Hints of autumn suffuse this version of the classic ice-cream cake. I’ve made 4 mini Alaskas here, but the recipe should adapt to one larger (which might stay solid in the middle for longer). This is not difficult to make, but timing is of the essence to stop the ice-cream centres melting away. Mix together … Continue reading "Blackberry & hazelnut mini baked Alaskas"

Hints of autumn suffuse this version of the classic ice-cream cake. I’ve made 4 mini Alaskas here, but the recipe should adapt to one larger (which might stay solid in the middle for longer). This is not difficult to make, but timing is of the essence to stop the ice-cream centres melting away.

1. Mix together the sponge base ingredients and beat lightly for a few minutes (or combine in stages if preferred – a lighter sponge will result from whipping the butter and sugar together before gradually adding the egg and then folding the flour in carefully). Spread into a 20cm square cake tin and bake for approximately 20 minutes at 180˚C (350˚F/Gas 4) – exact timings will depend on your oven. Cool (cake can be made the day before).
2. Combine blackberries and sugar in a pan and cook together on a low setting until the blackberries are a good consistency. If the coulis mixture is very juicy or thin, add a little cornflour to some water and carefully add this to the mixture a little at a time until the right consistency (runnier than jam, but not watery) is achieved. Cool.
3. Cut sponge into 4 x 8cm rounds using a pastry cutter or rim of a glass, then remove a section in the middle (large enough for a dessert spoon of blackberry filling). Pile in the coulis and chill while you make the meringue.
4. Whip egg whites to ‘soft peak’ stage (this is when they are stiff enough not to fall out of the bowl when tipped up, but not over-whipped…) then gradually add the sugar, whipping in between until the mixture is stiff and glossy – if you hurry this stage (as I often do), the meringue will go gloopy and not keep its shape. Carefully fold in the ground hazelnuts.
5. You will need to be quick with this next bit (and ready to serve). Either pre-heat the oven to hot setting – 200˚C or Gas 7, or have a blow torch standing by. Remove filled bases from the fridge, place a small scoop of ice-cream on each, spread with a layer of meringue mixture and then either place in the pre-heated oven for 2-3 minutes until the meringue starts browning, or lightly scorch with the blow torch (practise first…). The idea is to cook the meringue, but keep the ice-cream solid. Serve immediately.