National Baked Alaska Day is celebrated every February 1st, inviting everyone to enjoy the delightful dessert that combines ice cream, sponge cake, and meringue. Originally named ‘Alaska Florida’ due to its contrasting temperatures, Baked Alaska has an interesting backstory.
The history of this special day encourages you to savor this scrumptious dessert, which is made by layering sponge cake in a pie pan, adding your favorite ice cream on top, and then covering it with a fluffy meringue before baking it briefly. This dessert is baked at a high temperature, typically around 500°F, allowing the meringue to set and achieve a lovely golden brown.
The creation of Baked Alaska dates back to 1867, during a heated public discussion about the U.S. buying Alaska from Russia for $7 million. Chef Charles Ranhofer, known for naming dishes after notable events and figures, decided to add Baked Alaska to the menu at Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City as a way to capitalize on the buzz surrounding the purchase. The combination of frozen ice cream, warm sponge cake, and meringue creates a unique temperature contrast that makes this dessert so special.
On National Baked Alaska Day, everyone is encouraged to enjoy a slice of this retro dessert, often flambéed for an extra touch of excitement. The tradition of combining cream and cake has roots that date back to the Renaissance, where chefs were among the first to adorn baked goods with whipped toppings.
Key Milestones in Baked Alaska History:
- 1867: The U.S. agrees to purchase Alaska, leading to the invention of Baked Alaska.
- 1867: The dessert is named Baked Alaska by a chef at Delmonico’s to commemorate Alaska’s annexation.
- 1959: Alaska achieves statehood.
- 2005: Ben & Jerry’s creates the world’s largest Baked Alaska, weighing in at 1,140 pounds, to protest drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- When is National Alaska Day? It falls on June 28.
- Which president served Baked Alaska? Thomas Jefferson, the third president, is rumored to have been the first to serve ice cream at a banquet.
- How much does a Baked Alaska cost? A Baked Alaska that serves six people is priced around $30.
Fun Ways to Celebrate National Baked Alaska Day:
- Make Your Own Baked Alaska: What better way to celebrate than by making this delicious dessert yourself? Layer sponge cake, your favorite ice cream, and cover it with meringue before baking!
- Share on Social Media: Spread the love for Baked Alaska! Use the hashtag #BakedAlaskaDay to share your delicious creations and invite others to enjoy this unique dessert.
- Visit Alaska: Experience the beauty of Alaska firsthand! The state is known for its breathtaking landscapes and culinary treasures, making it a perfect destination to honor National Baked Alaska Day.
Five Fun Facts About Baked Alaska:
- The unique feature of Baked Alaska, with its hot outer layer and cold interior, is due to the discovery of meringue by American physicist Benjamin Thompson.
- Early versions of Baked Alaska were made with pie crusts instead of meringue.
- Chef Jean Giroix popularized the dish in 1895 at Hotel De Paris in Monte Carlo.
- Baked Alaska is also known as Norwegian Omelette, a name that reflects its snowy appearance.
- It was originally called Alaska Florida when Chef Charles Ranhofer first created it.
Why We Love National Baked Alaska Day:
- It’s Delicious!: Baked Alaska is a treat that often features homemade vanilla or chamomile ice cream, a lemon sponge cake, and a thick layer of fluffy meringue.
- It Connects Us to Alaska: This dessert reminds us of Alaska’s stunning wildlife and landscapes.
- The Origin Story: The backstory of Chef Charles Ranhofer’s invention of Baked Alaska adds a fun historical twist that we love to celebrate.
Mark your calendars for February 1st and prepare to indulge in this delightful dessert! Here are the dates for National Baked Alaska Day in the coming years:
Don’t forget to check out https://findnomore.net for more information and ways to celebrate!
What is the date of National Baked Alaska Day every year?
Year of Event | Day | Day of the week | Take place |
National Baked Alaska Day 2024 | Day 1 Month 2 Year 2024 | Thursday | 0 days |
National Baked Alaska Day 2025 | Day 1 Month 2 Year 2025 | Saturday | 0 days |
National Baked Alaska Day 2026 | Day 1 Month 2 Year 2026 | Sunday | 335 days |
National Baked Alaska Day 2027 | Day 1 Month 2 Year 2027 | Monday | 700 days |
National Baked Alaska Day 2028 | Day 1 Month 2 Year 2028 | Tuesday | 1065 days |
National Baked Alaska Day 2029 | Day 1 Month 2 Year 2029 | Thursday | 1431 days |
National Baked Alaska Day 2030 | Day 1 Month 2 Year 2030 | Friday | 1796 days |
National Baked Alaska Day 2031 | Day 1 Month 2 Year 2031 | Saturday | 2161 days |