.
Fascinating Trivia About Minty Lime Baked Alaska
The Minty Lime Baked Alaska is a delightful dessert that combines the refreshing flavors of lime and mint with a light and airy angel food cake. This dessert is a perfect choice for a summer treat, as it is both cool and refreshing. Baked Alaska is a classic dessert that is known for its unique combination of hot and cold elements, making it a showstopper at any dinner party or gathering. It's a great way to impress your guests with a stunning and delicious dessert that is sure to be a hit.
Is Making Minty Lime Baked Alaska at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this minty lime baked alaska recipe largely depends on the availability and price of the ingredients. While angel food cake and lime sorbet can be reasonably priced, the addition of mint, light rum, and superfine sugar may increase the overall cost. However, considering the delightful flavors and impressive presentation, this dessert could be rated 8/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people may range from $15 to $20, making it a slightly higher-priced dessert option.
Is This Minty Lime Treat Healthy or Unhealthy?
The minty lime baked Alaska recipe, while indulgent and delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- High in sugar: The recipe includes 1/2 cup of superfine sugar in the meringue, and the lime sorbet likely contains added sugars as well. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, dental issues, and an increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes.
- Refined carbohydrates: Angel food cake is made primarily from refined flour, which is low in fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
- Low in nutrients: This dessert is mainly composed of simple carbohydrates and lacks significant amounts of vitamins, minerals, or fiber.
- High calorie density: With 322 calories per serving, this dessert is relatively high in calories without providing much nutritional value.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the meringue and opt for a lower-sugar sorbet or make your own using fresh lime juice and a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Replace the angel food cake with a whole grain sponge cake or a nut-based crust to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Incorporate more fresh mint into the sorbet for an extra burst of flavor and potential digestive benefits.
- Serve smaller portions to reduce the overall calorie intake while still allowing for a satisfying treat.
- Pair the dessert with a side of fresh berries to add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to the dish.
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Minty Lime Dessert
This minty lime baked Alaska recipe is a delightful combination of refreshing flavors and textures. The zesty lime sorbet paired with the light, airy angel food cake creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. The addition of mint and rum adds a sophisticated twist, elevating the dessert to a new level of indulgence. The meringue topping provides a beautiful contrast in both taste and presentation. Overall, this recipe offers a unique and impressive dessert that is sure to impress any guest with its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation.
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Why trust this Minty Lime Baked Alaska Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of mint and lime that creates a refreshing and zesty flavor profile. The use of angel food cake and lime sorbet provides a light and airy texture, perfect for a satisfying dessert. The addition of mint and rum adds a unique twist, elevating the overall taste experience. With careful attention to detail, the step-by-step instructions ensure a successful outcome. Trust in the harmonious blend of flavors and the expertise behind this recipe to create a memorable and delightful baked Alaska experience.
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