Alaska
Baked Alaska
Baked Alaska is a showstopping dessert consisting of layers of cake and ice cream, covered in a blanket of meringue and briefly baked to achieve a lightly toasted exterior while keeping the ice cream perfectly chilled inside.
When Russian fur traders arrived in the 1700s, they brought new ingredients and cooking techniques that left a lasting impression on Alaskan cuisine. And when the United States purchased Alaska in 1867, American settlers added their own culinary traditions to the mix.
Today, Alaskan cuisine celebrates the bounty of the land and sea, with dishes like smoked salmon, king crab legs, and razor clam spaghetti showcasing the state's rich seafood heritage.
The wild berries—blueberries, lingonberries, huckleberries, and more—truly capture the essence of Alaska's wilderness. Whether enjoyed fresh in jams and preserves or baked into desserts like cheesecake, these berries add a burst of flavor that speaks to the untamed beauty of the Last Frontier.
Baked Alaska is a dessert many associate with Alaska. The exact origin is a matter of debate, but many believe it was created at the famous Delmonico restaurant in New York to celebrate the United States' acquisition of Alaska from Russia.
Whether you're enjoying a freshly caught salmon grilled over an open flame or savoring a slice of cherry rhubarb pie made with locally grown fruit, each bite tells a story of Alaska's rugged wilderness and pioneering spirit.
Baked Alaska is a showstopping dessert consisting of layers of cake and ice cream, covered in a blanket of meringue and briefly baked to achieve a lightly toasted exterior while keeping the ice cream perfectly chilled inside.